Thank you for reacting to this- Elvis grew up in poverty. He was 1 of 4 white families living in a prominently black community in awful times of segregation. His neighbors helped his family alot!! He was raised in the church and saw people as human beings! He was raised very respectful. He sung this with such soul and compassion! He felt every word! RIP MLK, Elvis and Elvis's only child just passed. RIP Lisa Marie 🙏💔❤😭
Don’t forget the times this country was in 1968. His manager didn’t want him to do this song but Elvis wanted to close out the show with it, making a statement to the country. MLK was assassinated in April then in June RFK was also assassinated. This song was a dedication to both men.
This is a message Elvis was singing to the world. He loved the Lord Jesus and wanted peace and love to prevail! Awesome song. He always sang from his heart!🙏😊
Elvis once asked his limo driver, "Do you own this limo or do you work for the company?" He responded, "I work for the company." Elvis said "Well, you own it now." The limo driver's tip was the limo ❤
Colourless doesn't mean what you think it means. We see colour and acknowledge the struggle. The fact that Elvis was in the middle of that struggle is the point. As a successful white man he knew he was in a good position to raise awareness of the Black struggle. They were his people too, he saw their colour fine and tried to help as much as he could. You can't deny IDENTITY & history. That is not the way to say I am not a racist. Long live the King ❤
The most powerful message song that Elvis has ever performed,he put whole heart and soul in this performance,and it was written special for Elvis, because of the senseless killing of RFK and MLk,and this man didn't have a racist bone in his body ,he was a very humble person, treated everybody with respect,and a great humanitarian,
It was actually only written about MLK. Elvis was already in rehearsals for the show before RFK died. But before the 68 comeback special come out RFK was also assassinated. So he pretty much dedicated it to both of them.
This was about the assasination of MLK. His people didn't want him to do it and he told them to pound salt and did it anyways. People were afraid of the backlash and Elvis didn't care. He was one of the kindest loving giving people on the planet. He saw no color. Everybody was his brother and sister. That's why he's a legend not just because of his popularity but because of the human being that he was. RIP!
The red neck tie he is wearing, was in honor of all those who died, in Vietnam! The song was his tribute to MLK and Bobby Kennedy. They said he went backstage, and curled up in the fetal position and cried for hours!
To me this is the most important song ever done in history and the message it conveys to the world and from the greatest voice there ever was. Elvis was and is one of a kind
In The Ghetto is another great Elvis song that resonates with anyone who grew up poor. Elvis sure did, they were so poor the Presley's lived in the poor black section of Tupelo and all his childhood friends were the black kids that lived next to him. Naturally enough he grew up without a racist bone in his body and counted as his dear friends BB King, James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr, Muhammad Ali and in the movie Girls, Girls, Girls, Jackie Wilson visited him on set, so Elvis had him sit in the crowd for the song Return To Sender, and Elvis mimicked Jackie's dance moves, looking at him and smiling. At the end of the song Jackie stands up applauding and Elvis steps down and bows to him. It's a nice moment captured in time.
We've had 46 presidents, but only ONE king. Elvis transported music to a level that only a few singers since him could emulate. Pure music and talent. No auto-tune, lip syncing, or distractions.
Im 49. Elvis died when i was around 5. I grew up in the Eastside of S.A. made friends of many cultures and religions. Served the worlds greatest Navy and there made many friends of different cultures and religions. Elvis was an amazing person and performer. I hope 100+ years from now his music still plays.
This is 55 years old and is more relevant today than ever.Its also the Kings greatest performance.Which means it's the greatest performance ever by anyone ever 👑👑👑👑👑👑
Elvis Presley is one of the most underrated singers of all time everybody looks at him like he’s a entertainer Colonel Tom Parker hadn’t made these stupid movies and I was a man he kept the contract but he was one of the best Gospel singers of all time I don’t mean to sound blasphemous, but he is my God he’s truly amazing.
your remarks is the most overrated remark--underrated by whom? people with zero brains? may i suggest associating with people who have a higher IQ than 50..................
Underrated? Now i know some people dont understand that word but jesus fucking christ. The only person to come even close to the fame that elvis achieved during his time was MJ.
I can't think of another performance where a singer has put so much of his heart and soul into every word. This was more than just another song to him. He was delivering a message. One the world needed then and still needs today.
This one performance, just this one, shows why Elvis is the greatest of all time. Everything about this is perfect, and if you can't feel that he's feeling it, you have no soul.
Thank you! Elvis loved everyone. He learned his craft as a child/teen from black church and Gospal. That’s just a fact. He had no disrespect for black folks EVER.. He loved R&B, boogie, Rock a Billy and country. He just came at it when it ALL COLLIDED. And BOOM. His made Elvis. No disrespect to anyone. Just that E was the best ever to do it
I was 17 the night this special was on. I was in awe of this song and his performance. I shed tears, and then the show ended. He saved the best for last.
I remember watching this performance with my family when the song ended the room was silent. 68 was a tough year we lost MLK RFK and the Vietnam war was full blown. This song resonated with all of us.
