Do you know the story behind his backup singers...The Sweet Inspirations....Cissy Houston, Whitneys mother, was a founding member. When Elvis went back on tour after all the movies, there were cities that told him to leave the black girl singers at home. Elvis stood his ground and made it clear that if they werent welcome, he wasnt going to those cities. Of course those cities changed their minds! Elvis was the real deal!
So very true. If his backup singers were not aloud to stay at the hotel, or even perform, he damned straight told them, to hell with ya. If they cant be here, than I won't be here. He did not give a damned what people thought. He knew what was right and stood his ground.
you're 100% right Elvis loved his band a he had the best band a back up singers ,,,Elvis didn't care what color people were in his heart he knew a believed we are all God's children a we need to show love a kindness to our fellowman Elvis had such a loving sad a humble heart. God made him that way a his mom did to. Elvis was the best example of love a caring. ,,,,,But it was Jesus Christ was the first. Jesus Christ is the only King of Kings But it was Elvis that was the king of music.
You should listen to Elvis singing “If I Could Dream”. It’s a tribute song about Dr. Martin Luther King getting assassinated that also the second Kennedy getting assassinated.
Another thing that happened in the 70s was when he went to a Cadillac dealer and a black woman was peeking througj the display windows. The owners wanted to shoo her away but Elvis requested to get her inside..When she was next to him he told her to pick any car she'd like and he'd pay for it. Look it up
He was a young child in the ghetto. That's why he gave away so much of his money and he always felt he didn't deserve it. He didn't see color. Please do more of him. He's always been my favorite!
Arlene ElvisGirl EVERYONE sees color. It is what you do with it that makes you who you are. Elvis didn't think color made any person better or worse than another. Nor did poverty. He had a beautiful heart. This song makes me cry every time I hear it. *** I get goosebumps every time I hear this song.
His studio and manager didn’t want him to record this song. They thought it was too controversial. He didn’t listen thank goodness. This song touched his heart deeply. FYI...one of his backup singers was Whitney Houston’s mom Cissy. There is a video here on TH-cam of her talking about Elvis. She loved him.
I cry evry time I hear this song. What makes me so sad about it is that it is over 50 years old and still nothing has changed in the USA and most of the world. We as the people still haven't learned to treat each other with respect, no matter where you come from or what colour your skin has. I am a priviliged white woman from Germany and I never understood how you can treat people differently just because their skin is a shade darker or they believe in a mystical being. We should not care about colour, race or religion. We should care about how the person is on the inside. No matter how you look, it is your heart, your mind and your soul that matters, nothing else.
Elvis Presley understood what" burning hunger" felt like! He grew up in Tupelo & knew poverty better than anyone! He had empathy for all people ! He knew that the important message of this song needed to be heard! As usual, he used music to express his innermost feelings! I just knew that this song would touch you deeply! This is what Elvis was famous for doing --that is ---touching our heartstrings! Thanks again!
Thing about this song they said no one would sing it and they didn't want Elvis to sing it but since he was raised in the poorest area of Memphis he did it perfectly.
Elvis grew up in the Ghetto so he really knew the struggle of this lifestyle. The way he signs the song, you can hear the desperation in his voice.. he wanted people to understand what was really happening because as he got older he realized people who were better off just didn't want to face the truth of what was really happening. But what gets me is this song was written and released in 1969. But from the sound of it, it could have been written yesterday. The words still ring true today, if not more so. It truly is a timeless song and gets people's attention for the right reasons. It's one of my favorites by him for sure.
I am from Memphis....I could ride my bike to Graceland from my house.......Elvis used to buy white cadillacs 2 or 3 at a time so he could give them away....Countless stories of Elvis giving away cars , necklaces and the rings right off his fingers to random strangers....I learned to drive in one of those cars Elvis had ordered but died before it was delivered..My dad bought if from the dealership Elvis always used..
Elvis grew up dirt poor, and became THE KING... like a Super Hero. That's what makes him so Great, he gave alot of money to charities and really cared about people. He would give money, cars and jewelry to complete strangers and people that needed help if he heard about it. Whitney Houston's mom was one of his backup singers!!!
Elvis never forgot his Roots. Elvis helped so many people across the world. He loved to buy people things just to see the smile on there faces. That was the kind of man he was. 👑👑👑
Sadly, after all these many years later, this song is even more relevant today in Chicago and other cities. I'm sure Elvis would be sad to have known this...😔
JB, I think you have what it takes to persevere through the low points and hard times. I'm sorry for what you lived through but I believe in you. You may have to ask for help (no shame in that) at times, but then you will be able to lend help to others when they need it. You have such a good heart. You're right, Elvis was always for your people and anyone in need. I grew up in Memphis where he had a reputation for kindness and generosity toward poor people he encountered. As a kid, I remember watching the news and they were interviewing a sweet, black lady. She met Elvis at a car dealership and he told her to pick out a cadillac. He bought it for her. She was so excited and a little stunned as she showed her new car to the reporter. You too will be able to lift others up in your own way. Take care and thanks for your reactions.
Elvis knew what it was like to be be poor and tried to help other less fortunate than him. I remember once he recited a poem . If you ever stood in another man's shoes or saw things through his eyes. Stood and held with helpless hands while the heart inside you died. So help your brother along the way for no matter where you start. The same God that made you. Made him too. These men with broken hearts. Then he sang a song along the same lines called walk a mile in my shoes.
The backup singers were called The Sweet Inspirations. His first appearance at the Astrodome he was told not to bring "the Black girls." He refused to play without them. They were with him for several years.
I can't imagine anyone telling him anything....and not be a bit weak in the knees doing so.....I wouldn't want that duty.....and that request was bullshit anyway.
It was written by Mac Davis, who was a wonderful song writer that finally started singing his own songs. But this song, this song, only Elvis had the courage to sing it. How do we break that cycle in the ghetto?
Jeff masnaghetti Mac originally called the song "The Vicious Circle" while he was writing it, but couldn't find a word to rhyme with "circle", so he just called it "In The Ghetto".
