Jamel, you have such wisdom. Your messages are from your "heart and soul". We all need to be kinder and more understanding. Too many people are mean and nasty these days. You are a true gem.💎🤗
There's a part two. Elvis hated being called the King . He said the only King is Jesus Christ. Col. Tom Parker was Elvis' manager. He insisted that if Elvis records your song he owned half of the rights but he told them if Elvis records your song you will still make 10 times the money you're making now
@@davidtullis2810 You are right about Elvis taking 1/2 the rights. When interviewed, Dolly Parton said she wouldn't let Elvis sing her song, "I Will Always Love You" because he wanted 1/2 the rights. She also said she didn't care if the song became Whitney Houston's signature song because she (Parton) got a check every time Houston sang it.
@@dee_dee_place Regards royalties, whilst I do not specifically know (& not watched the vid yet), I suspect that was the Colonel's (Tom Parker) doing. Also that manager had a nickname that I imagine did not help the inter race feelings about Elvis.
The man grew up in the ghettos of Mississippi and Tennessee and fell in love with music because of the black choirs he heard at church. On his 11th bityhday his parents couldn't afford to buy him a bike so they bought him a guitar for 12 bucks, and the rest is history
James Brown was devastated when Elvis died, he sat alone with the coffin and had to be led out. Jackie Wilson died with a photo of Elvis by his bedside, signed “Jackie, you have a friend forever. Elvis.”
FACT: When Elvis learned Jackie Wilson suffered a stroke, Elvis immediately sent a cheque to pay for his current hospital expenses and medical bills…that was ELVIS in a nutshell ❣️
@@tonitessarolo1060 When Jackie Wilson ran out of money, Elvis paid for his nursing home and medical care until Jackie died. Elvis gave and gave and gave ....
Elvis bought his cook, Mary Jenkins, 4 cars and a 3 bedroom house. He took her all over looking for a house. He said "Mary I like this one! Do you?" Mary said I love it! He said "Then it's yours". He paid cash and paid the taxes on it even. She loved Elvis so much. She stayed on even after he died to take care of Elvis's Dad. He was a good person. He most definitely was not racist.
Mohamed ali said Elvis was the most kind ,considerate,loving and humble man you could ever meet ,they were great friends and Elvis secretly stayed at Ali's ranch with him for 2weeks
@@beyourself2444 Funny tho that they can't be named. Sherman Andrus said there were rumors floating around. But there's always some sort of backstabbing being given or received whether it's in music, film, workplace, college or playground
The first time they met, Elvis put Ali on his ass lol.. They were messing in a dressing room. Ali posing a boxing stance, Presley doing a karate pose and he floor swiped him. They both laughed, got up and remained friendly until Elvis died. They were both above race and class. :)
@@beyourself2444 There were a lot of jealous people around. To be fair, he was a good looking white guy but he was never not forthcoming when he spoke about his influences.
The warm feelings that both Mohamed Ali and James Brown had toward Elvis is all I needed to know. Elvis had the stamp of approval from two of the leading "race men" in entertainment at that time. Ali and Brown would never compromise on their convictions to appease white audiences and were very vocal about lifting up Black Americans so if they say Elvis is alright who am I to argue.
Elvis acknowledged his influences. People like Pat Boone were the ones ripping others off. This country is more divided now than it was in the 70s and 80s. I know I'm older than most of ya'll, but don't believe what the mainstream media pushes. Stevie Ray Vaughan was obsessed with the blues, and was one of the greatest guitar players ever. He made sure to tell everyone that would listen who his influences were and where the music came from. Buddy Guy and many others have stated he helped get them the recognition they deserved. I'm sorry that's what it took, but can we just leave color out of things.... When I hear a good song, I'm not thinking about colors, shapes or sizes. Good music is good music.
Absolutely, I wanted to leave a comment but when I read yours it was everything I wanted to say. We have to pull together as one human race or a lot of the things that people in this country have taken for granted for a great many years is going to disappear. I am grateful for this channel and the way music brings people together.
