This man basically grew up in the hood . Was dirt poor , lived in public housing while his father was doing time in prison . It was there he became introduced to black friends , black gospel , black church services. When people say he stole from black musicians it really bothers me because it’s what he grew up in , it’s what he knew Walk a mile in my shoes Is another track that definitely tells a message Keep it up brother with Elvis , he’s much deeper than people give him credit for , great reaction
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Poor is poor , still don’t really get what point you’re trying to make. I know how black and white people get treated differently but for years many black people thought of Elvis as racist. He was far from that
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Elvis was an advocate for the black community, during a time when that was shunned. He learned his music from the black community, because he grew up in it.
I saw him perform this in a huge auditorium not long before his death. That performance lifted 40,000 people to their feet, in tears, sobs, cheers (after the silence immediately after he finished.) He was incomparable.
When Elvis decided to record this song the executives told him no. Thought it was too personal and would cause him his career. Elvis said screw it and did it anyway. One of his biggest hits
@@FUBAR1986 I'm well aware but thanks for the insight. Just saying Elvis's people thought it was too risky for him. Turned out to be a big hit for him as well.
It was the same when he sang IF I CAN DREAM...after that he said he would never sing a song he didn't believe in..and never make another bad movie....it was our fault that he never got to act serious rules...cause his first few movie were his best...but everyone wanted him to sing and dance ...and they are the ones that made money ....so that's all they gave him...Parker made sure he didn't see them from anyone also..very sad I think he could of been a great actor....give the chance..that's what he originally wanted....He lived a hundred yrs. In his 42....and it showed .he was so afraid to disappoint his fans....we think we Love him..not even close to how much he loved us....
elvis was born in 1935, im pretty sure everyone was poor at that time, black or white, in those times there was alot of white and black people living next to each other and all was poor as fuck, it wasent only black people who was poor, my grandad was born in 1926 and he was so poor he had no shoes, he used to walk around barefoot in the street.
Yes. Mac wrote several songs for Elvis in addition to In the Ghetto. Memories and Little Less Conversation being 2 others. Although Elvis made this song a hit, Mac sang it too along with numerous other hits he had himself. RIP Mac Davis.
@alisonp3398 Mac Davis had quite few songs of his own, too. A few being: Don't Get Stuck on me, Baby, It's Hard to be Humble, Texas in my Rearview Mirror, etc.
One of Elvis's background singers was Whitney Houston's mother. One time they said that the African-American singers in the background could not be on stage with Elvis and he said well if they're not going to be on stage then neither am I and as you see Elvis won that battle. What a great person Elvis was
Elvis was a HUGE advocate for the black community, so much that the whites quit airing his music on local radio stations and when certain venues told him that his black background singers/band members couldn’t be on stage….he would load up and leave!!!
I don't think they ever quit airing him here in Atlanta. Even the most racist neighbors I ever saw played Elvis LP's on their stereo. If they had been offended by him I don't think they would have done that. I learned most of his songs down there. I was only 12 or 13, but I was pretty observant. Didn't care for a lot of their attitude, but they did play good music. Edit: Actually, they played this song.
One of the backup singers was Whitney Houston's mother. Elvis also was born in a poor family in a small town in Mississippi - and he later moved to Memphis. During that time, many Churches were either Black or White... Elvis preferred going to the Black Churches. One Black Pastor mentioned how Elvis was going to his Church - and he joined the Chorus - and the Pastor said that Elvis just kind of sailed beyond everyone else... Back in those days, many singing artists were discovered in Churches.
This man grew up in extreme poverty. He and his family were looked down upon his entire life growing up. He worked as much as his momma would allow him until he finished high school. Then he was a truck driver, cut a song in a little local recording studio and drove from city to city to have it played to reach a larger audience while playing every little venue he could. He had guts and ambition and a goal that made him never waiver from the end result. To pull his family out of poverty so his ailing mother didn't have to scrub floors, pick cotton, empty bed pans and work in hot factories all day. He knew early on his father didn't have what it took so he took it upon himself to be the caretaker of everyone. He singlehandedly pulled his entire family and relatives out of poverty. Vicki
Elvis wasn't just singing for the ghettos of America but for all the deprived areas of all countries around the world. This is one of my favourite songs of all time x
This song was written by Mac Davis and he once said in an interview that it wasn't specifically 'black' guettos as he said that there were 'white' guettos too. He was talking about people growing up in the poorest areas of any town and being looked down on. Great song.
@@dianemcdowell7378 I'm so sorry. I know words are just words when you're in your grief and there's nothing to say that makes it better. I can tell you that I understand what you going through and I will pray for strength for your momma, you, and the rest of your family. 🙏🏼❤🙏🏼
@@krissy7329 that’s actually on purpose and because of the mostly White-run media, they don’t want to portray White people in a less than aspirational light but they are more than happy to portray BIPOC people that way. Not saying that’s your fault lol, but don’t think that BIPOC want to hold claim to poverty. I grew up an upper-middle class black kid and I knew poor white kids who were impressed by the cars my parents drove and the house I grew up in because what media mostly showed them (aside from musicians and athletes and maybe some actors) was that all Black people were poor and barely scraping by in the projects. The media plays a huge role in what we believe the world to be.
"In The Ghetto" was a big hit for Elvis in 1969. It was written by the late great Mac Davis. It deals with the poverty & sadness of life growing up in the ghetto.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 And Sammy refused it because he didn’t grow up in poverty. He is the one that suggested Elvis to Mac Davis because he knew he did grow up dirt poor
@@paulmcraney8934 okay here we go. now the story Elvis fans refuse to say. The song was offered to Sammy Davis first. If Sammi refused it Mac was going to offer it to Rosay Gray, another black artist. Sammi refused it because he said what is a white guy doing giving a black guy a song to sing about the ghetto. what does a white guy know 1. what it is like to be black, and, 2. what does a white guy know what it's like to be black and live in the ghetto. Then he said, give it to that white boy Elvis. Then it was Nancy Sinatra who got involved and showed it to Elvis.
@@candisshort8227 okay here we go. now the story Elvis fans refuse to say. The song was offered to Sammy Davis first. If Sammi refused it Mac was going to offer it to Rosay Gray, another black artist. Sammi refused it because he said what is a white guy doing giving a black guy a song to sing about the ghetto. what does a white guy know 1. what it is like to be black, and, 2. what does a white guy know what it's like to be black and live in the ghetto. Then he said, give it to that white boy Elvis. Then it was Nancy Sinatra who got involved and showed it to Elvis. Why is it important? Because you make Elvis look good and fail to give credit the black artists it was offered to first.