Hi brother; are you all right? I am a great admirer of Elvis Presley, and I live in Brazil. I was impressed by your simplicity and reaction to the music sung by Elvis, I found you charming and very humble. God bless you greatly for having a good heart and great ability to feel the emotion transmitted by the king of rock n 'roll. I was thrilled with what you said about being born in the ghetto and everything you saw going bad, but thank God you're there today and you're a winner in response to great quality music, you've made good progress. Hugs to you from Brazil
@@iansheehy7441 Certainly, if we want, despite the differences we naturally have, we can love one another. As Solomon's proverb says: Hatred excites strife, but love covers all transgressions. Hugs here from Brazil for you in the UK.
The black backup singers are "The Sweet Inspirations." They were with him from 1969-77 until his last concert. There is a story they tell about when Elvis was booked to play the Houston Astrodome in 1970. The management there told him to keep "his black girls" at home. Elvis said "if they don't come , I don't come." Of course they allowed them to come and as one of them tells it, "a little blonde girl drove the car for us."
Elvis grew up in a Tupelo, Mississippi ghetto; Dad, Vern, was in jail for bad checks. He sang in church...Gospel was his first love...he sang "That's All Right, Mama" in 1954, when a teenager for his Mother's birthday, at Sun Records. He was a Spec 4 in the Army, got out in 2 years. Released "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956 to a massive amount of controversy from religious groups because of his movements. He made a string of musical romance movies, that he didn't want to do. Finally got a decent script for "King Creole", his only b&w movie. He just wanted to make music. His singing career took a dip when his wife left him, and the Beatles arrived, his "Comeback Tour" helped immensely. When he sang "In the Ghetto", which his manager thought would kill his career, he fought to sing it, (it was written by Mac Davis) and here we are...as relevent, and often played, today as it was in 1969, when it was released. Thank you for your great reaction.
So glad you're back. Also glad you did this song - it's my favorite Elvis song. He was ahead of his time even when people tried to stop him from doing an honest song.
Elvis grew up in the ghetto too. His dad in prison and only his mother to look over him. Watch the last song on his 68 special when he's wearing a suit. That song was written by Elvis and has a story behind it. Hearing you speak of your life broke my heart. I pray you never go back and that this country will end anyone from having to grow up like you and I did. God bless...🙏🙏🙏
Susan Black Andrade Susan. If I Can Dream was not written by Elvis. It was written by Earl Brown because Elvis wanted a message Sao G to close the show. However, It wasn't played on the radio like it should have been. Only went to #11 on the Billboard charts. But still an exceptional song.
His dad was never in prison honey,and his mom died when he was 23-24 right after he got drafted into the Army. His dad was always there,was his business manager. He did grow up poor and in housing though,but no his dad wasn’t in prison.
Great review...Elvis was always for your people he grew up with and went to church with your people and Elvis never forgot and by the by those were his girls his singers and his friends and when he was told that they were not allowed in because of their color Elvis refused to play. Elvis was a treasure for us all ......♡
Elvis grew up poor and understand the situation! He took care of his mother and always loved and stayed close to her! For all his faults, he always remembered his family!😁
I'm a 43 year old white man who was born in the ghetto of Baltimore City in 1976. I suffered with heroin addiction, stole, fought solidly, was angry because my mother left my mother with 4 children on a minimum wage when I was 5. I was the second born so there were even 2 younger than me, 1 onlder. At times it was a living hell. LOve was all we had PERIOD. If I wasn't saved by a wonderful man that my married my mom and basically dedicated his life to all 5 of us I would surely be dead. I cry when I hear this song to know that it was and is still the same old story all this time and NOONE does shit about it. MY stepdad reently passed away R.I.P. Michael P. Dempsey. I will ALWAYS be greatful and love you and my mother for the hard work and care that you gave to us. Thank you and I caount the days until we meet again!
He was a good man... In his time he saw what a lot of young people never witnessed... He wanted to help even before he had money... He was raised in a hard life.. God Bless Him..
Thank you jb,Elvis, loved everybody black or white,brown.jackie wilson,james brown,ali,Sammy davis jr,Eddie Murphy,and others loved him,they didn't believe the bad things they said about him that's why his the king in music.please read the jet magazine.❤👑👍
I saw Elvis in concert. He was electric. Little trivia.. One of the black backup singers was Whitney Houston's mama Cissy. Elvis cut this song & before it was released Martin Luther King was assassinated & there was fear he would get a backlash from black communities.
I was like 5 or 6 when Elvis died, but i love his music, my mum would play his music when i was growing up, and this is my all time fav of his, there will be no one like him again, he is the king.
Every child deserves a chance, love, help, hope! We are all connected! Elvis recorded this song in 1969. Let's join together to make sure that fifty year from now, the ghetto and what happens there is but a thing of the past!!!!!
Elvis grew up in one of the poorest ghettos of Tupelo, Miss, and also in Memphis, when he sings about life in the ghetto, he knows first- hand what it's like, when he became a superstar, he never forgot where he came from, he was generous to a fault. Color never meant anything to him, he was very inspirational
Who doesn’t love Elvis? ❤️ He was amazing. Thank you for choosing this song because it is very much still relevant today. Not sure what year he recorded this moving song about the ghetto but unfortunately nothing has changed, nothing has improved. It’s just so sad. The way Elvis sang this song makes you sit up and listen to every word and I know that was intentional. I wish a young new talent would record this song again because I feel like we need to sit up and listen and make some changes to improve people’s lives. I know we all want that to happen. Thank you again and take care. 😎
I just got done watching your reaction to this song and knowing Elvis Presley let me tell you something right now Elvis Presley truly loved his fans and if you had this reaction in front of Elvis while Elvis was standing there watching you act like this he would have probably bought you a Cadillac and give you about $5,000 on top of it that's just the way Elvis was and believe me he truly cared about his fans and poor people and just about all people for that matter he did grow up extremely and I mean extremely poor in Mississippi he was so poor his own parents could not even buy him a pair of shoes till he was 8 years old and finally they moved to Memphis and as a teenager he grew up in the housing projects you must see the video where Elvis wins his Lifetime Achievement Award by this time he was one of the richest entertainers the world has ever seen and he says at that show that ever dream that he ever had has come true 100 times he was truly poor in the beginning but by the grace of God he became one of the richest people on the planet but he always never forgot where he come from I truly believe his voice was a gift from God all of his Grammys came from gospel music now that just shows you something right there if it doesn't I don't know what does
I'm just now seeing this. Love your honest reaction. I'm so sorry you grew up in the ghetto and all you saw was death and people being arrested. You seem like such a happy young man now despite the things you have experienced. When I was a little girl back in the early 70's, we listened to Elvis all the time. I didn't exactly understand what "in the ghetto" actually meant, but I got a pretty good idea from listening to this song. It always made me feel extremely sad. Elvis' storytelling was spot on, so visualizing was easy. I'm so glad this song seems to have touched you in the same way it always touches me. Music is the universal language.