This is one of the most moving and important songs erver recorded. He had this written after the assination of Martin Luher King, his friend, and Bobby Kennedy. The world was a mess, race tensions were high. He knew being one of the most influential voices of the time, he had to make a statement. The manager, Tv excecs and sponsors didnt want him to do it. This kind of music wasnt done by somoene like him. He lost a lot, he was sued.. but he didnt care, this meant sometting to him. He put his whole heart and soul into this song and it shows. 50plus years later this song is still needed. I am so happy that young people today, expecially black americans are starting to discover not only the talent, the beauty of his soul, and how much he loved black america and their music and how he championed for them. He grew up in the ghettos, within a black community. he sang from a teenager in the black gospel choir.All his music influences were from blacvk artists. Elvis didnt see colour, he wantred evertone to live in peace.
I truly appreciate people reacting to Elvis' "IF I CAN DREAM".... I was 15 years old and everyone in my family listened to Elvis. I really didn't understand the song when he did it in 1968 to much, I did think that it was a really good song. Years later I found out what it was all about. I am 70 years old now and every time I hear that song or watch the video of him singing it I still break out in tears. It is an amazing song with a lot of meaning and emotion in it.... It would truly fit in to the way the world is today. If people would only listen to it as it was meant be to hear him sing! Great Job on the reaction. Elvis sang a lot of songs with a lot of meaning to them. GOD BLESS YOU and YOURS!!!! LOVE & PRAYERS ALWAYS and FOREVER!!!! Wayne
I was two when we saw the Hawaï satellite concert on television. (1974) 😍 In love ever since. ❤🎶#goat The first everything! 🫶🏼 He only sang this song once btw. 🙏🏼✨
Dude! You missed the mic drop moment at the End by cutting it off too early. I would say about 40% of reactors do this. It amazes me every time. You missed the emotional climax of it for sure man. Go back and check it man he's exhausted cuz he gave it is all puts it up Breathing heavily and says thank you good night and then apparently he went backstage and just cried for a long time.
The red scarf was worn by Elvis as it represented the blood being spilled in 1968. The song is a tribute to MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Elvis cried while watching the funeral at MLK’s funeral. His wardrobe designer recommended the scarf 🧣 and it was his visual statement. A powerful speech and a song that moved Elvis to sing it with everything ha had. 😢
@@kaidenkeo It was Bobby Kennedy, not John. Bobby and Dr King were assassinated just months apart. Both were Civil Rights pioneers. Both paid the ultimate price for their kindness and compassion.
Yes, Elvis was an MLK supporter! Growing up in the south.... he was a rare individual that never had the prejudice that others did. There is a documentary "Elvis and the Black Community" that gives you a really good picture of what kind of person Elvis was. Not to mention attitudes that were indicative of those times! Elvis was referring to a dream of equality for us all!
Elvis is one of the most recognized & famous people in music history, & no doubt, one of the most talented, however his heart & love for humanity, is his true legacy 💗💜 I wish with every fiber of my being, that his dream would come true right now!!! 💗💜 RIP **Martin Luther King** RIP **Robert Kennedy** RIP **Elvis Presley** 💗💜 3 amazing men, who tried to change the world for the better, in their own unique ways, & paid the ultimate price💗 ****Luv your reaction **** 💗
After Elvis sang this, he said "I'll never sing another song I don't believe in. I'll never make another movie I don't believe in." This is a must-listen for everyone, Elvis fan or not. The message, just like Dr. King's speech, still resonates in 2023. I truly hope that we can walk together as one in my lifetime.
Everyone should see this performance. Elvis was a very kind generous soul full of compassion for his fellow man, and had the best voice and stage presence ever! Truly the King 🙏👍
This was recorded 2 months after Dr. King's death. Elvis came out of the same Memphis as MLK. It is said that they were friends. Elvis was profoundly affected by his assassination. There is an indepth description about Elvis recording this song in the studio and how the director of the 68 comeback special regretted not filming Elvis. Apparently he was on his knees in tears. The description was so detailed, it was like I was watching him myself. After recording this song, Elvis said that he would never siing a song againi that he didn't feel. Also, Elvis refused to sing this song again in a concert because he didn't want to cheapen it. Elvis didn't want applause or to make money. This was like a prayer in honor of Dr. King. Thank you for your reaction. Very honest, heartfelt and it is a breath of fresh air when I hear another human being wanting peace. It isn't hard. Just be nice and kind to those around you, those you meet along the way. Give when you can. Give someoone a kind word. Smile if you don't have the energy to talk. If you are too weak to smile, look in your heart and let God take the reigns when you can't anymore. Simple. We will have a better world even if some of us do a little bit of something. That's all.
Many many years ago I had a huge picture of John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King jr. and Bobby Kennedy, they were standing together, someone came into my home and stole it...I was devastated because I cherished that photo, I'm now 65 and every once in a while I look on the internet to see if I can find that very same photo and I haven't been lucky enough to find a copy!!
Wow terrific reaction and God bless our brothers and sisters in Christ on MLK Day. Death threats followed Elvis throughout his life and right into his grave from the mid 1950s until the day he died. At first because he would dance and sing far too provocatively for the era…. Similar to the way black performers would. Shop owners would get threatened to remove his albums by by local gangs. After his military service the death threats calmed down until Elvis' MLK tribute soon after MLK was assassinated. NBC execs insisted that Elvis sing a Christmas song to end his TV show. MLK and Robert Kennedy’s assassinations devastated Elvis, two people that he greatly admired because of their roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Elvis was a strong supporter - donating money to black businesses and organizations and hiring black musicians to high paying positions in his band and even among his staff. This wasn’t done in the 1960s. When these two icons were killed, Elvis wanted to deliver a message to a hurting nation bewildered with the violence and chaos. NBC sponsors threatened Elvis that he end with a Christmas song. Everyone was afraid to touch the topic of race during the race riots but Elvis knew what he was doing. NBC finally relented and Elvis delivered maybe the greatest social justice song ever recorded in his honor: If I Can Dream. Another Recommendation: Elvis and the Black Community. A great collaboration of interviews by legends and historic figures in the black community discussing Elvis. th-cam.com/video/xd1pXw1DmsA/w-d-xo.html
Not just any Christmas song, but "Here comes Santa Claus," while wearing a Christmas Sweater. Elvis was too cool for that, and had a much bigger message to share with the world. Thank God for that!
