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Elvis Presley undoubtedly possessed one of the best vocal tones of all time. But he was a great humanitarian in addition to being a musician.
Elvis Presley undoubtedly possessed one of the best vocal tones of all time. But he was a great humanitarian in addition to being a musician.
Few musicians have used music’s ability to unite people as effectively as Elvis Presley in a world where it can do so. Beyond his iconic voice and riveting live performances, Elvis was a real equality pioneer who used his position to question social mores. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll received an unexpected ultimatum in 1970 as he was getting ready for a historic performance at the Houston Astrodome.
poster-poster
What followed would cement his reputation as a musical legend and a sympathetic partner in the struggle against racism.
Elvis Presley was scheduled to play in the Houston Astrodome in 1970. When “The Dome” opened in 1965, it was a massive venue that served many purposes beyond just holding concerts.
The concert was special in several ways. Colonel Parker, Elvis Presley’s enigmatic manager, chose the Houston Astrodome as the first venue for Elvis to perform outside of Las Vegas.
Interestingly, the Houston Astrodome was also the first venue where The Sweet Inspirations performed outside of Las Vegas, marking a significant moment in their career as well.
Founded in the 1960s, the revolutionary African-American female vocal group The Sweet Inspirations is renowned for their strong performances and deep harmonies.
An amazing opportunity to tour with Elvis Presley was presented to them in 1969. They initially found it hard to believe.
“Elvis Presley!” I exclaimed. In an interview with AP in 1974, Myrna Smith, one of the three slim and attractive ladies in the group, said, “What does he want us for?”
The band were worried that the Mississippi-born performer might not like their style of soul, blues, and rhythm & blues. Elvis primarily appealed to white people who were more familiar with rock and country music.
Initial encounter
But, as it happened, there was nothing to be concerned about. The chemistry between them was evident from the first time they met Elvis.
“He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are,” Sylvia Shemwell said, adding, “We’ve never had another doubt.”
When the Sweet Inspirations landed in Las Vegas for their 1969 engagement rehearsals, they met Elvis for the first time. Elvis was incredibly beautiful when they first met; he was well tanned and wearing a wonderful chocolate-colored suit.
As if they were unaware, he walked over to them and said, “Hello, I’m Elvis Presley.” From then on, he constantly followed his sight of them with a tender kiss.
Emily Drinkard was born in New Jersey on September 30, 1933. In 1963, she established The Sweet Inspirations. In 1969, the
Blue Suede Connection published this on Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Presley reportedly desired The Sweet Inspirations because they were vibrant, alluring, and, most importantly, extraordinarily gifted. But not everyone shared the band’s enthusiasm.
According to lead vocalist Myrna Smith, Elvis was advised, “Well, you can leave the black girls at home,” when he made his Texas debut at the Astrodome. You are not required to bring them.
For years, there has been a persistent allegation that Elvis was racist. A magazine published a lie about him in 1957, saying he said something he never did.
This was only one of many falsehoods that have been spread over time, implying that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll harbored animosity for African Americans.
“Well, I don’t come if they don’t.”
In actuality, though, Elvis actively worked to promote racial harmony through the musicians he selected and his interactions with them. Elvis Presley’s debut performance at the Houston Astrodome was part of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo schedule.
Due to racial biases, the rodeo administrators controversially asked him to leave behind his African-American female backing group. But Elvis answered right away.
They didn’t need the black gals, so they sent out a message telling them to go. “Well, if they don’t come, I don’t come,” was Elvis’ response. However, it truly irritated him. The communication had been sent by a single individual. This young blonde, who was his daughter, met us when we arrived and had to drive us around in a convertible. Elvis so always made sure he was compensated. “And I want your daughter to drive them,” he probably continued. However, we were unaware of it when it was occurring. According to Elvispresleymusic.com, Myrna Smith told journalist David Adams, “We found out about that later.”
The fact that Elvis refused to desert his friends or allow bigotry to taint his performance said a lot about the kind of man he was.
As promised, Elvis made sure the Sweet Inspirations were honored in addition to bringing them to the stage. This was more than just a show; it was a brave protest against racial discrimination and a proclamation of equality during a divisive period. They were more than just backup vocalists to Elvis; they were family.
Elvis Presley undoubtedly possessed one of the best vocal tones of all time. But he was a great humanitarian in addition to being a musician.
Few musicians have used music’s ability to unite people as effectively as Elvis Presley in a world where it can do so. Beyond his iconic voice and riveting live performances, Elvis was a real equality pioneer who used his position to question social mores. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll received an unexpected ultimatum in 1970 as he was getting ready for a historic performance at the Houston Astrodome.
poster-poster
What followed would cement his reputation as a musical legend and a sympathetic partner in the struggle against racism.
Elvis Presley was scheduled to play in the Houston Astrodome in 1970. When “The Dome” opened in 1965, it was a massive venue that served many purposes beyond just holding concerts.
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The concert was unique in a number of ways. The Houston Astrodome was selected by Elvis Presley’s mysterious manager, Colonel Parker, as the first location for Elvis to perform outside of Las Vegas.
It’s interesting to note that The Sweet Inspirations’ first performance outside of Las Vegas took place at the Houston Astrodome, which was also a pivotal point in their career.
Founded in the 1960s, the revolutionary African-American female vocal group The Sweet Inspirations is renowned for their strong performances and deep harmonies.