God I love this song it's in my top 5 favorite Elvis song's! Elvis knew what it was like, he was a sweet and kind man, listen to if I can dream! Awesome!
This song (written by Mac Davis) was recorded and released in 1969 (l was 6 years old when the song hit) and was a major comeback hit for Elvis Presley. It still reverberates in black culture to this day. When l first heard the word Chicago, l immediately said the song is about blacks. He didn’t have to say what color. I was born in Chicago. I instantly loved this song. I was born in a charity hospital and l felt this song was talking to me - to the heart. Being born poor and black, l can truly related to this song. A lot of us don’t ever leave the ghetto. I was fortunate, l moved to the Deep South early on. I was still very poor, but it was a safer environment. But l have friends who weren’t so lucky. Friends who were born, lived and died in poverty in the ghetto. I still get emotional whenever l hear this song. ..... 😔😔😔
Jb, I grew up in Memphis right down the street from Graceland. I moved there in 68 after Martin got killed. One thing you need to know about Elvis was he was born in Tupelo, MS in a one room shack. His daddy Was a share chopper , dirt poor. They moved to Memphis , and still lived in public housing and had nothing. He had his voice and learned that from church and gospel music. His momma kept him straight and gave him her heart. He hung out on Beale Street with the blues guys, BB King And him were good friends. They taught him a lot. Then he made a record and was discovered. He knew what it what it was like to have nothing. I am glad you found this song and this side of Elvis. He loved this song, it meant a lot to him. One thing about him he loved black People and they loved him. Still respect him now. He always had respect and his favorite thing at night was to get all the church people Around town and sing gospel till dawn. He really was the nicest person. A lot like you. You may have had a hard beginning, but that is not where you are now or going to end up. You have a sweetness and still a lot of strength about you, more than you realize. God has his hand on you just Like Elvis. Money was not that important except what he could do for his family and people who needed help. He did a lot for people He would hear about, and nobody would know it was him. He loved giving . There are a lot of video's about him on line. One story that everybody in Memphis knows is when he had just made some money and was making it big he went to Caddy dealer to buy a car. The salesman treated him like shit. How could he buy a car, and I think actually laughed at him. He went in the back and got the janitor, a older black man, and then went to the owner's office. He brought him to the car he wanted, pull out cash and told the owner to give the janitor the commission on the sale. From that day on he took his power and gave respect where it was due. A legend was born around Memphis that day. AND no one forgot it or him. You are doing great. I just love ya. Be sweet and strong and take your power. You deserve every bit of it. Walk with God and he will lead you and give you what you need. We are all proud of you JB
Also,their was an instance ,where Elvis was told his back up singers weren't aloud in the venue.Elvis told them.Its me and my back up singers.Otherwise their will be no show.Such a good soul.Raised in the south and a religious soul.
God Bless You ! The only way this Great Country will continue being the Greatest Country on Earth is for all to come together and live and love as one ! Stop the hatred ! That is ripping us apart at the seems ! Let's love one another , as God intended us to love ! Let's stand together so that America will Stand Forever ! Amen !
It is so sad, that 40 years after Elvis sung this, we are still having the same issues :( These songs just show how much we need to unite as people, and start helping those in need!!!!!
Awesome response from your heart. Thank you. Elvis understood poverty, because he was born into poverty. His family was poor until his recording contact. He gave huge chunks of his money to strangers, to charities, he bought cars and homes for strangers. He deeply cared for people--all people. Yes, he was awesome, and God used him. Bless you.
His father, Vernon Presley, was in the penitentiary for forging a $4 check for a hog during the Great Depression because they couldn't put food on the table. His mother, Gladys, picked cotton when Elvis was an infant during that period. Elvis' birthplace was a 2-room shotgun shack built by Vernon and his brother and his stillborn twin was buried in a shoebox with a red ribbon (they couldn't remember where it was buried, so Jesse Garon only has a cenotaph). There was a story from his fellow schoolmates (who were also dirt poor) in Tupelo that there was a notice put out by the school that one of the students couldn't come to school because he didn't have a jacket during the winter. That student was Elvis. He also lived in the housing projects in Memphis and that's where he still lived until he started his singing career and was able to take care of his parents (starting with buying the famous pink Cadillac for his mom). He was an 18-year-old truck driver for Crown Electric when he made his first recording of My Happiness/That's When Your Heartaches Begin for $4 at the Sun Recording Service in 1953 (contrary to what he said, it wasn't his mother's birthday). He also tried to help his poorest relatives and those far less fortunate than him (though the "hog stealers and chicken thieves" didn't always use what he gave them wisely). There are so many photos of him meeting with disabled and dying children at concerts (telling a little girl dying of cancer she was beautiful, for example). At one point in his early years, he even performed for paraplegics. And he actually would often try to do things without anyone knowing who their benefactor was (paying a guy's mortgage who had just given him a dime at a payphone or paying strangers' hospital bills anonymously). When fans sent all those teddy bears and stuffed toys, he'd box them up and send them to the hospital for the kids. The stories of his generosity are real and it's because of his background of being amongst the poorest of the poor in the rural South during the Great Depression. He never forgot his roots.