Perfectly described..and to think Quincy Jones using race card cause Elvis didn't want to work with him.. get bent .. no one in history or ever could possibly light a candle to the full package Elvis was. A true heavenly angel walked among us... ✨️ 💖
The world needs God. Only One who can stop all the evil. God Bless. I appreciate your reaction. I was a teenager when Elvis did this 1968 special. Cried the entire way thru this song and still do.
I have seen this song reacted to so many times I still get chills when I hear that man and see him and how much he means it! I’m glad people are finding that song and that he lived much of his life out of his control and a deep person inside
Excellent Commentary! Elvis was one of the biggest advocates for civil rights. He had major concert at sports arena, the owner of the arena told him, his black performers had to enter through back door, he publicly said all his musicians enter together through the front door, or he's not entering. Pls see the Elvis Movie with Austin Butler to understand the significance of this live performance of "If I can Dream," Elvis went through many measures to defy his manager & the network to make this performance happen. Thanks! 😇🙏♥️
There was also the time in 1970 at the astrodome. Elvis was told by the rodeo producer not to bring The Sweet Inspirations. He refused to play without them. After getting his way he insisted the producers daughter drive The Sweet Inspirations around the arena
Elvis was no advocate for civil rights. In order to be an advocate you need to speak about it. Elvis never did. In relation to the black artists, Elvis only started using them in 68. His career started in 54, 14 years earlier. Why? The only reason Elvis used any black artist was because white musicians were using black artists and Elvis had to get in on the act.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Actually he chose to employ the Sweet Inspirations because he liked their sound. He had every genre of music backing him. He couldn't have afforded back up singers initially and then was directed by others and had the Jordanaires, I believe. He got distracted by the army and his film career. As soon as he was back to performing he worked with artists of any ethnicity. Why do so many people want to label Elvis as racist - usually people who know nothing about him. Elvis didn't need to get in on any act - he was Elvis. The Sweet Inspirations loved him to death and he them. Have you ever heard this beautiful tribute to Arthur Crudup from Elvis? "I used to hear old Arthur Crudup bang his box the way I do now, and I said if I ever got to the place I could feel all old Arthur felt, I'd be a music man like nobody ever saw!" Elvis adored black artists and was heavily influenced and grateful to them.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425you are probably the most delusional person I’ve ever seen, this song is written to stand out against people like you. Every comment you’re hating, I hope you find better things to do with your time.
That was indescribable. Wow. When you combine the meaning of the song with the quality of vocals, back up singers, trumpets, the passion AND this was LIVE! Dude this was a 10. I mean, what else could he have done to improve it. This was a flawless performance.
I just watched the Elvis movie today and I honestly was blown away. I was only 15 when he died so I wasn't into him I missed out for sure. But my mom was a teen when he broke out. Nice job
Still relevant and powerful today. Beautifully written song. Outstanding performance. Elvis...still talked about and loved 47 years after his death. ❤❤😢😢
as a huge elvis fan and have been since i was a little kid, i have love many of his songs, but THIS is the song that made me fall in love with him as an artist. i have heard this over 200 times and i still well up with tears and makes my hair stand on end.
I'd grew up listening to the king of rock n roll through my very beautiful grandmother Judy she is a very huge fan of herself she is just 8 yrs younger then Mr. Presley himself too and my beautiful grandmother she grew up on a dairy farm with her 13 siblings and she was the 8th child to be born to Sylvetta Smith and Richard Smith too my great grandparents got married in 1934 and had their very first child in the same year too a baby girl and their last child was born in 1954 too a baby boy. It was very sad indeed when the world lost Mr. Presley in 1977 I wasn't born until 8 yrs later in the mid 80's too but I truly love all of his music growing up too and I also love the movie Elvis that came out last year I do have the movie on blu ray and I'd watched it 3 times too a very good movie definitely I was born with a disability I do have cerebral palsy in my lower half of my body too but I don't let it get me down too but same times I do have good days and I do have bad times too much love too.
Elvis grew up in the church & specifically in a black church that was near his home which welcomed hiim & his mother.. gospel music was his absolute favorite & he had the largest collection of gospel music in america at one time... the network was opposed to his doing this song but he had so much respect & admiration for dr. king & took inspiration from him he stood his ground & basically said no song.. no special.. the infulence of his church upbringing is so up front in this performance & he literally did take us to church with this Thank you for sharing such an honest & heart touching reaction with us check out his performance of how great thou art the best video version is of him in a blue jumpsuit from 1972
In the early 80s my brother asked for tapes for Christmas from our gramma. He got Elvis and Alabama. They became my first tapes. Alabama sucked but I wore the Elvis out!!
