The Inspirations: Shadow Valley Gospel Music Festival

Martin Cook, a former piano player for the Kingsmen Quartet and a chemistry teacher at Swain High School in Bryson City, NC, formed the Inspirations in 1964 with several of his teenage students: Archie Watkins, Ronnie Hutchins, Jack Laws and Dean Robinson. The Inspirations began traveling full-time in 1969, a year after hosting their first “Singing In The Smokies” event. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. The group continues today, still maintaining their iconic and unique sound.