The Inspirations

The Inspirations are a Southern Gospel quartet that formed in 1964 in Bryson City, North Carolina. The group was started by chemistry teacher Martin Cook and several of his students. They developed a sound often described as the "Smoky Mountain" style of Southern Gospel music. The Inspirations became a full-time professional ensemble in 1969.

For over five decades, the group hosted an annual event called "Singing in the Smokies." They were also a regular cast member on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. Over the course of their career, The Inspirations recorded more than sixty albums, including the release Pure Vintage. Their catalog includes songs such as "Jesus Is Coming Soon," "Touring That City," "When I Wake Up To Sleep No More," "Jesus Is Mine," "I'll Not Turn My Back On Him Now," "I Have Not Forgotten," and "If You Only Knew."

Martin Cook led the group until his retirement in 2017. Original member Archie Watkins served as the group's tenor for many years and later became owner and manager of The Inspirations. Cook was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2003 and received the Marvin Norcross Award in 2002. Watkins was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007. The group also received Singing News Fan Awards for Song of the Year in 2002, 2003, and 2007.