elvis and charlie pride

[jsmth540@aol.com]

I've al ways heard that in 1970 when Elvis played the Astrodome that he was told not to bring the Sweet Inspirations because of their color, yet Charlie Pride was preforming on the same bill. Something there does not make sense...Can someone explain?

[Bodie]

I don't think Charley Pride appeared on the same bill.

[drjohncarpenter]

I've al ways heard that in 1970 when Elvis played the Astrodome that he was told not to bring the Sweet Inspirations because of their color, yet Charlie Pride was preforming on the same bill. Something there does not make sense...Can someone explain?

Charlie Pride was the next headliner after Elvis finished his run.

700214_Astrodome poster.JPG

Pride was an established, hit-making country artist, one might assume he kind of "blended in" with the general concert-goers.

As for Elvis, there was no issue with the Astrodome per se, it was just a problem with a message he received from one of the rodeo executives, according to Myrna Smith of the Sweet Inspirations.

The first performances outside was the Houston Astrodome. There was a story behind that.

Well, Elvis ... the rodeo didn't want us to come. There was a message sent to "leave the black girls," they "didn't need the black girls." And so Elvis responded with "Well, if they don't come, I don't come." But he was really upset about it.

There was one person in particular who had sent the message. So when we got there, we were greeted by this little blonde in a convertible and she had to drive us around. And she was his daughter.

So Elvis always made sure he got even. I'm sure he said "And I want your daughter to drive them."

But when it was happening, we didn't know. We learned that later.

http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/interview_myrna_smith.shtml

Based on this memory, I suspect the racist request was made by Louis M. Pearce, Jr., who was president of the rodeo in 1967-1969.

He was part of the negotiations to get Elvis signed for the 1970 festivities, took the credit later, and he had a daughter, Anne Pearce.







With Louis M. Pearce, Jr., Houston rodeo president 1967-1969 and M. C. "Buddy" Bray, 1970 president





God bless Elvis.

[Bodie]

Very interesting info Doc.
Thanks.

[drjohncarpenter]

Very interesting info Doc.
Thanks.

I had always wondered about this incident, and I'm pretty sure my suggestion is a viable one. It's kind of sad that even in 1970, a rich white guy was so racist he didn't think twice about saying something like that to a major star. Thank God things are different today.

[svallen]

At this time Charley Pride was RCAs biggest selling artist after Elvis.

[drjohncarpenter]

At this time Charley Pride was RCAs biggest selling artist after Elvis.

In February 1970 Pride was second in all-time sales to Presley? Where did you get that information, it's interesting.

[svallen]

You can read about it here:


http://www.thisdayincountrymusic.com/pages/charley_pride

[drjohncarpenter]

You can read about it here:


http://www.thisdayincountrymusic.com/pages/charley_pride

Oh, that page is speaking of Pride's all-time sales, not what he'd accomplished by February 1970. And nothing written there is sourced. Thanks anyway.

[svallen]

If you think back at that time.
Johnny Cash was the biggest star after Elvis,then came Charley Pride.
So that is why Charley is RCAs biggest 2nd record seller.

[sweetangeline]

Thank God things are different today.

the poison is still out there

[Will]

Charley's catalogue has never been truly utilised by RCA/SONY.........a few 4 albums doubles cds have appeared on amazon over the last few months......he sold millions of albums for a reason that being he has a great country music voice.....check him out if you have not really done so. if i remember right the very last number on single from RCA Studio B was kiss an angel good morning by Charley.

[drjohncarpenter]

If you think back at that time.
Johnny Cash was the biggest star after Elvis,then came Charley Pride.
So that is why Charley is RCAs biggest 2nd record seller.

I need a little bit more than no evidence before I can accept that. Thanks anyway.

Thank God things are different today.

the poison is still out there

Right.

[svallen]

Charleys last number 1 was in 1981.

In 1980 the album: Theres a littlebit of Hank in me
was number 1 on the country charts.

[Ciscoking]

. if i remember right the very last number on single from RCA Studio B was kiss an angel good morning by Charley.

Great country song..love it...also Kawliga,,,Elvis did a oneliner in 1971 ..I guess,,