I have loved Elvis since I was about 10. He sang with every fiber of his being. Great video reaction. I was struck by the picture behind you of Tupac. Totally different artists but they shared a vision of peace and harmony. Thanks for sharing. And yes I'm a 63 year old woman who loved Pac as well ❤
Elvis dropped to the floor after singing this, and in the foetal position cried like a baby. That’s what you call putting your heart and soul into a song spreading a message of truth and hope. Unlike today, when all they sing about is sex and doom and gloom ! Thanks for reacting. Try Sam Cooke, a change is gonna come. Another heart felt song.
and after he stopped crying he said he would never sing or act in another movie he did not believe in, so guess what? He never sang this song again because it meant nothing to him. HAH!
This song sung that way could be sung today in 2024 and still have the same meaning. Elvis’s passionate way he sang songs he meant were quite emotional. Around 9 years later, he’d be gone & so I’m happy future generations can hear this on the internet and listen to that passion from a man who grew up in abject poverty and lived in poor and mixed neighborhoods & tried to help others through his singing, his generosity( so much ,to a fault), and his friendships with all people. He had many black friends that when he died, James Brown had to be taken from the viewing several times because he was so distraught. BB King was a friend of him. Sammy Davis Jr. loved him & Mohammed Ali was a good friend of his and spoke so beautifully about him after his death. They’d played pranks on each other. 😊😂😂❤❤❤❤❤
This song is just amazing & Elvis will always be king. If you have not checked out 'In the ghetto' you should definitely watch it. He was very active in condemning racism & raising awareness to the ugliness of the world.
Thanks for reacting to Elvis, I just subbed because of the voice of an angel, this performance is the greatest performance ever Known, it should be shown in commercials around the world and in the radio, sends a message that never gets old, he puts his Whole Heart and soul in the. Performance, I was only 8 years old when this 68 comeback special was on , got the. Largest audience that week, I hope you stay on the Elvis journey, we love our main man Elvis, thanks so much , oh, would you react to Elvis singing Walk a mile in my shoes and Just Pretend, both beautiful songs,, totally different genres, TCB 1935🕺🕺🕺⚡⚡⚡👑👑👑⚡🎵🎵🎵🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for reacting to this- Elvis grew up in poverty. He was 1 of 4 white families living in a prominently black community in awful times of segregation. His neighbors helped his family alot!! He was raised in the church and saw people as human beings! He was raised very respectful. He sung this with such soul and compassion! He felt every word! RIP MLK, Elvis and Elvis's only child just passed. RIP Lisa Marie 🙏💔❤😭
❤
💖🦋
MLK, Robert, Kennedy, Medger Evers assassinations all effected Elvis tremendously. They were all devastating.
@Random Female You had to go there. You completely missed the point.
I love you for this comment, beautiful stranger. Very spot on.
Greatest tribute song to the death of Dr Martin Luther King Jr ever done. And people called Elvis a racist and BB King was one of his best friends
Elvis made it a point. To pay respect to make during this special. No other artist did. Elvis did
AFTER THIS SONG BACKSTAGE HE CRIED AND WAS INCONSOLABLE. HE WAS A GOOD GUY. JUST A POOR KID.WITH A LOT OF TALENT THAT MADE IT BIG.
They took several takes of this song. They took #3 for the special.
THANKS. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT. I LOVE STUFF LIKE THAT.@@rolltide9547
Don’t forget the times this country was in 1968. His manager didn’t want him to do this song but Elvis wanted to close out the show with it, making a statement to the country.
MLK was assassinated in April then in June RFK was also assassinated. This song was a dedication to both men.
Thank you Elvis 💕
Yes it was
Colonel Parker said Elvis fans would not like this song. Last year it was voted #1 on Elvis XM radio.
Colonel Parker was the ultimate selfish a-hole.
The reason no one else has recorded this song is they can't do it any better than the King.
This is a message Elvis was singing to the world. He loved the Lord Jesus and wanted peace and love to prevail! Awesome song. He always sang from his heart!🙏😊
Elvis once asked his limo driver, "Do you own this limo or do you work for the company?" He responded, "I work for the company." Elvis said "Well, you own it now." The limo driver's tip was the limo ❤
True story because i heard the limo driver talk about this. Elvis was the kindest most generous person. He is still loved around the world.
That's the most Elvis thing 😂
Elvis was the first major Super Star, and he deserved it.
He used his fame and wealth responsibility to help others. ❤
Elvis was color blind...beautiful person inside and out ❤❤❤..don't listen to the haters, they are clueless !!!...
to say that denies the identity of a person.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 thats ridiculous
@@hollywinningham6375 was my comment too intellectual for you? ask a black person if they identify as a black person. FOOL!
Colourless doesn't mean what you think it means. We see colour and acknowledge the struggle. The fact that Elvis was in the middle of that struggle is the point. As a successful white man he knew he was in a good position to raise awareness of the Black struggle. They were his people too, he saw their colour fine and tried to help as much as he could. You can't deny IDENTITY & history. That is not the way to say I am not a racist.
Long live the King ❤
@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 seriously, can you believe people still don't know this. I hear you, Elvis knew it too ❤
If people would have listened more to MLK & Elvis is the 60s how much better could the world be today
after 55 years i still cry every single time i hear Elvis sing this song
I am 64 a.d still cry every time I hear this
I'm 70 and it still touches me deeply. Elvis was such a gift.
@@vickiebrown1064 I agree 💯
I’m 41.