An amazing opportunity to tour with Elvis Presley was presented to them in 1969. They initially found it hard to believe.
“Elvis Presley!” I exclaimed. In an interview with AP in 1974, Myrna Smith, one of the three slim and attractive ladies in the group, said, “What does he want us for?”
The band were worried that the Mississippi-born performer might not like their style of soul, blues, and rhythm & blues. Elvis primarily appealed to white people who were more familiar with rock and country music.
Initial encounter
But, as it happened, there was nothing to be concerned about. The chemistry between them was evident from the first time they met Elvis.
“He’s a wonderful person, and he doesn’t care what color you are,” Sylvia Shemwell said, adding, “We’ve never had another doubt.”
When the Sweet Inspirations landed in Las Vegas for their 1969 engagement rehearsals, they met Elvis for the first time. Elvis was incredibly beautiful when they first met; he was well tanned and wearing a wonderful chocolate-colored suit.
As if they were unaware, he walked over to them and said, “Hello, I’m Elvis Presley.” From then on, he constantly followed his sight of them with a tender kiss.
Emily Drinkard was born in New Jersey on September 30, 1933. In 1963, she established The Sweet Inspirations. In 1969, the
Blue Suede Connection published this on Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Presley reportedly desired The Sweet Inspirations because they were vibrant, alluring, and, most importantly, extraordinarily gifted. But not everyone shared the band’s enthusiasm.
According to lead vocalist Myrna Smith, Elvis was advised, “Well, you can leave the black girls at home,” when he made his Texas debut at the Astrodome. You are not required to bring them.
For years, there has been a persistent allegation that Elvis was racist. A magazine published a lie about him in 1957, saying he said something he never did.
This was only one of many falsehoods that have been spread over time, implying that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll harbored animosity for African Americans.
“Well, I don’t come if they don’t.”
In actuality, though, Elvis actively worked to promote racial harmony through the musicians he selected and his interactions with them. Elvis Presley’s debut performance at the Houston Astrodome was part of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo schedule.
Due to racial biases, the rodeo administrators controversially asked him to leave behind his African-American female backing group. But Elvis answered right away.
They didn’t need the black gals, so they sent out a message telling them to go. “Well, if they don’t come, I don’t come,” was Elvis’ response. However, it truly irritated him. The communication had been sent by a single individual. This young blonde, who was his daughter, met us when we arrived and had to drive us around in a convertible. Elvis so always made sure he was compensated. “And I want your daughter to drive them,” he probably continued. However, we were unaware of it when it was occurring. According to Elvispresleymusic.com, Myrna Smith told journalist David Adams, “We found out about that later.”
The fact that Elvis refused to desert his friends or allow bigotry to taint his performance said a lot about the kind of man he was.
As promised, Elvis made sure the Sweet Inspirations were honored in addition to bringing them to the stage. This was more than just a show; it was a brave protest against racial discrimination and a proclamation of equality during a divisive period. They were more than just backup vocalists to Elvis; they were family.
1:19–1:45
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Walked away with $1.2 million
During the show, the members of the group were puzzled by the warm reception they received. No one wanted to say anything that might hurt their feelings, so Elvis’ crew kept quiet about what had happened. It wasn’t until years later that Muyrna Smith and the band learned Elvis had stood up for them, ensuring they were treated with the respect they deserved.
The Astrodome wasn’t really built to stage a concert such as the like Elvis promised, but Elvis sung his best, and it was a beautiful concert
according to people who was there.
After the final show, Elvis held a press conference at Astroworld for around 100 journalists. He expressed how much he enjoyed performing in the Astrodome, stating it gave him a big thrill.
When he checked out of Astroworld, Elvis sported a blue, Easy Rider-inspired suede jacket paired with black trousers. He left with an impressive 20 suitcases and three guitars, walking away $1.2 million richer than he had been just three days earlier. But it wasn’t just about the money; Elvis had also proved that he was not just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but a true mensch who valued the people around him.
Myrna’s special memory of Elvis
Elvis really had a special connection with the members of his African-American female backing group. Myrna Smith recalls a cherished moment with Elvis that perfectly captures his warmth and charm, and their strong bond. It was during their first meeting in 1969, when the star took them to his penthouse. The atmosphere was laid-back, filled with laughter and the lively sounds of 45s spinning in the background. Friends and musicians mingled when Elvis approached Myrna 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. 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. But that’s what he was, y’know. I looked upon him, a part of my family, like. My mother, when he died and I was screaming, my mother said, ‘He’s not in the family. What are you cry, what are you breaking up?’ Because I love him, he’s like a brother. You already got a brother. She didn’t understand then, but she does now,” Myrna shared.
Myrna Smith cause of death
The Sweet Inspirations worked closely with Elvis from 1969 to 1977, accompanying him during his Las Vegas shows, national concert tours, and recording sessions.
They played more than a thousand concerts with Elvis.
The Delightful Motivators. Gloria Brown, Sylvia Shemwell, and Myrna Smith in 1979, left to right
Together, their melodic voices enhanced his iconic sound to produce music that will never be forgotten. Interestingly, Myrna Smith also contributed to Elvis Presley’s Graceland recordings in 1976, performing in the February and October/November sessions.
These partnerships resulted in two outstanding albums that demonstrated the group’s soulful influence and Elvis Presley’s own style. Myrna Smith tragically died yesterday from renal insufficiency in 2010. Her age was 69.
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