Thank you so much for your reaction my bruh! I hope you will hear "If I Can Dream" by him aswell someday. It was made after Martin Luther King got shot. Very emotional and the lyrics still matter today!
Hey JB, I usually never comment on line but I saw some of your Elvis reactions and they are great. I know a lot about Elvis and most of these other comments are right on the mark. It is most unfortunate that people took advantage of his generosity. He had so much more to give. There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish he lived longer and I could have seen him at the Garden or maybe at a stadium. He packed them in the Astrodome in 1970 and they were some lucky people. When he was on his game no one is better and that he was also miss managed and achieve all this. Some people pointed this out. Put on American Trilogy from Hawaii in 1973 and How Great Thou Art from 1977 which was 2 months before he died. When you hear his vocal ability you will not believe it. It will be the most powerful vocal display from a rock/pop singer you will ever see. Trust me.
I saw a video yesterday interviewing B B King and he said Elvis was the greatest and many black entertainers loved Elvis and he loved them. I also want you to know that I wish you the very best and love these reaction videos.
Mr. Lethal this is JT I hope you read this message Elvis grew up in poverty and he new to go hungry skin gel on your face that this song hit home one of the greatest men 2 ever grace the stage you have a good day take care
In the 70's Elvis was going to play the Houston Astrodome. The promoter told Elvis that the black group The Sweet Inspirations could't be on stage. Elvis said if they can't be on, I'm not going on. They were allowed on.
Just found this vid, great reaction. Elvis the Pelvis was definitely for anyone poor and needing a helping hand, no matter what color/nationality. He'd buy strangers Lincoln's just because. The irony is everyone called him the king and he said he hated being called that because there is only one king JESUS 🤴. Humble man, humble heart.
Elvis was very aware of the social disadvantage of the have nots in our society,..It's in the music he puts out there, he helps to open our eyes a bit to make us realize that there are people out there who have it worse than we do...You done well in your life turning it around somehow, just keep the faith...Thanx !!!
I'm so glad this song is making its way into the hearts and minds of the current generation of younger folks...there is a timeless wisdom to it and I hope it continues to open minds and hearts to those who are hurting and need help getting out of the ghetto. Thanks for reacting to this, JB and God bless you man.
Beautiful assessment, great words from you JBLETHAL TV -- if only so many others took the time to listen...he tried his best to bridge the musical community and in some respects he did. The words of James Brown, BB King, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis, Jr., and John Lee Hooker in another interview after Elvis' death were so poignant and respectable -- I only wished others had seen and heard what they had to say about Elvis. Music is the only thing that brings people of diverse cultures, religions, and heritages together. The only thing. Maybe, in some cases literature. You're doing a great service and I thank you.
Do you know the story behind his backup singers...The Sweet Inspirations....Cissy Houston, Whitneys mother, was a founding member. When Elvis went back on tour after all the movies, there were cities that told him to leave the black girl singers at home. Elvis stood his ground and made it clear that if they werent welcome, he wasnt going to those cities. Of course those cities changed their minds! Elvis was the real deal!
So very true. If his backup singers were not aloud to stay at the hotel, or even perform, he damned straight told them, to hell with ya. If they cant be here, than I won't be here. He did not give a damned what people thought. He knew what was right and stood his ground.
you're 100% right Elvis loved his band a he had the best band a back up singers ,,,Elvis didn't care what color people were in his heart he knew a believed we are all God's children a we need to show love a kindness to our fellowman Elvis had such a loving sad a humble heart. God made him that way a his mom did to. Elvis was the best example of love a caring. ,,,,,But it was Jesus Christ was the first. Jesus Christ is the only King of Kings But it was Elvis that was the king of music.
yeah the houston astrodome told elvis they couldnt come elvis told them if they cant come he wont either. elvis won :)
You should listen to Elvis singing “If I Could Dream”. It’s a tribute song about Dr. Martin Luther King getting assassinated that also the second Kennedy getting assassinated.
Another thing that happened in the 70s was when he went to a Cadillac dealer and a black woman was peeking througj the display windows. The owners wanted to shoo her away but Elvis requested to get her inside..When she was next to him he told her to pick any car she'd like and he'd pay for it. Look it up
He was a young child in the ghetto. That's why he gave away so much of his money and he always felt he didn't deserve it. He didn't see color. Please do more of him. He's always been my favorite!
Arlene ElvisGirl EVERYONE sees color. It is what you do with it that makes you who you are. Elvis didn't think color made any person better or worse than another. Nor did poverty. He had a beautiful heart. This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
*** I get goosebumps every time I hear this song.
Elvis was kind hearted and humble. He never forgot his roots and loved God and his momma til the end. There will never be another Elvis. RIP
Elvis grew up poor; school kids used to mock him for his poverty.
He was born in a 20” by 20” house that originally didn’t even have electricity. Even when he moved to Memphis, he lived in the projects.
They used to make fun of him because he didn't dress like the other kids. It was only after he won a song contest that they started to respect him
Truth, he didn’t even have a pair of shoes till he was 9 years old that’s how poor he was as a kid.
His studio and manager didn’t want him to record this song. They thought it was too controversial. He didn’t listen thank goodness. This song touched his heart deeply. FYI...one of his backup singers was Whitney Houston’s mom Cissy. There is a video here on TH-cam of her talking about Elvis. She loved him.
Wow...didn't know that...
They got the song from Mac Davis, and before you know it, they had all the rights to the song. Sorry, Mac.
Elvis loved everyone. That song was written in the late 60s. It is such a relatable song to this day.