I love Elvis!
He did this song with so much power
The most powerful message song that Elvis has ever performed,he put whole heart and soul in this performance,and it was written special for Elvis, because of the senseless killing of RFK and MLk,and this man didn't have a racist bone in his body ,he was a very humble person, treated everybody with respect,and a great humanitarian,
God bless you
It was actually only written about MLK. Elvis was already in rehearsals for the show before RFK died. But before the 68 comeback special come out RFK was also assassinated. So he pretty much dedicated it to both of them.
The ...IF I CAN DREAM SONG...was so emotionally hard on Elvis, that after he was done he broke down in the dressing room after everyone had left...❤😪
This was about the assasination of MLK. His people didn't want him to do it and he told them to pound salt and did it anyways. People were afraid of the backlash and Elvis didn't care. He was one of the kindest loving giving people on the planet. He saw no color. Everybody was his brother and sister. That's why he's a legend not just because of his popularity but because of the human being that he was. RIP!
This is the greatest performance ever recorded.
Elvis is not even in my top 5 favorite artists, but I agree this is the greatest performance ever recorded.
Elvis loved all people. ❤
The red neck tie he is wearing, was in honor of all those who died, in Vietnam! The song was his tribute to MLK and Bobby Kennedy. They said he went backstage, and curled up in the fetal position and cried for hours!
The Red Scarf was for the Soldiers who gave their life in Vietnam and the White Suit is for Hope ❤
To me this is the most important song ever done in history and the message it conveys to the world and from the greatest voice there ever was. Elvis was and is one of a kind
Agree 💯
you have a limited knowledge of music.
Amen to that!
In The Ghetto is another great Elvis song that resonates with anyone who grew up poor. Elvis sure did, they were so poor the Presley's lived in the poor black section of Tupelo and all his childhood friends were the black kids that lived next to him. Naturally enough he grew up without a racist bone in his body and counted as his dear friends BB King, James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr, Muhammad Ali and in the movie Girls, Girls, Girls, Jackie Wilson visited him on set, so Elvis had him sit in the crowd for the song Return To Sender, and Elvis mimicked Jackie's dance moves, looking at him and smiling. At the end of the song Jackie stands up applauding and Elvis steps down and bows to him. It's a nice moment captured in time.
We've had 46 presidents, but only ONE king.
Elvis transported music to a level that only a few singers since him could emulate. Pure music and talent. No auto-tune, lip syncing, or distractions.
Im 49. Elvis died when i was around 5. I grew up in the Eastside of S.A. made friends of many cultures and religions. Served the worlds greatest Navy and there made many friends of different cultures and religions. Elvis was an amazing person and performer. I hope 100+ years from now his music still plays.
This is 55 years old and is more relevant today than ever.Its also the Kings greatest performance.Which means it's the greatest performance ever by anyone ever 👑👑👑👑👑👑
For me this was the best live performance ever!
Elvis was way ahead of his time and this song proves it, we need it now more than ever
Elvis was not ahead of his time, he was a puppet.
This is why he is known as the king !
This came out in 68 and it still holds true today.
Elvis Presley is one of the most underrated singers of all time everybody looks at him like he’s a entertainer Colonel Tom Parker hadn’t made these stupid movies and I was a man he kept the contract but he was one of the best Gospel singers of all time I don’t mean to sound blasphemous, but he is my God he’s truly amazing.
your remarks is the most overrated remark--underrated by whom? people with zero brains? may i suggest associating with people who have a higher IQ than 50..................
Underrated? Now i know some people dont understand that word but jesus fucking christ. The only person to come even close to the fame that elvis achieved during his time was MJ.
I can't think of another performance where a singer has put so much of his heart and soul into every word. This was more than just another song to him. He was delivering a message. One the world needed then and still needs today.
This one performance, just this one, shows why Elvis is the greatest of all time. Everything about this is perfect, and if you can't feel that he's feeling it, you have no soul.
Thank you! Elvis loved everyone. He learned his craft as a child/teen from black church and Gospal. That’s just a fact. He had no disrespect for black folks EVER.. He loved R&B, boogie, Rock a Billy and country. He just came at it when it ALL COLLIDED. And BOOM. His made Elvis. No disrespect to anyone. Just that E was the best ever to do it
I was 17 the night this special was on. I was in awe of this song and his performance. I shed tears, and then the show ended. He saved the best for last.
I believe whole world was in awe with this comeback
It’s amazing all these years later ! If only people could just show love to each other… MLKs dream can still come true….
I remember watching this performance with my family when the song ended the room was silent. 68 was a tough year we lost MLK RFK and the Vietnam war was full blown. This song resonated with all of us.
I'm always surprised Elvis doesn't faint after every performance, cuz he gives it his ALL! 💯 Soooo much passion! 🔥👏💖 The KING!
This is one of the most moving and important songs erver recorded. He had this written after the assination of Martin Luher King, his friend, and Bobby Kennedy. The world was a mess, race tensions were high. He knew being one of the most influential voices of the time, he had to make a statement. The manager, Tv excecs and sponsors didnt want him to do it. This kind of music wasnt done by somoene like him. He lost a lot, he was sued.. but he didnt care, this meant sometting to him. He put his whole heart and soul into this song and it shows. 50plus years later this song is still needed. I am so happy that young people today, expecially black americans are starting to discover not only the talent, the beauty of his soul, and how much he loved black america and their music and how he championed for them. He grew up in the ghettos, within a black community. he sang from a teenager in the black gospel choir.All his music influences were from blacvk artists. Elvis didnt see colour, he wantred evertone to live in peace.
who sued Elvis?
