Elvis Presley, known for one of the most unforgettable voices in history, was also a man with a big heart. Not only did he transform music with his incredible talent, but he also used his fame to make a difference in the fight for equality.
In 1970, Elvis was preparing for a landmark concert at the massive Houston Astrodome when he faced an unexpected challenge that would show just how much he stood by his values.
The Houston Astrodome was more than just a concert venue; it was an iconic arena opened in 1965 and was known for hosting various events. For Elvis, this concert was special—it was the first time he’d perform outside of Las Vegas, thanks to his manager, Colonel Parker, who had arranged this major event.
It was also a milestone for the Sweet Inspirations, a talented African-American female vocal group who had been performing with Elvis. For them, the Houston Astrodome marked the first time they would sing outside of Vegas, adding excitement to this memorable show.
The Sweet Inspirations were a powerhouse group formed in the 1960s, known for their beautiful harmonies and emotional performances. In 1969, they got an incredible offer to tour with Elvis Presley, and at first, they were shocked. “I said, ‘Elvis Presley! What does he want us for?’” remembered Myrna Smith, a member of the group, in an interview.
The group wondered if their soulful style would fit with Elvis’s music, especially since his audience was mostly white and preferred rock and country.
But when they met him for the first time, they realized they had nothing to worry about. “We’ve never had another doubt,” said Sylvia Shemwell, another member. “He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are.”
When the Sweet Inspirations first met Elvis in Las Vegas for rehearsals, he greeted them in a striking chocolate-colored suit, his tan glowing. As if they needed an introduction, he walked over with a warm smile and said, “Hi, I’m Elvis Presley.”
From that moment, Elvis treated them with warmth and respect. Whenever he saw them, he’d greet them with a kiss, showing he valued them as much more than just backup singers.
But not everyone felt the same way. As Elvis prepared for his Texas debut, a troubling message reached him. Myrna Smith recalled, “He was told, ‘Well, you can leave the black girls at home. You don’t have to bring them.’”
Rumors had followed Elvis for years, suggesting he held racist beliefs—a falsehood that started back in 1957 when a magazine falsely claimed he made a derogatory statement. Yet, those close to him knew these rumors were far from the truth.
When Elvis heard the suggestion to leave his backup singers behind, he didn’t hesitate. “There was a message sent to leave the black girls, they didn’t need the black girls,” Myrna recalled.
“And so Elvis responded with, ‘Well if they don’t come, I don’t come.’” This wasn’t just about music for Elvis; it was about standing up for his friends and refusing to let prejudice control his choices.
Elvis kept his word, and the Sweet Inspirations were right there on stage with him, celebrated as part of his performance. This wasn’t just any concert—it was a powerful moment where Elvis took a stand for equality. For him, the Sweet Inspirations weren’t just performers; they were family.
The concert was a success, and the group noticed the enthusiastic reception they received. Yet, no one told them about the obstacles Elvis had faced to make sure they were treated fairly.
It wasn’t until years later that they learned the full story of how he had stood up for them. Elvis’s crew had kept it quiet, wanting to protect their feelings, but knowing the truth only deepened the group’s respect for Elvis.
The Astrodome wasn’t the perfect setup for a concert, but Elvis poured his heart into the performance. After the show, he held a press conference at Astroworld, where about a hundred journalists gathered. Elvis expressed how much he had loved performing at the Astrodome, saying it gave him “a big thrill.”
When he finally checked out, Elvis left with a blue suede jacket, black pants, twenty suitcases, and three guitars—along with an impressive $1.2 million for his three-day stay. But for him, the concert had been about more than money. He had proved to everyone that he wasn’t just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll; he was a person who cared deeply about those around him.
Myrna Smith had many cherished memories of Elvis, but one in particular stood out. During their first meeting, Elvis took her hand 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,” Myrna shared. “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.” To Myrna, Elvis was more than a superstar—he was like family. When he passed away, she was devastated, even though her own mother couldn’t understand why. “He’s like a brother,” Myrna said.
The Sweet Inspirations performed with Elvis until 1977, playing in over a thousand concerts together and creating incredible music that blended their soulful style with his rock energy. Myrna Smith even joined him in his Graceland recordings in 1976, creating two albums that captured their unique sound.
In 2010, Myrna Smith passed away at the age of 69 from kidney failure. Her memories of Elvis live on, reminding everyone that he was not just a musical icon but a man who fought for what he believed in.
Had you heard this story about Elvis before? It’s one that truly shows his remarkable character. Feel free to share this story with others so more people can learn about the kind of person Elvis really was! And let us know—what do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