Im 62. I grew up with this song. It just goes to show you that in 60 years, NOTHING has changed. What does it tell you? Thank you for taking me back, and for your courage. Be blessed 💖
So many people don’t appreciate what Elvis’ short life brought to humanity. His gospel music is beautiful. ❤️ They don’t make them like this anymore. Musicians today destroy the minds of our youth.
Not all of today's musicians are bad, though! I usually listen to Rock and Metal music, and there are _so many_ anti-war, pro civil rights, anti bigotry metal songs out there. One of my favorites is _Who Taught You How to Hate?_ by Disturbed.
Elvis Presley grew up in Mississippi my grandmother family lived just down the street he and my uncle used to play together he got his music for the love of the black churches that he would go and visit and he got a lot of his inspiration from there he loved the the soul and the tree worship of those people he was an amazing man and tried to bring awareness to the hunger to all people he was a good man he really was thank you for doing this
Black churches in my experience are the single most welcoming and wonderful places to be. I’m not religious but that was a core memory for me when I visited NY
This song was written by Mac Davis about a friend of his that he grew up with. Their fathers worked together. He wrote it for Elvis (Elvis actually grew up in the ghetto and lived in poverty as a child) and Elvis’s manager didn’t want him to do it. Elvis fought him hard and told him he WAS recording it - he did and it was huge hit. It was written in 1969.
Actually Mac Davis wrote the song for Sammy Davis. Jr. Sammy told him that he hadn't lived that life. Sammy then told him to take to Elvis because Elvis had.
Every time I hear this song, the words he says about the little boy with a runny nose plays in the street where the cold wind blows "AND HIS HUNGER BURNS" It gives me chills every time I hear those words man. I WENT THRU it as a child growing up Camden, NJ & the struggle was REAL. HUNGER is one of THE worst feelings. It DOES burn. I've FELT it myself. Great reaction man🙏🏼😔✌🏼💔
Hunger is a unbelievable pain and you become desperate to eat. So you steal to survive and at the same time your grateful to anyone who wants to help you even if what their asking in return is illegal
Elvis grew up poor in East Tupelo, MS and he never saw color. I lived in East Tupelo, MS myself, never met him, but knew the Presley family. He died August 16th 1977 just a few months before I graduated from Tupelo High School. Me and a few of my friends were in Memphis, at Graceland the next night to pay our respects for the King of Rock and Roll!!!!! .....RIP Elvis Aaron Presley!!
My dad used to sing this to us in the winter in the 80s before bed with tears in his eyes. We were just emigrants with very little just cushions on the floor of the apartment and a bunch of roaches. But I still felt grateful every time he sang it to be warm on a cold night. He worked so hard for us and we got out but he passed away when I was a teenager always reminds me of him now ❤❤
In this song, the baby is not any particular race, this is how it is for all little kids. We choose as we grow in those circumstances. We choose to break away from the horrible cycle Elvis is singing about. I grew up like that, I chose a good way, my brother unfortunately did not. I am glad you enjoyed this song.
ELVIS was one of those that actually did grow up in the GHETTO! GHETTO'S don't have to be in Chicago or a large city. Even though he was born and lived until 14 yrs old in Tupelo, Mississippi; he was so poor that he and his Mama lived in the section of town where the white homes stopped and the black section began! His Mama shopped mainly in the black part of town! His father went to prison for writing a check on the company that he worked for! He needed rent and grocery money! When he was 14, his family moved to Memphis Tennessee, to find work. They lived in the projects there! ELVIS knew all about poverty! And, he never forgot his roots! He was a wonderful entertainer but also a fantastic humanitarian!!! Thank you for a fantastic reaction! In his short life, he recorded almost 800 songs, made 31 movies, won many, many awards and accolades and gave homes to the homeless, paid many medical and hospital bills, for people who could NOT afford to pay them, and also bought cars for those people who didn't have them! He definitely left this world a better place than he found it! Isn't that what we ALL should do? Please delve into the rabbit hole called ELVIS PRESLEY!!! You will be shocked by this WONDERFUL MAN!!! THANKS for a fantastic reaction!
His boyhood friend in Tupelo was Black, his name was Sam Bell, their backyard connected and the spent everyday with each other. They were so close that they didn't knock when they visited each other. They ate at each other's home, slept in the same bed together. They were only separated at school,Mr Bell said they were supposed to sit in designated areas for Blacks/ Whites at the movies but Elvis sat with him and the usher let them
What exactly do you think the difference is? Poor is poor. No matter what the color. I know....my family is all from West Virginia. Appalachia. Doesn't get poorer then that. Yes, I'm white. Why is absolutely everything about color? Its very sad and I do not understand.....
To add some; Elvis lived in "poor sections" of Tupelo till 1948, when the family moved to Memphis & lived in public housing. Also, Cissy Houston is not in this vid (filmed Aug.13, 1970). Cissy was with Elvis for just 5 weeks in 1969 (ending Aug. 28, 1969). She had a solo contract & left the Sweet Inspirations to work on her solo career & spend more time home with her children. Of her brief time with Elvis, she said; “He was wonderful” “I loved him” “He was such a gentleman” & “so good looking, you didn’t even want to look nowhere else.”
Greg, uou made me cry by the 4th stanza that you verified/acknowledgment the horror of this song, of poverty. I had to stop it a little over half way. Hearing him sing it was one thing but seeing you feel it/verify it was another, I stayed as long as I could to witness you on behalf pf all the victims. I appreciate your heart❣️
It's a terrible cycle isn't it Greg? Thank you for playing this amazing song and reacting to it. Elvis was a very compassionate man who grew up in the ghetto. A lot of us did and we understand and we care. Blessings to you
I was 13 years old (now 67) when this song came out and I cried everytime I heard him sing it. Hit me deep in my heart and soul. Really opened my young eyes to the world around me.
I am 64 now and I live in Australia. I had never heard the word "Ghetto" until this song. My mother explained how some people will always be treated unfairly, but individually we can try to make a difference by just treating everyone with respect and kindness. I cry every time I hear this song! I went to the Elvis movie with my daughter 3 hours after my mother died. At the end of the movie, I cried as I always do. A few months later my then 8-year-old granddaughter asked my daughter "Why did black people have to use separate toilets?" Like my mum had told me, my daughter told my granddaughter about how unfairly people can be treated. They then talked about Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parkes and Mahatma Gandhi and my daughter played a video of King's "I have a dream speech." My granddaughter watched it a second time before she commented, "That's so sad Mum because things haven't changed very much at all." I was taught that "Every drop of rain raises the sea. We can make a difference." One day I hope my daughter helps to make changes and can live in a world closer to King's dream, but I will be long dead. Thanks for reading my comments.
