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In 1965, the Astrodome opened its doors, and Judy Garland was the first artist to perform in the arena.
Garland’s set was preceded by her opening act, Diana Ross and The Supremes. She was paid $43,000 for the performance, and tickets ranged between $1 and $8. At 10 p.m., Garland took to the stage for a 40-minute set and performed only a handful of her classic tunes.
She continued touring on and off for the next few years, despite her rapidly declining health. She died in 1969 from what is believed to be an overdose, three years after her Houston performance.
– Amanda Fox, The Houston 100