When Elvis Presley Rocked the Houston Rodeo: A Texas-Sized Moment in Music History
Did you know The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll once stole the spotlight—not in Las Vegas or on Ed Sullivan—but right in the heart of Texas at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
From February 27 to March 1, 1970, Elvis Presley performed six sold-out shows inside the legendary Houston Astrodome, thrilling more than 200,000 fans in just three days. That’s right—Elvis rocked the rodeo, bringing his unmistakable swagger to the Lone Star State’s biggest stage in what many consider one of the most iconic Texas performances of all time.
Each day featured two shows, with a 2:00 PM matinee and a 7:00 PM evening performance. On Saturday, February 28, crowds reached an all-time high with 34,443 fans at the matinee and a staggering 43,614 for the evening show—setting a record-breaking attendance mark that even rodeo stars and country legends rarely reach.
But this wasn’t your typical rodeo act. While many expected boots, hats, and rhinestone-studded Western wear, Elvis showed up in a white jumpsuit—true to his Vegas era style—and sang in the round, right in the dirt-floored arena, without a traditional stage. He was surrounded by fans on all sides, giving the Astrodome a concert experience like no other. The Houston Chronicle later called it “the wildest performance in rodeo history.”
Elvis's set list mixed gospel, rock, and country—making it a perfect fit for Texas audiences who love a little bit of everything. His time at the Houston Rodeo is still remembered as a shining moment where Texas culture, music history, and rodeo tradition collided in spectacular fashion.
The 1970 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also featured other stars like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, but Elvis was undoubtedly the crown jewel. His appearance helped cement the Houston Rodeo not only as a showcase for top rodeo athletes but also as a major cultural and entertainment event in Texas and beyond.
So the next time you think of Texas rodeos, cowboy boots, BBQ, and barrel racing—don’t forget that one time the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll stepped into the arena and made Texas music history.