Mac Davis (who wrote "In the Ghetto") didn't like the way Elvis pronounced the word "ghetto"; he wanted him to sing it with softer "t"s, but he let it go.
Wanted to add. Elvis was one amazing talent but more than that he made history. He changed standards and expectations for the better. He refused to bow to pressure to conform Definitely a trailblazer. Thank you Elvis
He grew up in abject poverty. He lived in the poorest black community as one of the few white boys but made lots of friends. He did this song on an album in 1969, singing it here in 1970. Not much has changed all these years later. He even mentioned Chicago & yet still the struggle goes on. This song came alive again with the new Elvis movie that was just out. If you didn’t see it, it’s on streaming on Prime Video, Apple TV app, U tube to rent or buy and after watching it,you won’t believe the story behind his life. Besides having a God given talent, his story is very interesting. Highest of highs, lowest of lows and the ending was done respectfully, poignantly and emotionally. 😢 Thanks so much for sharing this with us. God bless.
Elvis named his backup singers the sweet inspirations. Their voices and harmonies are ethereal! One of those beautiful women was Whitney Houston‘s mother, Cissy
Elvis sang all genres. I was 3 years old when he died and my mom was watching his Funeral on tv and I heard his voice have been hooked on him ever since. I encourage you to watch him at all ages of his music because he was talented in everything. He was so generous gave more to his fans then he took. Loved Jesus and all people. Michael Jackson even used a lot of his moves. He was and still is the best singer of all time.
Great reaction! Elvis grew up very poor. Grew up in the black community and being a little boy he didnt see color! He sang in church and unfortunately it was a time of segregation. Didnt matter to him. He loved all people! His mama did a good job raising him. He was generous with a huge heart & very humble. Please watch Elvis..King of Kindness and 68 Comeback Special in black leather sitting down That's Alright Mama/Lawdy Miss Clawdy/Heartbreak Hotel/Trying to Get to You. Thank you for keeping Elvis's memory alive TCB ⚡😎
Morris Mac Davis was an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. A native of Lubbock, Texas, he enjoyed success as a crossover artist, and during his early career he wrote for Elvis Presley, providing him with the hits "Memories", "In the Ghetto", "Don't Cry Daddy", and "A Little Less Conversation".
memories. It was written by Billy Strange and Mac Davis A Little Less Conversation Songwriters: Mac Davis / William E. Billy Strange you need to be able to give credit to the right people.
Most people don't know that Elvis came up in the ghetto. They were poor. I have never heard a cover of this song. I believe this was performed in the sixties. How very sad it is still relavent today! Thanks for the reaction!
I love Elvis since I was 5. My mom knew I had a lot of empathy when she heard me cry to this song every time I heard it. Elvis grew up in poverty and always helped others in need.
He was censored by whites for his music and he didn't care. He was so beloved by the black community and black entertainers. He was very poor and he was from the ghetto. This song debut June 27 1969. Thanks for sharing. Katie 😊🌸
He was also chastised by whites for using his African American singers. And was threatened that he would lose his career and be blacklisted from the industry. 🤔
Some people are just ignorant and racist for no reason and can't come up with a logical reason for it . Our history is full of offences against numerous other peoples, notably Trail of Tears,Native Americans, African Americans, who by the way were sold into slavery by their own people during World War 2 ,the Internment Camps of the Japanese,etc. and in each case their way of Life and Culture and Properties were seized. Shame on all of us😞 it is a different world now and we have come quite far ,we still have a long way to go. But let's not cut off our nose to spite our face as they say. It's illogical to rip away all reminders of the past it will not right the wrongs done but they should stay as a symbol of what has gone before and a reminder to take a kinder and gentler way forward, our young people and children will not believe us about what happened in the past if we remove everything that portrays that time and the people who were there and were part of those times. On a minor scale I always try and remind my kids how good they really have it as opposed to being raised in the 40s and 50s , when people generally had a lot of kids but were very strict and free labor as they put it ,no one gave us rides to school we had to walk and we had to work just as hard as our father and mother on farms and ranches and had to get good grades or "Else they said. One of our grown children claim that old people say that, they had to walk to school and work on the farm or ranch and still get good grades or Else. But is true, do you think back then regardless of what race you were you were going to get away with anything. The belt and 2x4 paddle wasn't all the threat they need to use against us kids. My point is don't erase the past or those who come after us will be condemn to repeat it.
He himself lived that same life when he was growing up so when he was singing that sound he truly was able to relate what was to go hungry, have no food to eat, no money and beening homeless. That's why when he came into so much money he shared it with those less fortunate because he never forgot where he came from and remined humble with all that fame.
I lived in the projects, and I saw this song played over and over. We don't have a skin problem. We have a sin problem. Hey, ya'll, we gotta love one another. Great selection, Greg. This is your boy from Tennessee trying to spread the love of Jesus Christ.
If you have not seen the Elvis movie that came out a month or two ago, I highly recommend seeing it. Elvis was born and raised in poverty. He got the poverty, felt blessed to be blessed, and he tried to sing a message that would get people’s attention. He was a flawed, decent man. I think that he tried to make a difference. Thank you for playing this song. It makes my heart hurt for a lot of people in difficulty. ❤️💔
Elvis lived what he sang, was a veteran and still climbed to the top. He lived what he believed, so he's an inspiration and the fact that this song still touches people 50 years later is amazing and proves that he was exactly what he's been called.
He saw it because he lived it! He wasn't singing about any one race of people, but for ALL those who have struggled so bad and still do this day. He grew up extremely poor in the ghetto! He never forgot it or the people there. Elvis was pretty darn amazing if you look at where he started life, and then became! Nice job with your video Big Guy! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Greg... I'm exercising great restraint to not pull out my soapbox and carry on about why poor folks were set up for failure..and who did the set up... Yes this and many other songs by Elvis was meant to hit you in your feelings...many writers knew if Elvis would sing their songs..everyone would hear their messages... Have an excellent week Greg...🌿🌿🌿
Greg your reaction was touching... I was young when this came out in the the context of the Watts riots and the civil rights marches with King. It was a heavy time. And you’re right, Elvis hit the soul of the situation. I remember crying the first time I heard this.