U know ray Charles played country music to start out ... And rock is a fusion of country and blues. And music ain't about color it's about expressing yourself. Music is free for everybody
Look, we say music is colourless, we react to something like Redbone and we say music is for everyone. People can’t have it both ways. Either it IS for EVERYONE, or it’s niche and no variant is worthy. Elvis took an idea he loved and respected and he interpreted it his way. It was massively huge. There’s a huge danger in cancel culture. We lose our history, and Elvis changed things to prepare the way for others, of any colour. Thank you Jamel, because I get so fed up with this crap. And anyway, Elvis was part Native American, so how do they feel about that, the naysayers? You cannot have inclusiveness and have cancelled people because of their colour, being white or black or red or yellow or anything. Thank you Jamel❤️❤️❤️
Ikr and rock and roll was just a fusion of country and the blues. didn't ray Charles start out singing country? We don't call all that sampling that's done in rap stealing white culture do we.
Another thing to keep in mind was that when he was growing up, songs were never really tied to one specific artist. There were many instances where a song was on the charts by several different artists at the same time. That extended even into the 1950s.
Hi Jamel , I agree with you ! Elvis loved the Black Culture! Black Clothing! Thank You for keeping it real . Happy Independence stay safe my good man . Your reaction was a 10 plus ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elvis opened the door for an entire new sound. I was in the second grade when he died, I remember it was the first time I ever saw my mother cry. He was larger than life.
I grew up with Elvis, my parents had his first record. We kids loved to play 'You Aint Nothin' but a Houn Dog" on the record player. Everyone knew, that Elvis ALWAYS said he was very much influenced by the black community. I think he said there was one man (black) in particular who mentored him on the guitar...and he ALWAYS said he LOVED the black church music, AND..."In the Ghetto" affected everyone who ever heard it, in an extremely positive way in terms of getting real about things, and CARING about what the hell goes on that just ain't right. Thank YOU Jemel/Jamel for CARING and SHARING..always a positive message.
Elvis sounded like what he grew up on. When he opened his mouth, the sound of his world came out, and that world sounded black. If you grow up with something, it's yours. Elvis never cared for being called "The King," but hey, when BB King calls you a king, take it to the bank, you're a king.
He opened the door for these artists. They were known in their community, but Elvis paved the way with their music and exposed these artists to nationwide audiences.
Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston's mother, was a back up singer with her group the Sweet Inspirations. In 1969 they backed Elvis up. She has always spoken highly of Elvis. I was fortunate to see Elvis many times in Vegas with my parents. I have seen a lot of performers over the years but his shows left a lasting impression on me. The performance and the reaction of the audience...amazing.
@@mrs.martin3158 You are welcome :) There are many videos on TH-cam of Cissy Houston talking about Elvis. Here is a short one. th-cam.com/video/eKBEe-ndBt0/w-d-xo.html
@@VZ935 hey Cartman. did I say it was not? I said it was only 4 weeks. I will make it easier for you to understand Elvis career 1144 weeks Cissy with Elvis 4 weeks. you do the math's Hence don't get carried away with making such a big deal about Cissy. 4 weeks is no big deal
I saw Elvis perform live at Notre Dame, the year before he died. Such an amazing performer. I visited Graceland with a couple of friends years ago...very interesting.
Elvis doing what he did, gained him fame not only for himself, but for all the other Rockers out there at that time. It's an undeniable fact that "He" was the reason that Rock and Roll became such an unstoppable genre of Music, simply because his talent and stage presence was so overwhelming and compelling. And as they sayI: it is what it was, like it or not.
And probably because ALL the girls loved him, and ALL the guys wanted to be him. Nobody ever had , or will have, the Sex Appeal Elvis did. Plus he Was really a funny guy.
They were jealous. Nobody says this crap about Whitney Houston. Her biggest hit was Dolly Parton's song. Lots of songs are cover songs and most people don't even know it.
And Dolly even stated Whitney did it Justice and better then she could dream of... she sent Whitney roses every week it was on the top of the charts....
Facts. Jamel even has a video that showcases songs which are covers that "you" never knew. Some cases, the hit versions were done within couple of years.
