Elvis Presley is remembered for many things – his incredible voice, unforgettable music, and iconic style. But few people realize that he was also a remarkable person who stood up for what he believed in. Elvis wasn’t just a superstar; he was a man who cared deeply about fairness and equality.
One powerful example of this took place in 1970, when he took a stand against racism before a huge performance at the Houston Astrodome. This moment not only solidified his legacy as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but also as someone who wouldn’t let prejudice silence his voice.
In 1970, Elvis was set to perform at the Houston Astrodome, an enormous venue known for hosting various events. This concert was particularly special because it marked his first time performing outside Las Vegas, thanks to his famously mysterious manager, Colonel Parker.
The event was also important for Elvis’s backup singers, The Sweet Inspirations, a talented African-American female vocal group known for their soulful, powerful sound.
The Sweet Inspirations, led by Myrna Smith, were a groundbreaking group in the 1960s. But when they were asked to tour with Elvis in 1969, they were stunned. Myrna recalled, “I said, ‘Elvis Presley! What does he want us for?’” She and the other singers were unsure if their rhythm and blues style would fit with Elvis, who was adored by a mostly white audience that leaned toward rock and country music.
However, from the moment they met Elvis, all their doubts disappeared. Their first meeting was during rehearsal in Las Vegas, and Elvis made quite an impression.
Dressed in a sharp chocolate-colored suit and with a perfect tan, he greeted them warmly, saying, “Hi, I’m Elvis Presley.” Every time he saw them after that, he greeted them with a warm kiss, showing right away that he didn’t care about the color of their skin.
Elvis had specifically wanted The Sweet Inspirations to perform with him because of their talent, energy, and charisma. Unfortunately, not everyone shared his enthusiasm. When he was set to perform at the Houston Astrodome, he received an upsetting message from the rodeo officials, who were involved with the event.
The officials made a shocking request: they didn’t want him to bring the African-American singers with him. They told him he could “leave the black girls at home.”
Elvis was furious. As Myrna Smith later told interviewer David Adams, “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.’” Elvis stood firm, and he made his point in his own unique way.
When they arrived in Houston, a young blonde woman in a convertible was there to greet The Sweet Inspirations – she was the daughter of the very person who had asked him to leave the group behind. As Myrna said, “Elvis always made sure he got even. I’m sure he said, ‘And I want your daughter to drive them.’”
True to his word, Elvis not only brought The Sweet Inspirations on stage with him; he made sure they were celebrated. For Elvis, this performance wasn’t just a show – it was a statement against racial prejudice. He was sending a message that his team, his friends, and his values mattered more than bending to outdated, unjust views. The Sweet Inspirations weren’t just backup singers to him – they were family.
During the show, The Sweet Inspirations were surprised by the enthusiastic welcome they received from the crowd. Elvis’s crew had chosen not to tell them about the pushback, not wanting to hurt their feelings. It wasn’t until years later that Myrna and the rest of the group found out just how strongly Elvis had stood up for them.
The concert was a hit, even though the Astrodome wasn’t exactly built for this kind of performance. Elvis gave it his all, and it was an unforgettable night for those lucky enough to be there. After the final show, Elvis held a press conference, where he expressed his excitement about performing in such a grand venue.
He left with an impressive 20 suitcases, three guitars, and $1.2 million richer, but the experience had been about much more than money. Elvis had proven that he was not just a music icon – he was a man with a big heart.
Myrna had many fond memories of Elvis, but one that truly captured his warmth and kindness took place during their first meeting. After a rehearsal in 1969, Elvis invited The Sweet Inspirations to his penthouse for a relaxed gathering. As music played and friends mingled, Elvis approached Myrna and asked if she wanted to dance.
She remembered, “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… it was trembling.” Despite his image as the confident, macho superstar, in that moment he was just a shy, kind person, revealing the side of him that Myrna came to see as family.
The Sweet Inspirations continued to tour and record with Elvis until his passing in 1977, performing in hundreds of concerts and studio sessions together. Their voices became an unforgettable part of his music, especially during his legendary Las Vegas shows. In 2010, Myrna Smith passed away, leaving behind a legacy of music, friendship, and a story of a bond with Elvis that went beyond the stage.
Had you heard this story about Elvis before? He wasn’t just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – he was a true friend and a man who fought for what was right. Feel free to share this story and let more people know what an incredible person he was!