I cry evry time I hear this song. What makes me so sad about it is that it is over 50 years old and still nothing has changed in the USA and most of the world. We as the people still haven't learned to treat each other with respect, no matter where you come from or what colour your skin has. I am a priviliged white woman from Germany and I never understood how you can treat people differently just because their skin is a shade darker or they believe in a mystical being. We should not care about colour, race or religion. We should care about how the person is on the inside. No matter how you look, it is your heart, your mind and your soul that matters, nothing else.
not all white people are privileged , there is hate and disrespect in all races even races that have darker skin
Elvis Presley understood what" burning hunger" felt like! He grew up in Tupelo & knew poverty better than anyone! He
had empathy for all people ! He knew that the important message of this song needed to be heard! As usual, he used music to express his innermost feelings! I just knew that this song would touch you deeply! This is what Elvis was famous for doing --that is ---touching our heartstrings!
Thanks again!
Elvis received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Nov 16, 2018
Thing about this song they said no one would sing it and they didn't want Elvis to sing it but since he was raised in the poorest area of Memphis he did it perfectly.
Elvis grew up in the Ghetto so he really knew the struggle of this lifestyle. The way he signs the song, you can hear the desperation in his voice.. he wanted people to understand what was really happening because as he got older he realized people who were better off just didn't want to face the truth of what was really happening. But what gets me is this song was written and released in 1969. But from the sound of it, it could have been written yesterday. The words still ring true today, if not more so. It truly is a timeless song and gets people's attention for the right reasons. It's one of my favorites by him for sure.
I am from Memphis....I could ride my bike to Graceland from my house.......Elvis used to buy white cadillacs 2 or 3 at a time so he could give them away....Countless stories of Elvis giving away cars , necklaces and the rings right off his fingers to random strangers....I learned to drive in one of those cars Elvis had ordered but died before it was delivered..My dad bought if from the dealership Elvis always used..
Elvis grew up dirt poor, and became THE KING... like a Super Hero. That's what makes him so Great, he gave alot of money to charities and really cared about people. He would give money, cars and jewelry to complete strangers and people that needed help if he heard about it. Whitney Houston's mom was one of his backup singers!!!
Elvis will always be the best singer entertainer of all time RIP Mr. Presley
Elvis’ music stands the test of time. It’s still true of Chicago. ❤️
Elvis never forgot his Roots. Elvis helped so many people across the world. He loved to buy people things just to see the smile on there faces. That was the kind of man he was. 👑👑👑
My God I've been in awe of Elvis for the last 40 years. Glad you have found this
Sadly, after all these many years later, this song is even more relevant today in Chicago and other cities. I'm sure Elvis would be sad to have known this...😔
This is one of his best songs...he sings it from the heart too.🙏😞
amen to that
JB, I think you have what it takes to persevere through the low points and hard times. I'm sorry for what you lived through but I believe in you. You may have to ask for help (no shame in that) at times, but then you will be able to lend help to others when they need it. You have such a good heart. You're right, Elvis was always for your people and anyone in need. I grew up in Memphis where he had a reputation for kindness and generosity toward poor people he encountered. As a kid, I remember watching the news and they were interviewing a sweet, black lady. She met Elvis at a car dealership and he told her to pick out a cadillac. He bought it for her. She was so excited and a little stunned as she showed her new car to the reporter. You too will be able to lift others up in your own way. Take care and thanks for your reactions.
Yes...thank you for writing so beautifully what I would want to say. So "I second that"!!!💜⚘
First thing you need to know about Elvis. HE WAS A GOOD MAN!!! listen to the studio version of in the ghetto it will raise the hair on your neck.
This song is a tear jerker. God bless all the mammas who cried and children who died in the streets of the ghettos.
Elvis knew what it was like to be be poor and tried to help other less fortunate than him.
I remember once he recited a poem .
If you ever stood in another man's shoes or saw things through his eyes.
Stood and held with helpless hands while the heart inside you died. So help your brother along the way for no matter where you start. The same God that made you. Made him too. These men with broken hearts.
Then he sang a song along the same lines called walk a mile in my shoes.
The backup singers were called The Sweet Inspirations. His first appearance at the Astrodome he was told not to bring "the Black girls." He refused to play without them. They were with him for several years.
Truth^^^
@kimmo maki 😂🤣😂
@kimmo makiyes that's them
I can't imagine anyone telling him anything....and not be a bit weak in the knees doing so.....I wouldn't want that duty.....and that request was bullshit anyway.
@@buddytwigg3552 yeah but it happened
It was written by Mac Davis, who was a wonderful song writer that finally started singing his own songs. But this song, this song, only Elvis had the courage to sing it. How do we break that cycle in the ghetto?
Jeff masnaghetti Mac originally called the song "The Vicious Circle" while he was writing it, but couldn't find a word to rhyme with "circle", so he just called it "In The Ghetto".
Mac Davis wrote it about Nashville. He had a black best friend as a kid, and couldn’t understand why people treated him differently.
Hi brother; are you all right?
I am a great admirer of Elvis Presley, and I live in Brazil.
I was impressed by your simplicity and reaction to the music sung by Elvis, I found you charming and very humble.
God bless you greatly for having a good heart and great ability to feel the emotion transmitted by the king of rock n 'roll.
I was thrilled with what you said about being born in the ghetto and everything you saw going bad, but thank God you're there today and you're a winner in response to great quality music, you've made good progress.
Hugs to you from Brazil
Wonderful comment. We should all be brothers and sisters. I'm from the U.K. but we are all one really.
@@iansheehy7441 Certainly, if we want, despite the differences we naturally have, we can love one another.
As Solomon's proverb says: Hatred excites strife, but love covers all transgressions.
Hugs here from Brazil for you in the UK.
The black backup singers are "The Sweet Inspirations." They were with him from 1969-77 until his last concert. There is a story they tell about when Elvis was booked to play the Houston Astrodome in 1970. The management there told him to keep "his black girls" at home. Elvis said "if they don't come , I don't come." Of course they allowed them to come and as one of them tells it, "a little blonde girl drove the car for us."
I am so happy for you ma'man you (re)discovered Elvis, the King of the Kings. Also the new King, Dimash.