The prayer heard around the world...
I truly appreciate people reacting to Elvis' "IF I CAN DREAM".... I was 15 years old and everyone in my family listened to Elvis. I really didn't understand the song when he did it in 1968 to much, I did think that it was a really good song. Years later I found out what it was all about. I am 70 years old now and every time I hear that song or watch the video of him singing it I still break out in tears.
It is an amazing song with a lot of meaning and emotion in it.... It would truly fit in to the way the world is today. If people would only listen to it as it was meant be to hear him sing!
Great Job on the reaction. Elvis sang a lot of songs with a lot of meaning to them.
GOD BLESS YOU and YOURS!!!!
LOVE & PRAYERS ALWAYS and FOREVER!!!!
Wayne
Thank you for your wonderful comments. It's good to see young people appreciate Elvis 🙏
I was two when we saw the Hawaï satellite concert on television. (1974) 😍 In love ever since. ❤🎶#goat The first everything! 🫶🏼 He only sang this song once btw. 🙏🏼✨
Dude! You missed the mic drop moment at the End by cutting it off too early. I would say about 40% of reactors do this. It amazes me every time. You missed the emotional climax of it for sure man. Go back and check it man he's exhausted cuz he gave it is all puts it up Breathing heavily and says thank you good night and then apparently he went backstage and just cried for a long time.
I can never get enough of this song and the man who's singing it. I miss him. Thanks for presenting this.
Me too. I mourn all the years since he wrote this song that the dream still hasn't come true.
The red scarf was worn by Elvis as it represented the blood being spilled in 1968. The song is a tribute to MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Elvis cried while watching the funeral at MLK’s funeral. His wardrobe designer recommended the scarf 🧣 and it was his visual statement. A powerful speech and a song that moved Elvis to sing it with everything ha had. 😢
Thank you so much for sharing this
The song was song after JKF. The dong was tribute to MLK and JFK. And he cried on both MLK and JFK.
@@kaidenkeo It was Bobby Kennedy, not John. Bobby and Dr King were assassinated just months apart. Both were Civil Rights pioneers. Both paid the ultimate price for their kindness and compassion.
Yes, Elvis was an MLK supporter! Growing up in the south.... he was a rare individual that never had the prejudice that others did. There is a documentary "Elvis and the Black Community" that gives you a really good picture of what kind of person Elvis was. Not to mention attitudes that were indicative of those times! Elvis was referring to a dream of equality for us all!
how many people make up the black community?
he is amazing, thats one of his best songs, a great message to the world
Elvis is one of the most recognized & famous people in music history, & no doubt, one of the most talented, however his heart & love for humanity, is his true legacy 💗💜 I wish with every fiber of my being, that his dream would come true right now!!! 💗💜 RIP **Martin Luther King** RIP **Robert Kennedy** RIP **Elvis Presley** 💗💜 3 amazing men, who tried to change the world for the better, in their own unique ways, & paid the ultimate price💗 ****Luv your reaction **** 💗
Never has a better tribute to MLK been performed! R.I.P Elvis
It was for john F. Kennedy and Martin L. King
@@natalygibson8367 yes indeed it was! Both Great Men! I always think of MLK more when I hear this song though.
@@natalygibson8367 I think you probably mean Robert Kennedy. JFK was killed 5 years earlier, in 1963😊!
With respect, U2’s Pride in the Name of Love is a very powerful tribute to Dr King.
Absolutely selfless 🙏 love elvis presley ❤
After Elvis sang this, he said "I'll never sing another song I don't believe in. I'll never make another movie I don't believe in." This is a must-listen for everyone, Elvis fan or not. The message, just like Dr. King's speech, still resonates in 2023. I truly hope that we can walk together as one in my lifetime.
and he never sang this song again, so he didn't believe in it.
Yes he did stop trolling.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425Rubbish! He didn't sing it again, but not for that reason. I
@@youtubeuserthinker what was the reason?
@@williamsweeney3215 when? be specific now.
You’re so right about the evil out there….makes me so sad.
Everyone should see this performance. Elvis was a very kind generous soul full of compassion for his fellow man, and had the best voice and stage presence ever! Truly the King 🙏👍
This was recorded 2 months after Dr. King's death. Elvis came out of the same Memphis as MLK. It is said that they were friends. Elvis was profoundly affected by his assassination. There is an indepth description about Elvis recording this song in the studio and how the director of the 68 comeback special regretted not filming Elvis. Apparently he was on his knees in tears. The description was so detailed, it was like I was watching him myself.
After recording this song, Elvis said that he would never siing a song againi that he didn't feel. Also, Elvis refused to sing this song again in a concert because he didn't want to cheapen it. Elvis didn't want applause or to make money. This was like a prayer in honor of Dr. King.
Thank you for your reaction. Very honest, heartfelt and it is a breath of fresh air when I hear another human being wanting peace. It isn't hard. Just be nice and kind to those around you, those you meet along the way. Give when you can. Give someoone a kind word. Smile if you don't have the energy to talk. If you are too weak to smile, look in your heart and let God take the reigns when you can't anymore.
Simple. We will have a better world even if some of us do a little bit of something. That's all.