Ok here is the big difference. The colonel got the best song writers available at the time to write all the songs to get Elvis started and be the great white hope to get the white girls out of the black clubs. remember segregation? And by your statement it is okay for a white guy to steal a black mans song but it is not okay for a back woman to do the same even though she is paying royalties, whereas Elvis and his crew did not.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 I never said anything was wrong with Whitney covering a song. I think it's perfectly fine, and COMMON for artists to cover each others songs. What is this "great white hope" shit? Give me a break. He was a talented singer with great charisma, and a huge heart. People loved him. Girls are STILL falling in love with him 40+ years after his death through his videos, and not just white girls. You sound jealous, bro.
I am black, was born in 1955 and raised in Memphis. The rumors started from another artist attempting to tarnish Elvis's name. Elvis stood up for injustice, period. He was born in Tupelo, Ms.1935. His family was poor. He often spoke of playing outside barefooted. His friends were black. He was drawn to tent revivals with black mimisters and members. Moved to Memphis, as a teenager. Lived in government assisted apartments with black and white neighbors. Started attending East Trigg Baptist Church and sang in the choir as a teenager. A black congregation lead by Rev. DR. William Herbert Brewster. His backup singers were black. He would help anyone he could. I'm finding it really hard to understand where' the racist? As far as sampling music, artist do it everyday. He never forgot his roots.
I think Elvis respected the black community and was inspired by the old gospel music and black artists! I think he loved and felt that music in his soul! Good music that is felt in your soul is color blind!
Thanks a lot for this video. I totally agree. Elvis truly love black people and their music. He had so much respect!!!I am always said to read he stole their music when the biggest black singers loved him and were his fans.
Two Jewish guys wrote hound dog and a lot of elvis songs. Elvis listen to black radio stations he love and gravitated to the blues. And the dancing.he stand still.he had rhythm. Everyone sings every one's music.when elvis sang a song he put his stamp on it.
and the reason big momma got to do it is because no white artist would touch their music. white America was told what they were going to listen to. Just like radio does today.
@@richardeidemiller6739 white writers would write for black artists because no white artist would sing the songs that white people wrote. show me in my comments where I have hate?
Bless you ,Exactly Good and Evil,Rich and Poor come in all shades ....its our job to teach our children to distinguish the difference and up to them to decide where they want to be In this world
It has to be frustrating to grow up in a culture, singing in church, it's all you know and love, and then have people claim it's not your culture and you're stealing your own culture because you're white. He really couldn't win on either side and yet he did.
Elvis rocked and just covered and played songs he loved. Artists sample other classic artists these days and nobody cares. It's all expression. Race isn't the issue, we all know it's about the tunes. Elvis was the king. An asian violin player isn't "ripping off" old classical white English musicians. It's music and influences.
I’m guessing people are thinking that the singers are also the writers of most of these songs. They are not. Big Momma Thorton sung the original Hound Dog but it was 2 Jewish guys, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller who actually wrote it. They could choose who could use it. Even if some did write it. Many artists back in the day would sell the copyrights in several cases. Record companies in those days owned most song copyrights. So if it flopped they would find a new artist to use it on and hopefully make money with it the second time around.
Elvis never stopped mentioning his influences and reminding everyone the real reason why he started to like music, I'm sick of seeing people saying that Elvis stole music from so-and-so, but I guess I'll get used to it. Elvis was not perfect, neither were we, but he liked to help, he was very good to everyone, even if there were people who disliked Elvis, he did not care, there was no resentment in his heart. I like to remember the good times to brighten my life unlike others
I’m 61 years old. I say that because I grew up in that era where you were told that Elvis didn’t like black people that he was racist . So for much of my life I believed it but I always said regardless of that This man could sing and I loved listening to him. To me color shouldn’t matter What should matter is that you’re a good human being It wasn’t until I got older and saw this documentary about Elvis that really put a different spin on what I was told or heard about this man and I was like WOW this man was a compassionate loving ,caring and a descent person I have mad respect for this man. Like you said Jamel when Legends speak highly of someone nothing else bad should be said. Thank you for your reaction truly appreciate your perspective.