Elvis grew up in a Tupelo, Mississippi ghetto; Dad, Vern, was in jail for bad checks. He sang in church...Gospel was his first love...he sang "That's All Right, Mama" in 1954, when a teenager for his Mother's birthday, at Sun Records. He was a Spec 4 in the Army, got out in 2 years. Released "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956 to a massive amount of controversy from religious groups because of his movements. He made a string of musical romance movies, that he didn't want to do. Finally got a decent script for "King Creole", his only b&w movie. He just wanted to make music. His singing career took a dip when his wife left him, and the Beatles arrived, his "Comeback Tour" helped immensely. When he sang "In the Ghetto", which his manager thought would kill his career, he fought to sing it, (it was written by Mac Davis) and here we are...as relevent, and often played, today as it was in 1969, when it was released. Thank you for your great reaction.
So glad you're back. Also glad you did this song - it's my favorite Elvis song. He was ahead of his time even when people tried to stop him from doing an honest song.
Elvis grew up in the ghetto too. His dad in prison and only his mother to look over him.
Watch the last song on his 68 special when he's wearing a suit. That song was written by Elvis and has a story behind it.
Hearing you speak of your life broke my heart. I pray you never go back and that this country will end anyone from having to grow up like you and I did.
God bless...🙏🙏🙏
Susan Black Andrade Susan. If I Can Dream was not written by Elvis. It was written by Earl Brown because Elvis wanted a message Sao G to close the show. However, It wasn't played on the radio like it should have been. Only went to #11 on the Billboard charts. But still an exceptional song.
His dad was never in prison honey,and his mom died when he was 23-24 right after he got drafted into the Army. His dad was always there,was his business manager. He did grow up poor and in housing though,but no his dad wasn’t in prison.
His father did spend 3 years in prison during late 1930s. Was released early.
@@melissasmith6763
Yes his dad was in prison when Elvis Was 3.
@@melissasmith6763 Vernon was in prison for 8 months in 1938 for forging a 4$ check into a 40$ check!
Nobody gonna come even close to Elvis ..I love you Elvis even thou you no more on earth I'll always be your fan
I CAN DIG IT BROTHER, THIS WAS THE REAL FREAKING DEAL, ONLY WE LOST HIM TOO SOON!
💚💚💚
Elvis never forgot where he came from and stayed a loving caring man
Great review...Elvis was always for your people he grew up with and went to church with your people and Elvis never forgot and by the by those were his girls his singers and his friends and when he was told that they were not allowed in because of their color Elvis refused to play. Elvis was a treasure for us all ......♡
I remember watching Elvis sing this on tv, it made me sad then, I didn't want anyone growing up in a ghetto, and it's a tear jerker now.
My mom grew up in Memphis literally right behind his Graceland house. You could see his back door from her back porch.
Elvis grew up poor and understand the situation! He took care of his mother and always loved and stayed close to her! For all his faults, he always remembered his family!😁
I'm a 43 year old white man who was born in the ghetto of Baltimore City in 1976. I suffered with heroin addiction, stole, fought solidly, was angry because my mother left my mother with 4 children on a minimum wage when I was 5. I was the second born so there were even 2 younger than me, 1 onlder. At times it was a living hell. LOve was all we had PERIOD. If I wasn't saved by a wonderful man that my married my mom and basically dedicated his life to all 5 of us I would surely be dead. I cry when I hear this song to know that it was and is still the same old story all this time and NOONE does shit about it. MY stepdad reently passed away R.I.P. Michael P. Dempsey. I will ALWAYS be greatful and love you and my mother for the hard work and care that you gave to us. Thank you and I caount the days until we meet again!
He was a good man... In his time he saw what a lot of young people never witnessed... He wanted to help even before he had money... He was raised in a hard life.. God Bless Him..
Thank you jb,Elvis, loved everybody black or white,brown.jackie wilson,james brown,ali,Sammy davis jr,Eddie Murphy,and others loved him,they didn't believe the bad things they said about him that's why his the king in music.please read the jet magazine.❤👑👍
Elvis was the king, and he had a big heart for people who was less fortunate. Thats why he recorded "in the ghetto"
I saw Elvis in concert. He was electric. Little trivia.. One of the black backup singers was Whitney Houston's mama Cissy. Elvis cut this song & before it was released Martin Luther King was assassinated & there was fear he would get a backlash from black communities.
Elvis loved everybody no matter, he gave more away than he kept he was truly a gracious person
I was like 5 or 6 when Elvis died, but i love his music, my mum would play his music when i was growing up, and this is my all time fav of his, there will be no one like him again, he is the king.
God bless you, you have seen Elvis in his true light. ELVIS loved EVERYONE!
A beautiful heartfelt reaction. Thank you
Every child deserves a chance, love, help, hope! We are all connected! Elvis recorded this song in 1969. Let's join together to make sure that fifty year from now, the ghetto and what happens there is but a thing of the past!!!!!
Elvis grew up in one of the poorest ghettos of Tupelo, Miss, and also in Memphis, when he sings about life in the ghetto, he knows first- hand what it's like, when he became a superstar, he never forgot where he came from, he was generous to a fault. Color never meant anything to him, he was very inspirational
Elvis (as usual) is incredible, but let's give Mac Davis credit for writing this song, along with Memories and Don't Cry Daddy.
Who doesn’t love Elvis? ❤️ He was amazing. Thank you for choosing this song because it is very much still relevant today. Not sure what year he recorded this moving song about the ghetto but unfortunately nothing has changed, nothing has improved. It’s just so sad. The way Elvis sang this song makes you sit up and listen to every word and I know that was intentional. I wish a young new talent would record this song again because I feel like we need to sit up and listen and make some changes to improve people’s lives. I know we all want that to happen. Thank you again and take care. 😎
The studio version is quite sombre and haunting. A much better version!
I have to agree. This live version has more energy, but loses much of the soul of the work in doing so.
Gary McGregor that’s exactly what I said
I totally agree. It's my favorite Elvis song, but this live version didn't reach my heart the same way the studio version does.