Listen to Elvis Presley's in the ghetto
What a great and powerful message! Elvis is the best!
Elvis Is Elvis: soul, voice, heart!
Thank you for posting, R.I.P. Elvis🙏, from Italy 🇮🇹
So powerful…He sang that from the heart and soul ❤❤❤
Many many years ago I had a huge picture of John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King jr. and Bobby Kennedy, they were standing together, someone came into my home and stole it...I was devastated because I cherished that photo, I'm now 65 and every once in a while I look on the internet to see if I can find that very same photo and I haven't been lucky enough to find a copy!!
Wow terrific reaction and God bless our brothers and sisters in Christ on MLK Day.
Death threats followed Elvis throughout his life and right into his grave from the mid 1950s until the day he died. At first because he would dance and sing far too provocatively for the era…. Similar to the way black performers would. Shop owners would get threatened to remove his albums by by local gangs.
After his military service the death threats calmed down until Elvis' MLK tribute soon after MLK was assassinated.
NBC execs insisted that Elvis sing a Christmas song to end his TV show.
MLK and Robert Kennedy’s assassinations devastated Elvis, two people that he greatly admired because of their roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Elvis was a strong supporter - donating money to black businesses and organizations and hiring black musicians to high paying positions in his band and even among his staff. This wasn’t done in the 1960s.
When these two icons were killed, Elvis wanted to deliver a message to a hurting nation bewildered with the violence and chaos. NBC sponsors threatened Elvis that he end with a Christmas song. Everyone was afraid to touch the topic of race during the race riots but Elvis knew what he was doing.
NBC finally relented and Elvis delivered maybe the greatest social justice song ever recorded in his honor: If I Can Dream.
Another Recommendation: Elvis and the Black Community. A great collaboration of interviews by legends and historic figures in the black community discussing Elvis. th-cam.com/video/xd1pXw1DmsA/w-d-xo.html
Haha loser
WELL said
Not just any Christmas song, but "Here comes Santa Claus," while wearing a Christmas Sweater. Elvis was too cool for that, and had a much bigger message to share with the world. Thank God for that!
Perfectly described..and to think Quincy Jones using race card cause Elvis didn't want to work with him.. get bent .. no one in history or ever could possibly light a candle to the full package Elvis was. A true heavenly angel walked among us... ✨️ 💖
Excellent explanation!
The world needs God. Only One who can stop all the evil. God Bless. I appreciate your reaction. I was a teenager when Elvis did this 1968 special. Cried the entire way thru this song and still do.
Yes. Amen. This is exactly what Elvis meant. ❤. His best song!
I have seen this song reacted to so many times I still get chills when I hear that man and see him and how much he means it! I’m glad people are finding that song and that he lived much of his life out of his control and a deep person inside
Excellent Commentary!
Elvis was one of the biggest advocates for civil rights. He had major concert at sports arena, the owner of the arena told him, his black performers had to enter through back door, he publicly said all his musicians enter together through the front door, or he's not entering.
Pls see the Elvis Movie with Austin Butler to understand the significance of this live performance of "If I can Dream," Elvis went through many measures to defy his manager & the network to make this performance happen. Thanks! 😇🙏♥️
There was also the time in 1970 at the astrodome. Elvis was told by the rodeo producer not to bring The Sweet Inspirations. He refused to play without them. After getting his way he insisted the producers daughter drive The Sweet Inspirations around the arena
Elvis was no advocate for civil rights. In order to be an advocate you need to speak about it. Elvis never did. In relation to the black artists, Elvis only started using them in 68. His career started in 54, 14 years earlier. Why? The only reason Elvis used any black artist was because white musicians were using black artists and Elvis had to get in on the act.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Actually he chose to employ the Sweet Inspirations because he liked their sound. He had every genre of music backing him. He couldn't have afforded back up singers initially and then was directed by others and had the Jordanaires, I believe. He got distracted by the army and his film career. As soon as he was back to performing he worked with artists of any ethnicity. Why do so many people want to label Elvis as racist - usually people who know nothing about him.
Elvis didn't need to get in on any act - he was Elvis. The Sweet Inspirations loved him to death and he them.
Have you ever heard this beautiful tribute to Arthur Crudup from Elvis? "I used to hear old Arthur Crudup bang his box the way I do now, and I said if I ever got to the place I could feel all old Arthur felt, I'd be a music man like nobody ever saw!"
Elvis adored black artists and was heavily influenced and grateful to them.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425you are probably the most delusional person I’ve ever seen, this song is written to stand out against people like you. Every comment you’re hating, I hope you find better things to do with your time.
That was indescribable. Wow. When you combine the meaning of the song with the quality of vocals, back up singers, trumpets, the passion AND this was LIVE! Dude this was a 10. I mean, what else could he have done to improve it. This was a flawless performance.
Elvis the legend the Goat of music.
Elvis was the king sorry MJ . 5his song needs to be blasted around the world right now..
I still have the dream. I can't give up. God bless everyone.
A very powerful song, performed to perfection.
I just watched the Elvis movie today and I honestly was blown away. I was only 15 when he died so I wasn't into him I missed out for sure. But my mom was a teen when he broke out. Nice job
Still relevant and powerful today. Beautifully written song. Outstanding performance.
Elvis...still talked about and loved 47 years after his death. ❤❤😢😢
He sang that live too. What a voice. I shed a tear. I was barely crawling when this came out.
