Elvis Presley’s voice is often hailed as one of the finest in music history, but his contributions extended well beyond his vocal talent—he was also a remarkable humanitarian.
In a world where music unites people, few artists have wielded that power like Elvis Presley. Known not only for his iconic voice and energetic shows, Elvis was a genuine pioneer for equality, using his platform to challenge social boundaries. In 1970, as he prepared for a landmark concert at the Houston Astrodome, he encountered an unexpected ultimatum.
What followed would cement his status, not only as a music legend but also as a compassionate ally in the fight against racism…
The Houston Astrodome, opened in 1965, was a vast multipurpose arena, and in 1970, it was set to host Elvis Presley for an unforgettable performance.
The concert held special significance for multiple reasons. Colonel Parker, Elvis Presley’s enigmatic manager, selected the Houston Astrodome as the first venue for Elvis to perform outside of Las Vegas.
Interestingly, it was also the first venue outside Las Vegas where The Sweet Inspirations performed, marking a major milestone in their own career as well.
The Sweet Inspirations, a trailblazing African-American female vocal group formed in the 1960s, captivated audiences with their soulful harmonies and powerful performances.
In 1969, they received an incredible offer: to tour with Elvis Presley. Initially, they found it hard to believe.
“I said, ‘Elvis Presley! What does he want us for?’” recalled Myrna Smith, one of the group’s three slender, elegant singers, in a 1974 interview with AP.
The group worried that their rhythm and blues sound might not blend well with Elvis, a Mississippi-born performer whose fanbase was largely white and more familiar with country and rock.
First Meeting
As it turned out, there was no reason to worry. From the very first moment they met Elvis, the connection was instant and natural.
“We’ve never had another doubt,” Sylvia Shemwell shared, adding, “He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are.”
The Sweet Inspirations met Elvis for the first time in Las Vegas, arriving for rehearsals ahead of their 1969 engagement. During that initial encounter, Elvis was dressed in a striking chocolate-colored suit and sported a flawless tan; he looked absolutely radiant.
He walked over, introducing himself as if they wouldn’t already know: “Hi, I’m Elvis Presley.” From that moment forward, each time he saw them, he greeted them warmly, often with a friendly kiss.
Emily Drinkard, born on September 30, 1933, in New Jersey, founded The Sweet Inspirations in 1963. By 1969, the…
Reports from that time suggest that Presley wanted The Sweet Inspirations not only for their vibrant energy and striking presence but above all, for their exceptional talent. However, not everyone shared his enthusiasm for the group.
When Elvis prepared for his debut at the Astrodome in Texas, lead singer Myrna Smith recalled him being advised, “Well, you can leave the Black girls at home. You don’t have to bring them.”
Rumors about Elvis being racist have persisted for years. In 1957, a magazine spread an unfounded claim, attributing a statement to him that he had never actually made.
This was just one of many falsehoods that circulated, casting doubt on his relationship with the African American community—a myth that overshadowed his genuine respect and admiration for Black artists.
“Well, if they don’t come, I don’t come.”
Elvis actively pursued racial unity through his choice of musicians and the respect he showed them. For his debut at the Houston Astrodome—scheduled alongside the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—rodeo officials made a controversial request, asking him to leave his African-American female backing group behind due to prevailing racial biases.
Elvis, however, responded immediately and firmly.
“There was a message sent asking him to leave the Black girls behind—they said he didn’t need them,” recalled Myrna Smith in an interview with David Adams, as reported by Elvispresleymusic.com. “Elvis responded, ‘Well, if they don’t come, I don’t come.’ He was really upset about it.”
Myrna explained that one particular person had delivered the message. When they arrived, they were greeted by a young blonde woman in a convertible who was there to drive them around. “She turned out to be his daughter,” Myrna shared. “Elvis always made sure he got even. I’m sure he said, ‘And I want your daughter to drive them.’ At the time, we didn’t know what was going on—we learned later.”
This moment spoke volumes about Elvis’s character—he was unwilling to abandon his friends or let prejudice taint his performance.
True to his word, Elvis didn’t just bring the Sweet Inspirations on stage; he ensured they were in the spotlight. This was more than a performance—it was a powerful stand against racial prejudice, a statement of unity in a divided era. To Elvis, they weren’t simply backup singers; they were family.
Walked Away with $1.2 Million
During the show, the Sweet Inspirations were surprised by the enthusiastic reception they received. Elvis’s crew, wanting to spare their feelings, kept quiet about the tensions that had taken place. It wasn’t until years later that Myrna Smith and the band learned of how Elvis had stood up for them, ensuring they were treated with the respect they deserved.
The Astrodome, not designed for concerts of this scale, wasn’t an ideal venue. Still, Elvis delivered an unforgettable performance, singing his heart out in what attendees described as a beautiful concert.
After the final show, Elvis held a press conference at Astroworld for about 100 journalists, sharing how much he’d enjoyed performing in the Astrodome and how thrilling the experience had been.
When he checked out of Astroworld, Elvis was dressed in a blue, Easy Rider-inspired suede jacket and black trousers. He departed with 20 suitcases, three guitars, and an additional $1.2 million earned over three days. But it wasn’t just about the money; Elvis had shown that he was not only the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but also a genuine, compassionate person who valued the people around him.
Myrna’s Special Memory of Elvis
Elvis shared a unique connection with the members of his African-American female backing group. Myrna Smith recalls a treasured memory with him that perfectly encapsulates his warmth and charm, as well as their strong bond. It was during their first meeting in 1969 when Elvis invited them to his penthouse. The atmosphere was relaxed, filled with laughter and the lively sounds of 45s spinning in the background as friends and musicians mingled.
Elvis approached Myrna and asked if she wanted to dance.
“It was a slow record, so I said, ‘Okay.’ I don’t think Elvis had ever danced with a Black woman before. As we danced, I felt his whole body trembling. He was shy, despite being this macho lover figure to everyone else. In that moment, he seemed like just a little boy. To me, he felt like family. When he passed away, I was devastated. My mother said, ‘He’s not family; what are you crying for?’ She didn’t understand my love for him—he felt like a brother to me. She didn’t get it then, but she does now,” Myrna shared.
Myrna Smith’s Cause of Death
The Sweet Inspirations had a close collaboration with Elvis from 1969 to 1977, joining him for Las Vegas shows, national concert tours, and recording sessions. Together, they performed at over a thousand concerts, their harmonious voices enhancing his legendary sound and creating unforgettable music.
Notably, Myrna Smith contributed her talent during Elvis’s 1976 Graceland recordings, participating in both the February and October/November sessions. These collaborations resulted in two remarkable albums that highlighted the unique blend of Elvis’s style and the group’s soulful influence.
Tragically, Myrna Smith passed away from kidney failure in 2010 at the age of 69.