Agreed (I almost always prefer the studio version); but I do appreciate how Elvis gave his live performance everything he had.
I'm sure it's hard to pick the "best" version of the song when you've never heard it before!
Elvis lived it too. He understood what he was singing about. Thanks also to Mac Davis for writing the song
Priceless . Timeless . Never to be forgotten .
I love you reacting to Elvis & Queen!!! They are my two very best. Thanks a lot.
I like his gospel stuff, old school hymns with classic Elvis style
I just got done watching your reaction to this song and knowing Elvis Presley let me tell you something right now Elvis Presley truly loved his fans and if you had this reaction in front of Elvis while Elvis was standing there watching you act like this he would have probably bought you a Cadillac and give you about $5,000 on top of it that's just the way Elvis was and believe me he truly cared about his fans and poor people and just about all people for that matter he did grow up extremely and I mean extremely poor in Mississippi he was so poor his own parents could not even buy him a pair of shoes till he was 8 years old and finally they moved to Memphis and as a teenager he grew up in the housing projects you must see the video where Elvis wins his Lifetime Achievement Award by this time he was one of the richest entertainers the world has ever seen and he says at that show that ever dream that he ever had has come true 100 times he was truly poor in the beginning but by the grace of God he became one of the richest people on the planet but he always never forgot where he come from I truly believe his voice was a gift from God all of his Grammys came from gospel music now that just shows you something right there if it doesn't I don't know what does
I'm just now seeing this. Love your honest reaction. I'm so sorry you grew up in the ghetto and all you saw was death and people being arrested. You seem like such a happy young man now despite the things you have experienced. When I was a little girl back in the early 70's, we listened to Elvis all the time. I didn't exactly understand what "in the ghetto" actually meant, but I got a pretty good idea from listening to this song. It always made me feel extremely sad. Elvis' storytelling was spot on, so visualizing was easy. I'm so glad this song seems to have touched you in the same way it always touches me. Music is the universal language.
All of elvis songs are great all shook up stuck on you don't be cruel suspicious minds
Elvis was the consummate professional. He knew the ladies, the jordaneers were the best sounding background singers.
God I love this song it's in my top 5 favorite Elvis song's! Elvis knew what it was like, he was a sweet and kind man, listen to if I can dream! Awesome!
Again Pilamaya (Thank You) for your kind words about Elvis. The group is The Sweet Inspirations.
Omg... your doing Elvis now... Love it!!!!
This song (written by Mac Davis) was recorded and released in 1969 (l was 6 years old when the song hit) and was a major comeback hit for Elvis Presley. It still reverberates in black culture to this day. When l first heard the word Chicago, l immediately said the song is about blacks. He didn’t have to say what color. I was born in Chicago. I instantly loved this song. I was born in a charity hospital and l felt this song was talking to me - to the heart. Being born poor and black, l can truly related to this song. A lot of us don’t ever leave the ghetto. I was fortunate, l moved to the Deep South early on. I was still very poor, but it was a safer environment. But l have friends who weren’t so lucky. Friends who were born, lived and died in poverty in the ghetto. I still get emotional whenever l hear this song. ..... 😔😔😔
FANTASTIC Elvis Presley
Jb, I grew up in Memphis right down the street from Graceland. I moved there in 68 after Martin got killed. One thing you need to know about Elvis was he was born in Tupelo, MS in a one room shack. His daddy
Was a share chopper , dirt poor. They moved to Memphis , and still lived in public housing and had nothing. He had his voice and learned that from church and gospel music. His momma kept him straight and gave him her heart. He hung out on Beale Street with the blues guys, BB King
And him were good friends. They taught him a lot. Then he made a record and was discovered. He knew what it what it was like to have nothing. I am glad you found this song and this side of Elvis. He loved this song, it meant a lot to him. One thing about him he loved black
People and they loved him. Still respect him now. He always had respect and his favorite thing at night was to get all the church people
Around town and sing gospel till dawn. He really was the nicest person.
A lot like you. You may have had a hard beginning, but that is not where you are now or going to end up. You have a sweetness and still a lot of strength about you, more than you realize. God has his hand on you just
Like Elvis. Money was not that important except what he could do for his family and people who needed help. He did a lot for people He would hear about, and nobody would know it was him. He loved giving .
There are a lot of video's about him on line. One story that everybody in Memphis knows is when he had just made some money and was making it big he went to Caddy dealer to buy a car. The salesman treated him like shit. How could he buy a car, and I think actually laughed at him. He went in the back and got the janitor, a older black man, and then went to the owner's office. He brought him to the car he wanted, pull out cash and told the owner to give the janitor the commission on the sale. From that day on he took his power and gave respect where it was due. A legend was born around Memphis that day.
AND no one forgot it or him. You are doing great. I just love ya. Be sweet and strong and take your power. You deserve every bit of it.
Walk with God and he will lead you and give you what you need. We are all proud of you JB
love this reaction elvis sang this song so well
Also,their was an instance ,where Elvis was told his back up singers weren't aloud in the venue.Elvis told them.Its me and my back up singers.Otherwise their will be no show.Such a good soul.Raised in the south and a religious soul.
Beautiful song and performance, yet a tragic song at its root. As you mentioned, this extreme economic inequality plagues us to this day.
That gap gets bigger and bigger everyday.
God Bless You ! The only way this Great Country will continue being the Greatest Country on Earth is for all to come together and live and love as one ! Stop the hatred ! That is ripping us apart at the seems ! Let's love one another , as God intended us to love ! Let's stand together so that America will Stand Forever ! Amen !
Hia favorite music was gospel he made everyone stay at his house and sing up in the morning good anx generous man
Elvis was a searcher for truth and had a deep Desire to understand his relationship with God in the universe.
You have such an amazing soul God bless you
It is so sad, that 40 years after Elvis sung this, we are still having the same issues :( These songs just show how much we need to unite as people, and start helping those in need!!!!!