I saw Elvis sing this in person and it sent chills through me and it brought tears to me.
Thank you for a great reaction to this soulful song and a wonderful performance by Elvis.
I did not know about Elvis singing this song to MLK awesome I love him even more! I agree with you we need more love in this work!
Yes, only Jesus Christ living in us can cause us to love one another.amen.
Yes we have o pray. His soul is singing still and touching your soul. That's immortality and Grace from God.
This is one of the most beautiful and meaningful songs Elvis has ever performed. Come on Sun! Stay with us. We are all equal. Just ❤️love.
I read his background singers were in tears by the end of the song.
Thank you , I’m glad you like Elvis, Texas saying hello to you, good show sir.
Look up in the garden Elvis Presley
He is the King and there is no other.
Thank God for ELVIS 🙏👑🙏👑
Best ever this man
Gr from Amsterdam
as a huge elvis fan and have been since i was a little kid, i have love many of his songs, but THIS is the song that made me fall in love with him as an artist. i have heard this over 200 times and i still well up with tears and makes my hair stand on end.
"You have to have love in your heart". You said it best. Amen.
It's Elvis...nuff said
RIP MLK and Elvis ❤
What a powerful song. Makes me cry every time.
I'd grew up listening to the king of rock n roll through my very beautiful grandmother Judy she is a very huge fan of herself she is just 8 yrs younger then Mr. Presley himself too and my beautiful grandmother she grew up on a dairy farm with her 13 siblings and she was the 8th child to be born to Sylvetta Smith and Richard Smith too my great grandparents got married in 1934 and had their very first child in the same year too a baby girl and their last child was born in 1954 too a baby boy. It was very sad indeed when the world lost Mr. Presley in 1977 I wasn't born until 8 yrs later in the mid 80's too but I truly love all of his music growing up too and I also love the movie Elvis that came out last year I do have the movie on blu ray and I'd watched it 3 times too a very good movie definitely I was born with a disability I do have cerebral palsy in my lower half of my body too but I don't let it get me down too but same times I do have good days and I do have bad times too much love too.
Dreams never changed over 50 years later still a dream but people will never see that candle till it’s too late
My goodness, the emotion Elvis put in this goes right to the heart. Amazing performance.
Elvis grew up in the church & specifically in a black church that was near his home which welcomed hiim & his mother..
gospel music was his absolute favorite & he had the largest collection of gospel music in america at one time...
the network was opposed to his doing this song but he had so much respect & admiration for dr. king & took inspiration from him he stood his ground & basically said no song.. no special..
the infulence of his church upbringing is so up front in this performance & he literally did take us to church with this
Thank you for sharing such an honest & heart touching reaction with us
check out his performance of how great thou art the best video version is of him in a blue jumpsuit from 1972
In the early 80s my brother asked for tapes for Christmas from our gramma. He got Elvis and Alabama. They became my first tapes. Alabama sucked but I wore the Elvis out!!
And this was 68!
I have loved Elvis since I was about 10. He sang with every fiber of his being. Great video reaction. I was struck by the picture behind you of Tupac. Totally different artists but they shared a vision of peace and harmony. Thanks for sharing. And yes I'm a 63 year old woman who loved Pac as well ❤
Elvis dropped to the floor after singing this, and in the foetal position cried like a baby. That’s what you call putting your heart and soul into a song spreading a message of truth and hope. Unlike today, when all they sing about is sex and doom and gloom ! Thanks for reacting. Try Sam Cooke, a change is gonna come. Another heart felt song.
and after he stopped crying he said he would never sing or act in another movie he did not believe in, so guess what? He never sang this song again because it meant nothing to him. HAH!
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 You knew him personally? As you don't like Elvis why don't you visit another site?
Elvis was the G.O.A.T
It is truly sad that what he singing back then is something that we should be doing now GOD BLESS US ALL & I PRAY THAT SOME DAY IT WILL COME TRUE
He was the king
This song sung that way could be sung today in 2024 and still have the same meaning. Elvis’s passionate way he sang songs he meant were quite emotional. Around 9 years later, he’d be gone & so I’m happy future generations can hear this on the internet and listen to that passion from a man who grew up in abject poverty and lived in poor and mixed neighborhoods & tried to help others through his singing, his generosity( so much ,to a fault), and his friendships with all people. He had many black friends that when he died, James Brown had to be taken from the viewing several times because he was so distraught. BB King was a friend of him. Sammy Davis Jr. loved him & Mohammed Ali was a good friend of his and spoke so beautifully about him after his death. They’d played pranks on each other. 😊😂😂❤❤❤❤❤
This song is just amazing & Elvis will always be king. If you have not checked out 'In the ghetto' you should definitely watch it. He was very active in condemning racism & raising awareness to the ugliness of the world.
Thanks for reacting to Elvis, I just subbed because of the voice of an angel, this performance is the greatest performance ever Known, it should be shown in commercials around the world and in the radio, sends a message that never gets old, he puts his Whole Heart and soul in the. Performance, I was only 8 years old when this 68 comeback special was on , got the. Largest audience that week, I hope you stay on the Elvis journey, we love our main man Elvis, thanks so much , oh, would you react to Elvis singing Walk a mile in my shoes and Just Pretend, both beautiful songs,, totally different genres, TCB 1935🕺🕺🕺⚡⚡⚡👑👑👑⚡🎵🎵🎵🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏
We are all God's children and should try to treat each other that way