Elvis always gave props to black artists, even at the start, putting himself at great risk. People thought when they first heard him on the radio he was black. He grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, where if you were dirt poor it didn't matter if you were black or white, you were still dirt poor. People tend to forget, at the time when rock and roll started, most young black kids thought blues was old mans music. Stuff their parents liked, and you know what kids are like, they'll always rebel against their parents. They identified more with rock n roll and especially doo wop, because it was made by teenage black kids like themselves. Young harmony groups singing on street corners. Colonel Tom Parker was very controlling as well, and kept Elvis on a tight leash. Don't forget this was a guy who started off as a carnival huckster. One of his 'acts' were dancing chickens. Basically chickens on a hot plate. One of the reasons Elvis never toured in Europe or indeed outside the USA is now thought to be because of the Colonel's immigration status. Basically if he left the USA, he was worried they wouldn't let him back in. Elvis hated making all those godawful films in the 60's, (honourable exceptions King Creole and Jailhouse Rock, though those two were 50's), but he was tied into such a restrictive contract. It took the British invasion with bands like the Stones and The Animals for blues to get the recognition it deserved in America. Keith famously said when they went to Chess studios there was an old guy in overalls painting the ceiling. He was shocked to discover it was Muddy Waters. When Dusty Springfield toured apartheid South Africa in the 60's she refused to play to segregated audiences. There are hundreds of examples of this, white artists paying their dues to black artists, they recognise and appreciate the source of their music. Dusty had a tv show over here in the UK, as did Tom Jones and the amount of black artists featured on both shows was testament to the high regard they felt for them. Sorry for the novel Jamel, but had to get that off my chest. Oh and thanks for introducing me to The Tragically Hip, what a great band.
@@gabaduran3333 you are white, you have no idea what it is like to be poor and black. I suggest you stick more closely to church orientated activities.
I have thought about this for years, and there are 2 big things that this controversy misses: 1) how important a factor was Elvis in the massive social changes that started in the mid 50s?? He literally made rock n roll / r'n'b the most popular music in the world, and ever since that point Black American music has basically consistently been the most popular music in the world. By the early 60s Little Richard and James Brown were on mainstream TV shows like American Bandstand etc as teen idols / big beloved music stars, whereas just 5 years earlier a black artist appearing on Ed Sullivan etc would have been a huge controversy. Elvis spearheaded a *massive* cultural shift that helped open the eyes of the world to Black American culture. My Dad, a white English dude, was a teenager in the late 50s....by 1957-8 he and his friends were buying mail order records with their pocket money direct from Chess in the U.S, buying Chuck Berry records, Howlin' Wolf records. That is a paradigm shift in culture that occurred directly from Elvis making rock n roll the lingua franca of world popular music. 2) and perhaps most importantly....Elvis wasn't copying anybody. Yes - he was influenced by Black music and was playing a lot of songs written by Black musicians....lots of artists didn't write there own music in those days. Like anybody he had influences and a style, and there is no doubt a huge part of Elvis was the tension of white person so completely singing in this way....BUT listen to Elvis' first 2 years, the Sun records stuff, the first year of RCA etc....then listen to Little Richard etc. Elvis is as massive a leap forward as any artist in history....he takes all this American music....rock, country, r'n'b, the lonesome whine of bluegrass, rockabilly, all these strains of culture and song that don't much speak to each other, and roles them up into this cosmic explosion that is American culture realising itself. Of course, Elvis after 1957 is never really the same - the above description only really applies to the first 2-3 years (though he did have some moments in the 70s), but what Elvis, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and Sam Phillips did was cosmic, and it simply holds no water to say that they were just copying Little Richard and Ike Turner, like they were taking someone else's act wholesale and just doing it as white people. Culture is not always a zero-sum game between people of different ethnicities, there is a lot of symbiosis Anyway, I think your understanding of the issue in this video is really spot on and I really enjoyed watching it xx
I am from The Netherlands. I know that Elvis always said: evryone is a child off God, no one excepted. Elvis wish was to come for shows to Europa, but that Colonel don't want it because he was affraid if he returns to the USA, he cant come over the border, he was illigal in the USA. Elvis had a lot off fans in The Netherlands, he is The King and timeles
BB King used to always point out "Elvis would come to my African American charity events, and stay till the very end cause he knew, if I took pictures with Elvis it would only make me bigger, and the cause I was representing bigger". BB King detested Elvis's critics and he dubbed them "fools who bring shame on us all". Cheers. 👍
That rebellious Elvis the Pelvis laid many of the bricks that paved the road leading into the 60's. He set humankind on an unanticipated and new trajectory.