Hey sweetheart, loved the reaction to Elvis, he lived in a shotgun house when he was a little boy, then the family moved to the projects in Memphis Tennessee, so he knew all too well, what it was like to grow up very poor, he never forgot where he came from and always treated everyone the same, another song you will really like is Elvis singing Walk a mile in my shoes, promise you will love it. Keep on the Elvis journey and you will learn so much more about MAN who changed the world in so many ways, thanks for the great reaction to Elvis. TCB 1935🤺🤺🤺⚡⚡⚡👑👑👑👑👃👃👃👃
First time I heard this song I cried like a baby. I could picture the scene. I could see a child growing up in the streets with mom working so hard to feed him and his siblings that she couldn't be there to lead him. Elvis himself grew up in conditions like that. It wasn't just black children who grew up dirt poor but children of any and every race. The words to this song are haunting but yet life the way it has always been for some.
Elvis transcended all ethnic, cultural and societal boundaries. He had southern charm and manners. He had good looks and massive charisma too. He also spoke truth to power. A very risky but noble thing to do. I read where he had a concert set in Atlanta in the football stadium. The authorities did not want the black backup singers circling the infield with Elvis as he waved to his crowd. But Elvis threatened to cancel the event if they didn’t let them have their moment of respect and applause. He stood his ground and it’s just an example how he was admired by all races and classes. From the mid fifties to the mid sixties and the advent of The Beatles, Elvis ruled the airwaves. There will only ever be one Elvis. The man was a living legend.
I have to admit I just discovered you And had to see your opinion on this beautiful masterpiece. I was fortunate enough to grow up With a mom who was able to provide us with enough. But when the song was popular I still understood the message and the reality of it. But watching your response I think I actually felt the song truly for the 1st time. I am 56 And I so appreciate the younger generations Allowing themselves to experience A whole different world of sounds , stories, and magic music.
The message of this song hits hard: When we turn our heads from reality, the reality never ends, it only repeats itself.
Elvis was talking truth. He grew up in the slums of Tupelo Mississippi
Yes, he did. 🙏🌹
@stacyblue1980 Blessings to you and yours
This man basically grew up in the hood . Was dirt poor , lived in public housing while his father was doing time in prison . It was there he became introduced to black friends , black gospel , black church services. When people say he stole from black musicians it really bothers me because it’s what he grew up in , it’s what he knew
Walk a mile in my shoes
Is another track that definitely tells a message
Keep it up brother with Elvis , he’s much deeper than people give him credit for , great reaction
he grew up white in the ghetto
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425
Don’t think he had much choice in that .
@@puckhead63 okay, let me spell it out for you. Elvis was a white boy in the ghetto, he was not a black boy in the ghetto, big difference.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425
Poor is poor ,
still don’t really get what point you’re trying to make. I know how black and white people get treated differently but for years many black people thought of Elvis as racist. He was far from that
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Elvis was an advocate for the black community, during a time when that was shunned. He learned his music from the black community, because he grew up in it.
I saw him perform this in a huge auditorium not long before his death. That performance lifted 40,000 people to their feet, in tears, sobs, cheers (after the silence immediately after he finished.) He was incomparable.
It's sad...he sang 50 years ago and it never changed... i'm crying
When Elvis decided to record this song the executives told him no. Thought it was too personal and would cause him his career. Elvis said screw it and did it anyway. One of his biggest hits
they thought it was too controversial...
This song was written by Mac Davis and performed by him before Elvis took it as his own and made it a own
@@FUBAR1986 I'm well aware but thanks for the insight. Just saying Elvis's people thought it was too risky for him. Turned out to be a big hit for him as well.
He was amazing and he will always be remembered
It was the same when he sang IF I CAN DREAM...after that he said he would never sing a song he didn't believe in..and never make another bad movie....it was our fault that he never got to act serious rules...cause his first few movie were his best...but everyone wanted him to sing and dance ...and they are the ones that made money ....so that's all they gave him...Parker made sure he didn't see them from anyone also..very sad I think he could of been a great actor....give the chance..that's what he originally wanted....He lived a hundred yrs. In his 42....and it showed .he was so afraid to disappoint his fans....we think we Love him..not even close to how much he loved us....
Elvis was also born into poverty and he had black friends and loved their music, he was amazing , miss him.
Elvis never stole from anyone, but many stole and mistreated him. His music range is unsurpassed. He’s one of the greats of all time!❤❤❤❤❤
Amen 🙏
For Elvis to support and sing about the black community in the 60's shows his compassion . Heart felt ❤️
Do you know who wrote that song?
Mac Davis@@jackrasmussen4467
@@jackrasmussen4467 Mac Davis
elvis was born in 1935, im pretty sure everyone was poor at that time, black or white, in those times there was alot of white and black people living next to each other and all was poor as fuck, it wasent only black people who was poor, my grandad was born in 1926 and he was so poor he had no shoes, he used to walk around barefoot in the street.
the guy was basically black himself how he grew up
Elvis had a heart of gold… and his generosity is well-documented.
A gift to the world. ❤️
Mac Davis wrote this song. Both he and Elvis grew up in ghettos and both clawed their way out with their incredible talent!
Yes. Mac wrote several songs for Elvis in addition to In the Ghetto. Memories and Little Less Conversation being 2 others. Although Elvis made this song a hit, Mac sang it too along with numerous other hits he had himself. RIP Mac Davis.
Thanks for the information! I was looking for the author. I’ll have to check out Mac Davis’s version
@alisonp3398 Mac Davis had quite few songs of his own, too. A few being: Don't Get Stuck on me, Baby, It's Hard to be Humble, Texas in my Rearview Mirror, etc.
@@rebeccacurtis6680 excellent! Thank you. I love finding “new” artists especially cause I like almost all genres of music. ❤️
You need to take a listen to all Elvis songs you will be very surprised how many catchy songs you will like
One of Elvis's background singers was Whitney Houston's mother. One time they said that the African-American singers in the background could not be on stage with Elvis and he said well if they're not going to be on stage then neither am I and as you see Elvis won that battle. What a great person Elvis was
what does that tell you about Texas?
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Texas in 1970 or Today in 2022? I don’t think many of us can speak for Texas in 1970.
@@lama_drama4072 in 1969
the KKK was still rife then. probably still today, too.
Zappa fan, go and play with a Zappa Rubber doll, hahahaha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yes!
Elvis was a HUGE advocate for the black community, so much that the whites quit airing his music on local radio stations and when certain venues told him that his black background singers/band members couldn’t be on stage….he would load up and leave!!!
