Elvis Presley has a legendary voice. In addition to music, he was a tremendous humanitarian.
Elvis Presley was one of the most influential musicians in a world where music can unite. Beyond his famed voice and electrifying concerts, Elvis pioneered equality by challenging social boundaries. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll received an unexpected ultimatum in 1970 before a historic Houston Astrodome concert.
What followed solidified his image as a musical icon and a caring partner in the fight against racism.
The 1970 Houston Astrodome concert featured Elvis Presley. ‘The Dome’ was a massive venue that served more than concerts when it opened in 1965.
Several things made the concert special. Elvis Presley’s mysterious manager, Colonel Parker, chose the Houston Astrodome for Elvis’ first non-Las Vegas performance.
The Sweet Inspirations’ first performance outside Las Vegas was at the Houston Astrodome, a milestone in their career.
In the 1960s, the Sweet Inspirations were a revolutionary African-American female vocal group with rich harmonies and spectacular performances.
They received an extraordinary offer to tour with Elvis Presley in 1969. They initially doubted it.
“Elvis Presley! Myrna Smith, one of the three slim, lovely ladies in the group, told AP in 1974, “What does he want us for?”
The members worried their rhythm and blues and soul approach wouldn’t work with the Mississippi native. Elvis mostly appealed to white country and rock fans.
First meeting
In the end, there was no problem. From the moment they met Elvis, chemistry was obvious.
Sylvia Shemwell stated, “We’ve never had another doubt,” adding, “He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are.”
When they arrived in Las Vegas for 1969 engagement rehearsals, the Sweet Inspirations met Elvis. Elvis looked magnificent in his chocolate suit and perfect tan on their first meeting.
He approached them and said, “Hi, I’m Elvis Presley.” He constantly kissed them when he saw them after that.
In New Jersey, Emily Drinkard was born September 30, 1933. She started Sweet Inspirations in 1963. The year 1969…
On Sunday, September 30, 2018, Blue Suede Connection posted.
Presley selected The Sweet Inspirations because they were energetic, attractive, and most importantly talented, sources said. However, not everyone liked the band.
Myrna Smith, Elvis’ lead singer, says he was told, “Well, you can leave the black girls at home,” when he debuted in Texas at the Astrodome. No need to bring them.”
Elvis was rumored to be racist for years. In 1957, a publication falsely reported a statement he never made.
This was one of many misperceptions that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll hated African Americans.
“I won’t come if they don’t”
Elvis wanted racial peace through his musicians and how he treated them. Elvis’ first Houston Astrodome concert was held at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The rodeo administrators controversially asked him to leave his African-American female backing group owing to racial biases. However, Elvis responded quickly.
They were told to leave the black girls because they weren’t needed. Elvis replied, ‘Well if they don’t come, I don’t come’. But it truly upset him. A specific person sent the message. His daughter, a blonde in a convertible, met us and drove us about. Elvis always avenged himself. He likely said, ‘And I want your daughter to drive them’. It happened without our knowledge. Myrna Smith told Elvispresleymusic.com interviewer David Adams, “We learned that later.”
It showed Elvis’s character—he wouldn’t desert his friends or let bigotry affect his performance.
Elvis kept his promise and toasted the Sweet Inspirations on stage. This was more than a performance—it was a forceful statement against racial discrimination and equality in a divided society. Elvis considered them family, not support singers.
Left with $1.2m
The ensemble was confused by the warm welcome during the event. Elvis’ team remained quiet about what happened to avoid hurting them. Years later, Muyrna Smith and the band heard Elvis had defended them, ensuring they were respected.
According to witnesses, Elvis sang his best and gave a stunning concert in the Astrodome, which wasn’t designed for such a show.
Around 100 journalists attended Elvis’ Astroworld news conference after the final show. He enjoyed performing in the Astrodome, saying it was thrilling.
Elvis left Astroworld wearing a blue, Easy Rider-inspired suede jacket and black pants. He departed with 20 luggage and three guitars, $1.2 million richer than three days previously. Elvis had shown that he was more than simply the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and a great gentleman who valued others.
Myrna recalls Elvis’ unusual relationship with his African-American female backing group. Myrna Smith describes a special encounter with Elvis that shows his charisma and their deep friendship. The star took them to his apartment on their first meeting in 1969. The atmosphere was relaxed, with laughs and 45s playing in the background. Elvis invited Myrna to dance, bringing together friends and musicians.
The record was slow. I said ‘O.K’. I don’t think Elvis had ever danced with a black lady before because when he started dancing with me, his whole body was trembling and I wanted to grab him and embrace him. But he was shy regardless. But all these girls thought he was a macho lover when he was just a boy. He was that, though. He was like family to me. When he died and I screamed, my mother answered, “He’s not in the family.” What are you crying and breaking up? So I adore him like a brother. You have a brother. She didn’t understand then, but now she does, Myrna said.
Myrna Smith death cause
From 1969 until 1977, the Sweet Inspirations accompanied Elvis on his Las Vegas, national, and recording tours.
They performed over 1,000 Elvis shows.
They made remarkable songs with their harmonized vocals and his iconic sound. Myrna Smith performed in Elvis’ February and October/November 1976 Graceland sessions.
They created two amazing albums that combined Elvis’s style with the group’s soul. Kidney failure killed Myrna Smith yesterday in 2010. She was 69.
Sweet Inspirations. Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell, and Gloria Brown in 1979. Photo by Gems/Redferns
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