Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, didn’t just dominate the charts; he orchestrated a symphony of social change that left an indelible mark. One chivalrous choice during a pivotal concert became a testament to his profound character. So, buckle up and prepare to swoon, as we unravel the story of how Elvis did more than swivel his hips; he swung the pendulum of history.
Picture 1970, a year that clung to its turbulence like a teenager to a secret crush. Elvis was primed to serenade at the Houston Astrodome, a colossal arena famed for its multitasking nature. This was no ordinary gig; it was his debut outside the glittering embrace of Las Vegas. Yes, Elvis was going to trot out his tunes among Texan cowboys and curious concertgoers.
Ah, but what’s a king without his court? Enter The Sweet Inspirations, a dazzling ensemble of African-American singers who added a touch of soulful harmony to Elvis’s rock beats. They were asked to accompany Elvis on his tour in 1969, but they were skeptical. “Elvis Presley! What does he want us for?” mused Myrna Smith in disbelief.
Despite their initial hesitation, the group bonded effortlessly with Elvis, erasing any worry their eclectic styles might clash. From the moment they crossed paths in Las Vegas, a palpable chemistry sparked, unlike that canned soda that makes you burp before you taste it. Sylvia Shemwell remarked with certainty, “He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are.” A powerful sentiment that rings even louder today.
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat
Elvis, in his chocolate-colored splendor, met the group with warmth that rivaled the Vegas sun, sealing every encounter with a smile and a kiss. But behind the glitter of camaraderie lay a storm of societal prejudice brewing. As they prepared for Texas, officials at the Astrodome suggested quite cheekily, “you can leave the black girls at home.” Excuse us while we scoff!
Drawing a Hard Line, Elvis Style
Elvis, never one to shy from confrontation, cleverly retorted, “Well if they don’t come, I don’t come.” A touch of bravado and a pinch of standing up for what’s right? That’s our King! There’s the old tale propagated by gossip circles over the years that painted Elvis as having a bias against African Americans — but this incident paints a whole new picture.
The Sweet Inspirations earned a royal entrance courtesy of the same establishment that had issued the laughable slight. Myrna Smith later recounted that Elvis’s response was a revelation that came much later, but its impact resonated. He wasn’t just about music; he was about mending the rifts that separate us.
That night in Houston transformed what could have been just another gig into a spectacle of inclusion, a finger to those twiddling thumbs of prejudice. A record was being set not just in sales, but in the respect department too.
Elvis’s Last Laugh
The performance wrapped with Elvis conquering more than the stage. He set a cultural precedent, walking away with $1.2 million and having set the hearts of those who witnessed it on fire. This was about standing shoulder to shoulder with those who shared your journey.
But beyond the financial windfall and acclaim was Myrna’s special memory that captured Elvis’s essence—a spontaneous slow dance, trembling with sincerity and a touch of innocence. In a laid-back penthouse soirée amid clinking glasses and the crackle of 45s, Elvis somehow found a way to make inclusivity feel like a familiar waltz. He was a reluctant dancer, a rare boyish chivalry in a world framed by grooves and tunes, marking him as something wholly human.
A Legend’s Legacy
Elvis shared the stage with The Sweet Inspirations thousands of times, their voices weaving harmoniously into tapestries of sound that would outlast generations. Their collaboration in 1976 at Graceland showed just how deep their bond ran, forging music that bore the soulful signature of both parties. Myrna’s role in these unforgettable musical endeavors remained even after she stepped away in 1977.
Sadly, Myrna Smith passed away in 2010, but the legacy of her collaboration with Elvis remains etched in the annals of music history. And while the King may have vacated his throne, moments like these remind us that his reign was about more than music—it was about courageously orchestrating a future of harmony.
Next time someone belittles what a voice can achieve, share Elvis’s tale. Let them know how a little-known moment became a clarion call for equality, served alongside a side of rock ‘n’ roll. This was more than a concert; it was a crescendo in the score of social change.