Let's be clear, the f'd up whites.
I don't think they ever quit airing him here in Atlanta. Even the most racist neighbors I ever saw played Elvis LP's on their stereo. If they had been offended by him I don't think they would have done that. I learned most of his songs down there.
I was only 12 or 13, but I was pretty observant. Didn't care for a lot of their attitude, but they did play good music.
Edit: Actually, they played this song.
Funny thing is back then he was hated by the white community and accepted by the black one
@@hudsonsteele8532 how old r u lmao Elvis got famous in the mid 50s r u in the 70s or 80s??
@@gabrielbonhomme2991 How young r u, lmbo? I was there the whole time.
I got my start about the same time Elvis did.
One of the backup singers was Whitney Houston's mother. Elvis also was born in a poor family in a small town in Mississippi - and he later moved to Memphis. During that time, many Churches were either Black or White... Elvis preferred going to the Black Churches. One Black Pastor mentioned how Elvis was going to his Church - and he joined the Chorus - and the Pastor said that Elvis just kind of sailed beyond everyone else... Back in those days, many singing artists were discovered in Churches.
Aretha Franklin comes to mind.
@@madatu yes , the sweet inspirations
I never knew that, awesome! Thanks for sharing that bit of trivia.
That is right. Sissy Houston was Whitney’s Mom. Sissy was in the Sweet Inspirations, Elvis’ backup group.
And danced with them too 🥰
This is why he was the King , pure magic
That's live,no lip syncing,no backing tracks or auto-tune,just 100% live.
That's how real players do it.
Don’t do it like this anymore
Amen 🙏
This man grew up in extreme poverty. He and his family were looked down upon his entire life growing up. He worked as much as his momma would allow him until he finished high school. Then he was a truck driver, cut a song in a little local recording studio and drove from city to city to have it played to reach a larger audience while playing every little venue he could. He had guts and ambition and a goal that made him never waiver from the end result. To pull his family out of poverty so his ailing mother didn't have to scrub floors, pick cotton, empty bed pans and work in hot factories all day. He knew early on his father didn't have what it took so he took it upon himself to be the caretaker of everyone. He singlehandedly pulled his entire family and relatives out of poverty. Vicki
❤️
❤❤
Elvis wasn't just singing for the ghettos of America but for all the deprived areas of all countries around the world.
This is one of my favourite songs of all time x
Yeah we need not forget it’s a world wide issue and millions of people are suffering every day
Elvis grew up in poverty with poor black families. He never forgot where he came from!
And that music is what impressed & influenced him.
I cry every time. Poor is hard.
the king loved by black and white. rest in heavenly peace elvis! c u soon
This song was written by Mac Davis and he once said in an interview that it wasn't specifically 'black' guettos as he said that there were 'white' guettos too. He was talking about people growing up in the poorest areas of any town and being looked down on. Great song.
White ghetto here
Stop calling me a Karin because I am white. My brother just died. And his momma always cried.
I grew up in Appalachia and it's got one of the highest poverty rates. Nobody talks about how bad it truly is.
@@dianemcdowell7378 I'm so sorry. I know words are just words when you're in your grief and there's nothing to say that makes it better. I can tell you that I understand what you going through and I will pray for strength for your momma, you, and the rest of your family. 🙏🏼❤🙏🏼
Yes, America has engaged in oppression not only black people, but also poor whites from Appalachia, working people. Elvis also grew up in the ghetto.
@@krissy7329 that’s actually on purpose and because of the mostly White-run media, they don’t want to portray White people in a less than aspirational light but they are more than happy to portray BIPOC people that way. Not saying that’s your fault lol, but don’t think that BIPOC want to hold claim to poverty.
I grew up an upper-middle class black kid and I knew poor white kids who were impressed by the cars my parents drove and the house I grew up in because what media mostly showed them (aside from musicians and athletes and maybe some actors) was that all Black people were poor and barely scraping by in the projects. The media plays a huge role in what we believe the world to be.
"In The Ghetto" was a big hit for Elvis in 1969. It was written by the late great Mac Davis. It deals with the poverty & sadness of life growing up in the ghetto.
yet you failed to say it was offered to Sammi Davis first.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 why is that relevant to an ELVIS reaction video? It's not. Sammy said no. 🙄
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 And Sammy refused it because he didn’t grow up in poverty. He is the one that suggested Elvis to Mac Davis because he knew he did grow up dirt poor
@@paulmcraney8934 okay here we go.
now the story Elvis fans refuse to say.
The song was offered to Sammy Davis first.
If Sammi refused it Mac was going to offer it to Rosay Gray, another black artist.
Sammi refused it because he said what is a white guy doing giving a black guy a song to sing about the ghetto. what does a white guy know 1. what it is like to be black, and, 2. what does a white guy know what it's like to be black and live in the ghetto. Then he said, give it to that white boy Elvis. Then it was Nancy Sinatra who got involved and showed it to Elvis.
@@candisshort8227 okay here we go.
now the story Elvis fans refuse to say.
The song was offered to Sammy Davis first.
If Sammi refused it Mac was going to offer it to Rosay Gray, another black artist.
Sammi refused it because he said what is a white guy doing giving a black guy a song to sing about the ghetto. what does a white guy know 1. what it is like to be black, and, 2. what does a white guy know what it's like to be black and live in the ghetto. Then he said, give it to that white boy Elvis. Then it was Nancy Sinatra who got involved and showed it to Elvis. Why is it important? Because you make Elvis look good and fail to give credit the black artists it was offered to first.
Im 62. I grew up with this song. It just goes to show you that in 60 years, NOTHING has changed. What does it tell you? Thank you for taking me back, and for your courage. Be blessed 💖
It tells you that Democrats won't do a damn thing for blacks because they know they OWN the black vote.
It tells me to work harder to support my cousins of color.
It tells me that change takes time. Some things have indeed changed, but change is slow and takes longer than a lifetime.
I get goosebumps when listening to this great song. It's raw & real!
So many people don’t appreciate what Elvis’ short life brought to humanity. His gospel music is beautiful. ❤️ They don’t make them like this anymore. Musicians today destroy the minds of our youth.
Not all of today's musicians are bad, though! I usually listen to Rock and Metal music, and there are _so many_ anti-war, pro civil rights, anti bigotry metal songs out there. One of my favorites is _Who Taught You How to Hate?_ by Disturbed.
his gospel music? huh?
He was the only performer at the time who could have sung this and got a positive reaction he was very sincere from the heart ❤️
Exactly! And people still spread the incredible lie that he was a racist.