Awesome response from your heart. Thank you. Elvis understood poverty, because he was born into poverty. His family was poor until his recording contact. He gave huge chunks of his money to strangers, to charities, he bought cars and homes for strangers. He deeply cared for people--all people. Yes, he was awesome, and God used him. Bless you.
His father, Vernon Presley, was in the penitentiary for forging a $4 check for a hog during the Great Depression because they couldn't put food on the table. His mother, Gladys, picked cotton when Elvis was an infant during that period. Elvis' birthplace was a 2-room shotgun shack built by Vernon and his brother and his stillborn twin was buried in a shoebox with a red ribbon (they couldn't remember where it was buried, so Jesse Garon only has a cenotaph).
There was a story from his fellow schoolmates (who were also dirt poor) in Tupelo that there was a notice put out by the school that one of the students couldn't come to school because he didn't have a jacket during the winter. That student was Elvis. He also lived in the housing projects in Memphis and that's where he still lived until he started his singing career and was able to take care of his parents (starting with buying the famous pink Cadillac for his mom). He was an 18-year-old truck driver for Crown Electric when he made his first recording of My Happiness/That's When Your Heartaches Begin for $4 at the Sun Recording Service in 1953 (contrary to what he said, it wasn't his mother's birthday).
He also tried to help his poorest relatives and those far less fortunate than him (though the "hog stealers and chicken thieves" didn't always use what he gave them wisely).
There are so many photos of him meeting with disabled and dying children at concerts (telling a little girl dying of cancer she was beautiful, for example). At one point in his early years, he even performed for paraplegics. And he actually would often try to do things without anyone knowing who their benefactor was (paying a guy's mortgage who had just given him a dime at a payphone or paying strangers' hospital bills anonymously). When fans sent all those teddy bears and stuffed toys, he'd box them up and send them to the hospital for the kids.
The stories of his generosity are real and it's because of his background of being amongst the poorest of the poor in the rural South during the Great Depression. He never forgot his roots.
Whitney Houston's mama was a backup Singer for Elvis. Great reaction as always my friend.
Thank you so much for your reaction my bruh! I hope you will hear "If I Can Dream" by him aswell someday. It was made after Martin Luther King got shot. Very emotional and the lyrics still matter today!
If I can dream still applies today.
I love that song. And you are correct, it has meaning for times as this.
One of his back up singers was Whitney Houston’s mom!! Whitney talked about it in an interview once,I thought that was really cool.
Mac Davis wrote a few songs for Elvis - this was one of them.
Bridge over Troubled Water is Elvis's masterpiece
Hey JB, I usually never comment on line but I saw some of your Elvis reactions and they are great. I know a lot about Elvis and most of these other comments are right on the mark. It is most unfortunate that people took advantage of his generosity. He had so much more to give. There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish he lived longer and I could have seen him at the Garden or maybe at a stadium. He packed them in the Astrodome in 1970 and they were some lucky people. When he was on his game no one is better and that he was also miss managed and achieve all this. Some people pointed this out. Put on American Trilogy from Hawaii in 1973 and How Great Thou Art from 1977 which was 2 months before he died. When you hear his vocal ability you will not believe it. It will be the most powerful vocal display from a rock/pop singer you will ever see. Trust me.
Elvis grew poor and always remembered his roots, his first love was gospel music especially deep south gospel
It's my favorite song of his. The first time I understood the lyrics - since I'm not a native speaker, I cried.
Beautiful song by Elvis, he just sang it with no effort, so natural. I hope you take care..🎶🎶
I saw a video yesterday interviewing B B King and he said Elvis was the greatest and many black entertainers loved Elvis and he loved them. I also want you to know that I wish you the very best and love these reaction videos.
Mr. Lethal this is JT I hope you read this message Elvis grew up in poverty and he new to go hungry skin gel on your face that this song hit home one of the greatest men 2 ever grace the stage you have a good day take care
The man didn't see color. He saw the love and beauty in people and the power of music. He'll always be the King
Great reaction 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌✌✌✌👌👍
More Elvis please 😍
Thank you, JBLETHAL TV! WOW! Very powerful message. . . Elvis is magnificent!
In the 70's Elvis was going to play the Houston Astrodome. The promoter told Elvis that the black group The Sweet Inspirations could't be on stage. Elvis said if they can't be on, I'm not going on. They were allowed on.
Just found this vid, great reaction. Elvis the Pelvis was definitely for anyone poor and needing a helping hand, no matter what color/nationality. He'd buy strangers Lincoln's just because. The irony is everyone called him the king and he said he hated being called that because there is only one king JESUS 🤴. Humble man, humble heart.
I saw him sing it in a movie, no, a special program or tv concert... elementary age. My mom was a big fan of his. Opened my eyes.
You made it my friend,you made me cry....Elvis loved everyone,was not a racist at all as you can see,love ya
Elvis was very aware of the social disadvantage of the have nots in our society,..It's in the music he puts out there, he helps to open our eyes a bit to make us realize that there are people out there who have it worse than we do...You done well in your life turning it around somehow, just keep the faith...Thanx !!!
Fantastic song!!! You feel that too. Gets you in the heart...
I'm so glad this song is making its way into the hearts and minds of the current generation of younger folks...there is a timeless wisdom to it and I hope it continues to open minds and hearts to those who are hurting and need help getting out of the ghetto. Thanks for reacting to this, JB and God bless you man.
I loved how your expression turned from loving the sound to hearing the story.
I have loved this song since we sang it in high school chorus many years ago. Glad you discovered it
Bless you ...... Elvis was amazing 👌
JB, you have a heart larger than life.
Beautiful assessment, great words from you JBLETHAL TV -- if only so many others took the time to listen...he tried his best to bridge
the musical community and in some respects he did. The words of James Brown, BB King, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis, Jr., and John Lee Hooker in another interview after Elvis' death were so poignant and respectable -- I only wished others had seen and heard what
they had to say about Elvis. Music is the only thing that brings people of diverse cultures, religions, and heritages together. The only
thing. Maybe, in some cases literature. You're doing a great service and I thank you.
Elvis was a gift from God