Elvis Presley is remembered as one of the greatest voices in music history. But his story goes beyond the songs and the fame; he was also a man with a deep sense of justice and compassion.
In 1970, Elvis prepared to perform a groundbreaking concert at the massive Houston Astrodome. This show was set to be his first outside of Las Vegas, and his manager, Colonel Parker, had chosen the Astrodome to kick off this new chapter. This was also a big deal for Elvis’s backup group, The Sweet Inspirations.
They were a talented African-American female vocal group known for their powerful harmonies, and this would be their first show outside of Vegas as well.
The Sweet Inspirations were nervous when they first got the chance to work with Elvis in 1969. They wondered if their rhythm-and-blues style would mix well with Elvis’s rock-and-roll background. Myrna Smith, one of the group members, recalled her surprise: “I said, ‘Elvis Presley! What does he want us for?’”
At that time, Elvis’s audience was mostly white, and there was concern about how their soulful sound would be received.
But their worries faded the moment they met Elvis. He greeted them with warmth and kindness, showing that he didn’t care about race. Sylvia Shemwell, another group member, shared her feelings: “He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are.”
When they first saw him in person, Elvis wore a sharp chocolate-colored suit and looked as charming as ever. He walked up to them, introduced himself, saying, “Hi, I’m Elvis Presley,” as if they didn’t already know. From that moment on, he treated them like close friends, greeting them with a kiss every time they crossed paths.
Elvis chose The Sweet Inspirations not only for their talent but also because he genuinely appreciated them. Unfortunately, not everyone felt the same way. When Elvis prepared for his Texas debut at the Astrodome, he faced a shocking demand. Some people in charge of the event suggested he leave his African-American backup singers at home. They even told him, “You don’t have to bring the black girls.”
For years, rumors had swirled that Elvis was racist. In 1957, a magazine falsely claimed he had made a derogatory statement about Black people, which was untrue. These rumors persisted, but Elvis’s actions spoke louder than words.
When faced with the pressure to exclude The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis didn’t hesitate. His response was clear and firm. “Well, if they don’t come, I don’t come,” he said, standing up for his friends and colleagues. Myrna Smith later recalled the story in an interview, saying, “He was really upset about it…
But when we got there, we were greeted by this little blonde in a convertible… and she was his daughter. Elvis always made sure he got even.” Elvis had arranged for the daughter of the person who tried to exclude them to be their driver, showing that he wouldn’t let anyone disrespect his team.
Elvis stayed true to his word and proudly brought The Sweet Inspirations on stage, ensuring they were celebrated alongside him. He didn’t see them as just backup singers; he saw them as family. This performance wasn’t just a show; it was a powerful stand against racism and a statement that everyone deserved respect and equality.
The concert at the Astrodome was unforgettable. The Sweet Inspirations noticed how warmly the audience received them, though they didn’t know at the time about the discrimination Elvis had fought behind the scenes. They only found out years later that Elvis had defended them, protecting their dignity and making sure they were treated with respect.
The concert itself was incredible, despite the Astrodome not being designed for such a grand performance. Elvis sang with all his heart, delivering a show that would be remembered for years. Afterward, he held a press conference, expressing his excitement about performing in the Astrodome, saying it was a thrill for him.
As he checked out of Astroworld, Elvis left with his usual flair—dressed in a blue suede jacket and black trousers, carrying 20 suitcases and three guitars. He walked away $1.2 million richer, but the money wasn’t the highlight. He had proven that he was not just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but also a man who deeply valued the people around him.
Myrna Smith, who had countless special memories of Elvis, recalled one that showed just how close they had become. She remembered a time back in 1969 when Elvis invited her to dance. “It was a slow record. So I said, ‘O.K.,’” she remembered with a smile.
“I don’t think that Elvis had ever danced with a Black woman before… his whole body was trembling… he was shy anyway, but he was just a little boy then.” Myrna’s mother couldn’t understand why her daughter was heartbroken when Elvis passed, saying, “He’s not in the family.” But to Myrna, Elvis was more than a friend—he was family.
The Sweet Inspirations worked closely with Elvis for years, touring with him from 1969 until his death in 1977. They performed more than a thousand shows together, blending their harmonies with his iconic voice to create unforgettable music. Myrna Smith even contributed to Elvis’s 1976 recordings at Graceland, adding her soulful voice to two remarkable albums.
In 2010, Myrna Smith passed away at the age of 69 due to kidney failure, but the legacy she and The Sweet Inspirations created with Elvis lives on.
Have you heard this story before? It’s one that reminds us of the power of friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right. Share it with your friends so that more people can know about the incredible person Elvis was, both on and off the stage!