That`s so sad. He deserved better!
are you serious?
Elvis Presley grew up in Mississippi my grandmother family lived just down the street he and my uncle used to play together he got his music for the love of the black churches that he would go and visit and he got a lot of his inspiration from there he loved the the soul and the tree worship of those people he was an amazing man and tried to bring awareness to the hunger to all people he was a good man he really was thank you for doing this
Black churches in my experience are the single most welcoming and wonderful places to be. I’m not religious but that was a core memory for me when I visited NY
Wow. Are you Sam Bell’s niece?
This song was written by Mac Davis about a friend of his that he grew up with. Their fathers worked together. He wrote it for Elvis (Elvis actually grew up in the ghetto and lived in poverty as a child) and Elvis’s manager didn’t want him to do it. Elvis fought him hard and told him he WAS recording it - he did and it was huge hit. It was written in 1969.
True
Props to Mac Davis. Proof that no matter what color you are, sometimes we have the same story. Simple words that convey so much in a song.
The same guy who wrote and sang 'It's hard to be humble'
Actually Mac Davis wrote the song for Sammy Davis. Jr. Sammy told him that he hadn't lived that life. Sammy then told him to take to Elvis because Elvis had.
Precisely right
Best entertainer to ever walk this earth! So glad younger generations are listening to his music. He was and will always be the Best!!
💥 💯 🎯 🙏
Elvis lived these words...he did not see color....I pray we all become like him...amen
"Certain people" didn't want Elvis to sing this song but as you can see he sang it anyway. Beautiful Song 🎵 ❤️
Every time I hear this song, the words he says about the little boy with a runny nose plays in the street where the cold wind blows "AND HIS HUNGER BURNS" It gives me chills every time I hear those words man. I WENT THRU it as a child growing up Camden, NJ & the struggle was REAL. HUNGER is one of THE worst feelings. It DOES burn. I've FELT it myself. Great reaction man🙏🏼😔✌🏼💔
Hunger is a unbelievable pain and you become desperate to eat. So you steal to survive and at the same time your grateful to anyone who wants to help you even if what their asking in return is illegal
Elvis grew up poor in East Tupelo, MS and he never saw color. I lived in East Tupelo, MS myself, never met him, but knew the Presley family. He died August 16th 1977 just a few months before I graduated from Tupelo High School. Me and a few of my friends were in Memphis, at Graceland the next night to pay our respects for the King of Rock and Roll!!!!! .....RIP Elvis Aaron Presley!!
My dad used to sing this to us in the winter in the 80s before bed with tears in his eyes. We were just emigrants with very little just cushions on the floor of the apartment and a bunch of roaches. But I still felt grateful every time he sang it to be warm on a cold night. He worked so hard for us and we got out but he passed away when I was a teenager always reminds me of him now ❤❤
Sorry you had to go through that. But remember it made you who you are. Strong. Im the same way❤
@@tammy5163 Thank you for your kind words xx it’s so nice to see kindness on this platform💜
Your father sounds like he was a good man. I’m so sorry you lost him🤗❤️
DADS AND MOMS ARE EVERYTHING...BLESSINGS
Thank you for that story.
In this song, the baby is not any particular race, this is how it is for all little kids. We choose as we grow in those circumstances. We choose to break away from the horrible cycle Elvis is singing about. I grew up like that, I chose a good way, my brother unfortunately did not. I am glad you enjoyed this song.
ELVIS was one of those that actually did grow up in the GHETTO! GHETTO'S don't have to be in Chicago or a large city. Even though he was born and lived until 14 yrs old in Tupelo, Mississippi; he was so poor that he and his Mama lived in the section of town where the white homes stopped and the black section began! His Mama shopped mainly in the black part of town! His father went to prison for writing a check on the company that he worked for! He needed rent and grocery money! When he was 14, his family moved to Memphis Tennessee, to find work. They lived in the projects there! ELVIS knew all about poverty! And, he never forgot his roots! He was a wonderful entertainer but also a fantastic humanitarian!!! Thank you for a fantastic reaction! In his short life, he recorded almost 800 songs, made 31 movies, won many, many awards and accolades and gave homes to the homeless, paid many medical and hospital bills, for people who could NOT afford to pay them, and also bought cars for those people who didn't have them! He definitely left this world a better place than he found it! Isn't that what we ALL should do? Please delve into the rabbit hole called ELVIS PRESLEY!!! You will be shocked by this WONDERFUL MAN!!! THANKS for a fantastic reaction!
His boyhood friend in Tupelo was Black, his name was Sam Bell, their backyard connected and the spent everyday with each other. They were so close that they didn't knock when they visited each other. They ate at each other's home, slept in the same bed together. They were only separated at school,Mr Bell said they were supposed to sit in designated areas for Blacks/ Whites at the movies but Elvis sat with him and the usher let them
Elvis was raised to dirt poor family. He was from the South and knew hunger...
white poor not black poor, big difference.
Armer zappa fan, hast niemand der dich ernst nimmt
Zappa looked like a bum at the end 🤣 🤣 🤣
What exactly do you think the difference is? Poor is poor. No matter what the color. I know....my family is all from West Virginia. Appalachia. Doesn't get poorer then that. Yes, I'm white. Why is absolutely everything about color? Its very sad and I do not understand.....
He sings from experience. He grew up in the ghetto ofTupelo, Mississippi. Whitney Houston’s mother Cissy, was one of his backup singers
To add some; Elvis lived in "poor sections" of Tupelo till 1948, when the family moved to Memphis & lived in public housing. Also, Cissy Houston is not in this vid (filmed Aug.13, 1970). Cissy was with Elvis for just 5 weeks in 1969 (ending Aug. 28, 1969). She had a solo contract & left the Sweet Inspirations to work on her solo career & spend more time home with her children. Of her brief time with Elvis, she said; “He was wonderful” “I loved him” “He was such a gentleman” & “so good looking, you didn’t even want to look nowhere else.”
@@wnsafford1854
I agree with everything you said 💯%❗️
I learned something new today, I did not know that. Marvelous back up singers for sure...
Elvis sang in the choir of a black pentecostal church.
@@alameas6358 Hey there. Are you feeling better now Alamea?
Greg, uou made me cry by the 4th stanza that you verified/acknowledgment the horror of this song, of poverty. I had to stop it a little over half way. Hearing him sing it was one thing but seeing you feel it/verify it was another, I stayed as long as I could to witness you on behalf pf all the victims. I appreciate your heart❣️
This was my mums favourite Elvis song, she always got emotional at this song.
