Elvis Presley undoubtedly possessed one of the best vocal tones of all time. But he was a great humanitarian in addition to being a musician.
Few musicians have used music’s ability to unite people as effectively as Elvis Presley in a world where it can do just that. Beyond his iconic voice and riveting live performances, Elvis was a real equality pioneer who used his position to question social mores. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll received an unexpected ultimatum in 1970 as he was getting ready for a historic performance at the Houston Astrodome.
What followed would cement his reputation as a musical legend and a sympathetic partner in the struggle against racism.
Elvis Presley was scheduled to play in the Houston Astrodome in 1970. When “The Dome” opened in 1965, it was a massive venue that served many purposes beyond just holding concerts.
The concert was unique in a number of ways. The Houston Astrodome was selected by Elvis Presley’s mysterious manager, Colonel Parker, as the first location for Elvis to perform outside of Las Vegas.
It’s interesting to note that The Sweet Inspirations’ first performance outside of Las Vegas took place at the Houston Astrodome, which was also a pivotal point in their career.
Founded in the 1960s, the revolutionary African-American female vocal group The Sweet Inspirations is renowned for their strong performances and deep harmonies.
An amazing opportunity to tour with Elvis Presley was presented to them in 1969. They initially found it hard to believe.
“Elvis Presley!” I exclaimed. In an interview with AP in 1974, Myrna Smith, one of the three slim and attractive ladies in the group, said, “What does he want us for?”
The band were worried that the Mississippi-born performer might not like their style of soul, blues, and rhythm & blues. Elvis primarily appealed to white people who were more familiar with rock and country music.
Initial encounter
But, as it happened, there was nothing to be concerned about. The chemistry between them was evident from the first time they met Elvis.
“He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are,” Sylvia Shemwell said, adding, “We’ve never had another doubt.”
When the Sweet Inspirations landed in Las Vegas for their 1969 engagement rehearsals, they met Elvis for the first time. Elvis was incredibly beautiful when they first met; he was well tanned and wearing a wonderful chocolate-colored suit.
As if they were unaware, he walked over to them and said, “Hello, I’m Elvis Presley.” From then on, he constantly followed his sight of them with a tender kiss.
Presley reportedly desired The Sweet Inspirations because they were vibrant, alluring, and, most importantly, extraordinarily gifted. But not everyone shared the band’s enthusiasm.
According to lead vocalist Myrna Smith, Elvis was advised, “Well, you can leave the black girls at home,” when he made his Texas debut at the Astrodome. You are not required to bring them.
For years, there has been a persistent allegation that Elvis was racist. A magazine published a lie about him in 1957, saying he had said something he had never spoken.
This was only one of many falsehoods that have been spread over time, implying that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll harbored animosity for African Americans.
“Well, I don’t come if they don’t.”
In actuality, though, Elvis actively worked to promote racial harmony through the musicians he selected and his interactions with them. Elvis Presley’s debut performance at the Houston Astrodome was part of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo schedule.
Due to racial biases, the rodeo administrators controversially asked him to leave behind his African-American female backing group. But Elvis answered right away.
They didn’t need the black gals, so they sent out a message telling them to go. “Well, if they don’t come, I don’t come,” was Elvis’ response. However, it truly irritated him. The communication had been sent by a single individual. This young blonde, who was his daughter, met us when we arrived and had to drive us around in a convertible. Elvis so always made sure he was compensated. “And I want your daughter to drive them,” he probably continued. However, we were unaware of it when it was occurring. Myrna Smith told interviewer David Adams, “We found out later,” according to ElvisPresleyMusic.com.
The fact that Elvis refused to desert his friends or allow bigotry to taint his performance said a lot about the kind of man he was.
As promised, Elvis made sure the Sweet Inspirations were honored in addition to bringing them to the stage. This was more than just a show; it was a brave protest against racial discrimination and a proclamation of equality during a divisive period. They were more than just backup vocalists to Elvis; they were family.
taken $1.2 million and left.
The group members were perplexed by the enthusiastic welcome they received during the performance. Elvis Presley’s team remained silent about what had transpired since nobody wanted to say anything that would offend them. Muyrna Smith and the band didn’t find out until years later that Elvis had defended them and made sure they received the respect they were due.
Although the Astrodome wasn’t really designed to host a concert like the one Elvis had promised, he gave it his all, and many who attended said the performance was lovely.
Elvis hosted a press conference for over 100 journalists at Astroworld following the last performance. He said he had a great time performing in the Astrodome and that it was a huge pleasure.
Elvis wore black pants and a blue suede jacket with an Easy Rider motif when he left Astroworld. He walked away $1.2 million richer than he had been three days before, carrying an astonishing 20 luggage and three instruments. Elvis demonstrated that he was not only the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but also a genuine gentleman who cared about others around him, so it wasn’t just about the money.
Myrna’s unique recollection of Elvis
Elvis truly had a unique bond with his African-American female supporting group members. Myrna Smith remembers a special time she spent with Elvis that encapsulates their close relationship and his warmth and charisma. The celebrity showed them his apartment when they first met in 1969. Laughter and the upbeat sounds of 45s spinning in the background created a relaxed vibe. When Elvis asked Myrna if she wanted to dance, she was surrounded by musicians and friends.
“The record was a slow one. I replied, “O.K.” And as Elvis began dancing with me, I felt like just grabbing him and holding him because his entire body was shaking. I don’t think he had ever danced with a black lady before. However, he was, you know, shy anyhow. But he was just a little lad when he was around all these girls, you know, and he was this macho lover, whatever. But, you know, that’s what he was. I viewed him as a member of my family. “He’s not in the family,” my mother replied when he passed away and I was yelling. What are you crying about and what are you ending? He’s like a brother to me since I love him. You have a brother already. She didn’t comprehend back then, but now she does,” Myrna said.
Cause of death for Myrna Smith
From 1969 to 1977, the Sweet Inspirations collaborated closely with Elvis, joining him on recording sessions, national tour dates, and Las Vegas performances.
They performed with Elvis at almost a thousand shows.
Together, their melodic voices enhanced his iconic sound to produce music that will never be forgotten. Interestingly, Myrna Smith also contributed to Elvis Presley’s Graceland recordings in 1976, performing in the February and October/November sessions.
These partnerships resulted in two outstanding albums that demonstrated the group’s soulful influence and Elvis Presley’s own style. Myrna Smith tragically died yesterday from renal insufficiency in 2010. Her age was 69.
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