The Drinkard Singers facts for kids

The Drinkard Singers were a famous American gospel singing group. They were very successful in the late 1950s. This group was important for the careers of singers like Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, and Judy Clay.

Who Were the Drinkard Singers?

The Drinkard Singers were a family group. They started singing gospel music around 1938 in Newark, New Jersey. The group was first known as the Drinkard Quartet.

The Original Members

The first members were Emily Drinkard, who later became known as Cissy Houston. Her sister Anne Drinkard-Moss was also in the group. Their brothers Nick and Larry were also original members.

How the Group Grew

Later, another sister, Marie, joined the group. This is when they changed their name to the Drinkard Singers. Anne Drinkard-Moss left the group. She was replaced by Judy Guions, who was Lee's adopted daughter. Judy Guions later became known as Judy Clay.

Singing and Recording Success

The Drinkard Singers performed often in Newark and all over New Jersey and New York. They recorded several songs. After performing at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival, they made history. They recorded the first gospel album for a major record label. This album was called A Joyful Noise. It was released by RCA Records in 1959.

What Happened Next?

In the early 1960s, some members of the group changed. By 1967, the remaining members formed a new group. This new group was called The Sweet Inspirations. They became famous for singing background vocals. They sang for artists like the Warwick sisters, Aretha Franklin, and Elvis Presley.