I love Elvis... He feels every word he sings
He meaned every word in his songs
He sings from his raising expierance his struggled his life
You hear his emotions out even on his last song he ever did
Elvis lived it .. he was a special special man. 💕💕💕 Great reaction. Thank you!
no he did not.
Elvis never forgot where he came from. He loved his brothers and sisters in the black community. Such an emotional song. Great reaction video!
It's a terrible cycle isn't it Greg? Thank you for playing this amazing song and reacting to it. Elvis was a very compassionate man who grew up in the ghetto. A lot of us did and we understand and we care. Blessings to you
This song brought me to tears when if first came out all those years ago. ❤ Elvis had soul.
I was 13 years old (now 67) when this song came out and I cried everytime I heard him sing it. Hit me deep in my heart and soul. Really opened my young eyes to the world around me.
I am 64 now and I live in Australia. I had never heard the word "Ghetto" until this song. My mother explained how some people will always be treated unfairly, but individually we can try to make a difference by just treating everyone with respect and kindness. I cry every time I hear this song! I went to the Elvis movie with my daughter 3 hours after my mother died. At the end of the movie, I cried as I always do. A few months later my then 8-year-old granddaughter asked my daughter "Why did black people have to use separate toilets?" Like my mum had told me, my daughter told my granddaughter about how unfairly people can be treated. They then talked about Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parkes and Mahatma Gandhi and my daughter played a video of King's "I have a dream speech." My granddaughter watched it a second time before she commented, "That's so sad Mum because things haven't changed very much at all." I was taught that "Every drop of rain raises the sea. We can make a difference." One day I hope my daughter helps to make changes and can live in a world closer to King's dream, but I will be long dead. Thanks for reading my comments.
I was 14 years old and this song had the same effect on me !!
Love how Greg feels the emotions of this song. Elvis was color blind, thats what made him the greatest singer.
Who doesn't love Elvis? He was a one of a kind! Fun,serious,sexy,& well there are not enough adjectives for him! Great reaction!😇❤🎵
Mac Davis (who wrote "In the Ghetto") didn't like the way Elvis pronounced the word "ghetto"; he wanted him to sing it with softer "t"s, but he let it go.
Generous
Wanted to add. Elvis was one amazing talent but more than that he made history. He changed standards and expectations for the better. He refused to bow to pressure to conform Definitely a trailblazer. Thank you Elvis
Elvis loved everyone god bless him
He grew up in abject poverty. He lived in the poorest black community as one of the few white boys but made lots of friends. He did this song on an album in 1969, singing it here in 1970. Not much has changed all these years later. He even mentioned Chicago & yet still the struggle goes on. This song came alive again with the new Elvis movie that was just out. If you didn’t see it, it’s on streaming on Prime Video, Apple TV app, U tube to rent or buy and after watching it,you won’t believe the story behind his life. Besides having a God given talent, his story is very interesting. Highest of highs, lowest of lows and the ending was done respectfully, poignantly and emotionally. 😢 Thanks so much for sharing this with us. God bless.
I love how Elvis is not singing about someone’s life in the ghetto but an entire cycle of what happens there.
Elvis named his backup singers the sweet inspirations. Their voices and harmonies are ethereal! One of those beautiful women was Whitney Houston‘s mother, Cissy
Elvis sang with his heart. That's why so many loved him
Elvis sang all genres. I was 3 years old when he died and my mom was watching his Funeral on tv and I heard his voice have been hooked on him ever since. I encourage you to watch him at all ages of his music because he was talented in everything. He was so generous gave more to his fans then he took. Loved Jesus and all people. Michael Jackson even used a lot of his moves. He was and still is the best singer of all time.
Great reaction! Elvis grew up very poor. Grew up in the black community and being a little boy he didnt see color! He sang in church and unfortunately it was a time of segregation. Didnt matter to him. He loved all people! His mama did a good job raising him. He was generous with a huge heart & very humble. Please watch Elvis..King of Kindness and 68 Comeback Special in black leather sitting down That's Alright Mama/Lawdy Miss Clawdy/Heartbreak Hotel/Trying to Get to You. Thank you for keeping Elvis's memory alive TCB ⚡😎
Elvis had a huge heart for people he was honest about what he saw and surrounded by
I think that's why so many love and relate to Elvis. You can tell he was real. He never forgot his upbringing.
Morris Mac Davis was an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. A native of Lubbock, Texas, he enjoyed success as a crossover artist, and during his early career he wrote for Elvis Presley, providing him with the hits "Memories", "In the Ghetto", "Don't Cry Daddy", and "A Little Less Conversation".
memories. It was written by Billy Strange and Mac Davis
A Little Less Conversation Songwriters: Mac Davis / William E. Billy Strange
you need to be able to give credit to the right people.
Respect. Words. Elvis Presley is the real deal. Play along and listen. How Great Thou Art. Necessary.
Thank you for playing Elvis Presley love it ❤️❤️
The harmany of the women singing in the back gound is beautiful. This song does bring tears to you eye's .
Hi
Whitney Houston’s mom
Most people don't know that Elvis came up in the ghetto. They were poor. I have never heard a cover of this song. I believe this was performed in the sixties. How very sad it is still relavent today! Thanks for the reaction!
Out of all the songs he's sung, that one makes me cry each time I hear it.
I love Elvis since I was 5. My mom knew I had a lot of empathy when she heard me cry to this song every time I heard it. Elvis grew up in poverty and always helped others in need.
I remember when he recorded this song, everyone gave him a hard time.
He sang it from his heart ❤️ God rest his soul. Props.
Elvis draws tears to my eyes, with his voice and memories of my Mom and I loving him together.....despite him dieing a few months before I was born.
Props Greg for choosing this song. It’s a powerful song. Sadly, there are many folks living this. I think we can change things. Hopefully we do.
The king Elvis !changed the world for all music.He listened to himself.He stay d on top his own way.❤❤❤
Elvis and the black community! He’s a true MAN
He was censored by whites for his music and he didn't care. He was so beloved by the black community and black entertainers. He was very poor and he was from the ghetto. This song debut June 27 1969. Thanks for sharing. Katie 😊🌸
Dumb song.
This song was written by Mac Davis, who had a friend from the ghetto.
And yet Public Enemy called him a ' straight up racist' in their Fight the Power song. Wonder why they thought that?
