In a world where music has the power to bridge divides, few artists have wielded that influence as profoundly as Elvis Presley. Beyond his legendary voice and electrifying performances, Elvis was a true trailblazer for equality, using his platform to challenge societal norms. When the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll prepared for a monumental concert at the Houston Astrodome in 1970, he faced an unexpected ultimatum.
What happened next would not only solidify his legacy as a musical icon but also as a compassionate ally in the fight against racism…
In 1970, Elvis Presley was set to perform at the Houston Astrodome. Opened in 1965, ‘The Dome’ was an enormous arena with multiple functions, far beyond just hosting concerts.
The concert was special in several ways. Colonel Parker, Elvis Presley’s enigmatic manager, chose the Houston Astrodome as the first venue for Elvis to perform outside of Las Vegas.
Interestingly, the Houston Astrodome was also the first venue where The Sweet Inspirations performed outside of Las Vegas, marking a significant moment in their career as well.
The Sweet Inspirations were a groundbreaking African-American female vocal group formed in the 1960s, known for their soulful harmonies and powerful performances.
In 1969, they were approached with an incredible opportunity: to tour with Elvis Presley. At first, they couldn’t believe it was true.
“I said, ‘Elvis Presley! What does he want us for?’” recalled Myrna Smith, one of the three slender and pretty women in the group, during an interview with AP in 1974.
The members were concerned that their rhythm and blues and soul style might not mesh with the Mississippi-born entertainer. Elvis appealed predominantly to a white audience more accustomed to country and rock.
First meeting
However, there was nothing to worry about, as it turned out. From the very first moment they met Elvis, the chemistry was undeniable.
“We’ve never had another doubt,” said Sylvia Shemwell, adding, “He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are.”
The Sweet Inspirations first met Elvis in Las Vegas, when they arrived for rehearsals for their 1969 engagement. During their first meeting, Elvis wore a stunning chocolate-colored suit and had a perfect tan; he looked absolutely gorgeous.
He strolled over to them and introduced himself as if they didn’t already know: ”Hi, I’m Elvis Presley.” From that moment on, whenever he spotted them, it was always followed by a warm kiss.
According to reports at the time, Presley wanted The Sweet Inspirations because they were lively, attractive, and, above all, incredibly talented. However, not everyone was as enthusiastic about the band.
When Elvis made his debut in Texas at the Astrodome, Myrna Smith, the lead singer, says that he was told: ”Well, you can leave the black girls at home. You don’t have to bring them.”
The rumor that Elvis was racist has lingered for years. In 1957, a magazine spread a falsehood about him, claiming he made a statement he never actually said.
This was just one of many inaccuracies that have circulated over the years, suggesting that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll had something against African Americans.
”Well if they don’t come, I don’t come”
However, the truth is that Elvis actively sought racial reconciliation through the musicians he chose to work with and the way he treated them. When the Houston Astrodome hosted its first concert featuring Elvis, it was scheduled in connection with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The rodeo officials made a controversial request for him to leave behind his African-American female backing group due to racial biases. However, Elvis was quick to respond.
”There was a message sent to leave the black girls, they didn’t need the black girls. And so Elvis responded with, ‘Well if they don’t come, I don’t come’. But he was really upset about it. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. So when we got there, we were greeted by this little blonde in a convertible and she had to drive us around and she was his daughter. So Elvis always made sure he got even. I’m sure he said, ‘And I want your daughter to drive them’. But, when it was happening we didn’t know. We learned that later,” Myrna Smith told interviewer David Adams, according to Elvispresleymusic.com.
It was a moment that spoke volumes about the kind of man Elvis was, unwilling to abandon his friends or let prejudice mar his performance.
True to his word, Elvis didn’t just bring the Sweet Inspirations on stage; he made sure they were celebrated. This wasn’t merely a performance; it was a bold stand against racial prejudice, a declaration of equality in a time of division. For Elvis, they weren’t just backup singers — they were family.
Walked away with $1.2 million
During the show, the members of the group were puzzled by the warm reception they received. No one wanted to say anything that might hurt their feelings, so Elvis’ crew kept quiet about what had happened. It wasn’t until years later that Muyrna Smith and the band learned Elvis had stood up for them, ensuring they were treated with the respect they deserved.
The Astrodome wasn’t really built to stage a concert such as the like Elvis promised, but Elvis sung his best, and it was a beautiful concert according to people who was there.
After the final show, Elvis held a press conference at Astroworld for around 100 journalists. He expressed how much he enjoyed performing in the Astrodome, stating it gave him a big thrill.
When he checked out of Astroworld, Elvis sported a blue, Easy Rider-inspired suede jacket paired with black trousers. He left with an impressive 20 suitcases and three guitars, walking away $1.2 million richer than he had been just three days earlier. But it wasn’t just about the money; Elvis had also proved that he was not just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but a true mensch who valued the people around him.
Myrna’s special memory of Elvis
Elvis really had a special connection with the members of his African-American female backing group. Myrna Smith recalls a cherished moment with Elvis that perfectly captures his warmth and charm, and their strong bond. It was during their first meeting in 1969, when the star took them to his penthouse. The atmosphere was laid-back, filled with laughter and the lively sounds of 45s spinning in the background. Friends and musicians mingled when Elvis approached Myrna and asked if she wanted to dance.
”It was a slow record. So I said, ‘O.K’. And I don’t think that Elvis had ever danced with a black woman before because he started dancing with me, his whole body, I felt like just grabbing him and holding him cause his whole body was trembling. And, but he was, y’know, he was shy anyway. But all these girls, y’know, that he’d been around and he’s this macho lover, whatever, and he was just a little boy then. But that’s what he was, y’know. I looked upon him, a part of my family, like. My mother, when he died and I was screaming, my mother said, ‘He’s not in the family. What are you cry, what are you breaking up?’ Because I love him, he’s like a brother. You already got a brother. She didn’t understand then, but she does now,” Myrna shared.
Myrna Smith cause of death
The Sweet Inspirations worked closely with Elvis from 1969 to 1977, accompanying him during his Las Vegas shows, national concert tours, and recording sessions.
They played more than a thousand concerts with Elvis.
Their harmonious voices complemented his legendary sound, creating unforgettable music together. Notably, Myrna Smith also lent her talent to Elvis during his 1976 Graceland recordings, participating in both the February and October/November sessions.
These collaborations produced two remarkable albums that showcased the unique blend of Elvis’s style and the group’s soulful influence. In 2010, Myrna Smith sadly passed away yesterday from kidney failure. She was 69.