He was also chastised by whites for using his African American singers. And was threatened that he would lose his career and be blacklisted from the industry. 🤔
Some people are just ignorant and racist for no reason and can't come up with a logical reason for it . Our history is full of offences against numerous other peoples, notably Trail of Tears,Native Americans, African Americans, who by the way were sold into slavery by their own people during World War 2 ,the Internment Camps of the Japanese,etc. and in each case their way of Life and Culture and Properties were seized. Shame on all of us😞 it is a different world now and we have come quite far ,we still have a long way to go. But let's not cut off our nose to spite our face as they say. It's illogical to rip away all reminders of the past it will not right the wrongs done but they should stay as a symbol of what has gone before and a reminder to take a kinder and gentler way forward, our young people and children will not believe us about what happened in the past if we remove everything that portrays that time and the people who were there and were part of those times. On a minor scale I always try and remind my kids how good they really have it as opposed to being raised in the 40s and 50s , when people generally had a lot of kids but were very strict and free labor as they put it ,no one gave us rides to school we had to walk and we had to work just as hard as our father and mother on farms and ranches and had to get good grades or "Else they said. One of our grown children claim that old people say that, they had to walk to school and work on the farm or ranch and still get good grades or Else. But is true, do you think back then regardless of what race you were you were going to get away with anything. The belt and 2x4 paddle wasn't all the threat they need to use against us kids. My point is don't erase the past or those who come after us will be condemn to repeat it.
He himself lived that same life when he was growing up so when he was singing that sound he truly was able to relate what was to go hungry, have no food to eat, no money and beening homeless. That's why when he came into so much money he shared it with those less fortunate because he never forgot where he came from and remined humble with all that fame.
you showed the truth
since i was a child i had elvis
I lived in the projects, and I saw this song played over and over. We don't have a skin problem. We have a sin problem. Hey, ya'll, we gotta love one another. Great selection, Greg. This is your boy from Tennessee trying to spread the love of Jesus Christ.
Oh Jesus He knew and helped so many people Thank You Jesus for Elvis
If you have not seen the Elvis movie that came out a month or two ago, I highly recommend seeing it. Elvis was born and raised in poverty. He got the poverty, felt blessed to be blessed, and he tried to sing a message that would get people’s attention. He was a flawed, decent man. I think that he tried to make a difference. Thank you for playing this song. It makes my heart hurt for a lot of people in difficulty. ❤️💔
That sir is the greatest performer that was and will be ever to grace this earth
Elvis was way ahead of his time.
Timeless song. Still gives me goosebumps.
Elvis is great, and we must give credit to Mac Davis, who was a phenomenal musician, and song writer! RIP...2 greats!
Elvis lived what he sang, was a veteran and still climbed to the top. He lived what he believed, so he's an inspiration and the fact that this song still touches people 50 years later is amazing and proves that he was exactly what he's been called.
He saw it because he lived it! He wasn't singing about any one race of people, but for ALL those who have struggled so bad and still do this day. He grew up extremely poor in the ghetto! He never forgot it or the people there. Elvis was pretty darn amazing if you look at where he started life, and then became! Nice job with your video Big Guy! Thanks for sharing.
Elvis is still the King. 👍Greetings from Denmark.
Elvis was the KING for a reason! Your reaction was so touching too!
Hi Greg...
I'm exercising great restraint to not pull out my soapbox and carry on about why poor folks were set up for failure..and who did the set up...
Yes this and many other songs by Elvis was meant to hit you in your feelings...many writers knew if Elvis would sing their songs..everyone would hear their messages...
Have an excellent week Greg...🌿🌿🌿
Well said Pamela❤
because he was marketed well, to the radio stations and white America.
Zappa troll how long did it take you to memorize everything? 🤣
Zappa looked like a bum at the end 🤣 🤣 🤣
I miss Elvis got to see him a long time ago at the Spectrum in Philadelphia..miss him.
Amazing.
The King for a reason. He could sing with deep heartfelt music.
This is my no 1 all time Elvis Presley song,i cry everytime i hear it,it is so powerful.
Elvis forever
Greg your reaction was touching... I was young when this came out in the the context of the Watts riots and the civil rights marches with King. It was a heavy time. And you’re right, Elvis hit the soul of the situation. I remember crying the first time I heard this.
Hey sweetheart, loved the reaction to Elvis, he lived in a shotgun house when he was a little boy, then the family moved to the projects in Memphis Tennessee, so he knew all too well, what it was like to grow up very poor, he never forgot where he came from and always treated everyone the same, another song you will really like is Elvis singing Walk a mile in my shoes, promise you will love it. Keep on the Elvis journey and you will learn so much more about MAN who changed the world in so many ways, thanks for the great reaction to Elvis. TCB 1935🤺🤺🤺⚡⚡⚡👑👑👑👑👃👃👃👃
First time I heard this song I cried like a baby. I could picture the scene. I could see a child growing up in the streets with mom working so hard to feed him and his siblings that she couldn't be there to lead him. Elvis himself grew up in conditions like that. It wasn't just black children who grew up dirt poor but children of any and every race. The words to this song are haunting but yet life the way it has always been for some.
Elvis fought to buy the rights to sing this song . There were A LOT of acts who wanted it . Elvis won , because Elvis don't lose . 😊
Well he did lose My Way to Frank Sinatra even though Paul Anka wrote it for him.
Elvis transcended all ethnic, cultural and societal boundaries. He had southern charm and manners. He had good looks and massive charisma too. He also spoke truth to power. A very risky but noble thing to do. I read where he had a concert set in Atlanta in the football stadium. The authorities did not want the black backup singers circling the infield with Elvis as he waved to his crowd. But Elvis threatened to cancel the event if they didn’t let them have their moment of respect and applause. He stood his ground and it’s just an example how he was admired by all races and classes. From the mid fifties to the mid sixties and the advent of The Beatles, Elvis ruled the airwaves. There will only ever be one Elvis. The man was a living legend.
Elvis was a good man.
That song always gives me the chills. and Elvis does it perfectly!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Long live Elvis!
I have to admit I just discovered you And had to see your opinion on this beautiful masterpiece. I was fortunate enough to grow up With a mom who was able to provide us with enough. But when the song was popular I still understood the message and the reality of it. But watching your response I think I actually felt the song truly for the 1st time. I am 56 And I so appreciate the younger generations Allowing themselves to experience A whole different world of sounds , stories, and magic music.
Great reaction to the King! Especially that he sang this in 1970.
Awesome reaction 👍“ Elvis and the Black community “ you’ll love Elvis even more 👍😊