Full disclosure...old white guy here. I still remember hearing Elvis the first time. Nothing compared in the white world of the mid 50's. But because of him, then I learned about Chuck Berry, Little Richard (one of my all time faves), many others. It made me a fan of the blues, a gift from the black community to the world...in our family we never judged who was doing the music, just how good it was. My mother's favorite artist? Nat King Cole. The Motown years were phenomenal. And the only white guy who could come close was Elvis. It opened my mind in elementary school to all the other great music out there...I wonder today where all that glorious music has gone. The world is a sadder place now that it is gone...
"If they block it, imma be pissed off, cuz I'm in a great mood". Lol I appreciate your passion my man. People want to be mad at each other these days it seems.
Sure we are. That shit was lazy. But it's not really the same. As far as I can tell, Elvis gave credit whenever asked.. but people didn't ask too much.
It's rarely mentioned that Elvis helped break the color barrier with regard to music. He helped bring attention to a lot of the great Black artists that came before him and songs that he covered.
If ever there was a bigger tall tale than Elvis taking away anything from black artists, people, etc.check out the story of his cook whom he bought a home for back in the day. It doesn't wash!
You got it all my friend!! Listening to your reaction, it was like I was hearing my thoughts coming out of your mouth!! Not to sound self-righteous, but you (we) were spot on. Can’t let the nay-sayers try to confuse the issue. Elvis loved and revered the black gospel, it was absorbed into his soul at a young age. How can you rip off.something that is yours already? He was paying homage to gospel, homage to the artists he loved and praising God in the way he was put on this earth to do. And I, for one, am very grateful he did…bless him to heaven and back again.. And I am grateful to you, Jamel…for your stand I can’t believe I’m having to justify Elvis’ love for all music to (I need to be respectful here) a bunch of people who can’t or won’t recognize greatness when they see it. Whooooheee, there…..I said it all…I feel a little better.
Hi jamel, great reaction elvis was never a racist i think the more black people watch your channel, thay would see elvis was never a racist, from marty in Belfast northern Ireland God bless
Jamal. I’m a fan of yours. I am as big an Elvis fan as you will know. I have watched all your Elvis reactions. There are three songs, particular versions, you have yet to review. The studio version of Bridge Over Trouble Water off the That’s The Way It Is album. The most amazing version of American Trilogy recorded at Madison Square Garden. Not the version on the released album. This the version from the afternoon show. It’s fromPrince from another planet album. Lastly Without Love from 1969 Elvis From Memphis. Thank you
I was Born and Raise in Oakland California in a all black neighborhood as a white child and i raise on motown music and the Funk brothers And a lot of black artist🎙 And I'm happy to say it's in my DNA just like Elvis Presley😊
I feel because of the times we were in as a country (and still in today in some ways) Elvis helped pave the way for many black artists to come after him. He helped to mainstream a genre of music that sadly at the time was not accessible to the masses. He himself had to fight to get the music played, he was a gateway for the sounds of R&B to the world and help to evolve that sound into R&R. That being said, on a personal level black or white, there was not anyone that possessed the pure magnetism and charisma that Elvis embodied. He was the right man for the right time. Here is a Elvis song you have not yet done a cover of. It features a live performance (the only released version is this one there is no studio recording) It was a top ten song in the UK but was never released in the USA as a single. This features his back up singers and is fun because Elvis is still learning the song as he sings it. It's called "I just can't help believing" It is a cover of a BJ Thomas song. th-cam.com/video/xyKtRoGiNIM/w-d-xo.html
He was a champion of "Black Music" in America. He was raised on it, grew up with it all around him, he searched out it's sources and was inspired by it. He brought "Black Music" into the mainstream. Because of my love of Elvis' music as a kid I discovered Willie Dixon (one of my heroes) and many other artists that I found through him. He was a conduit for my hunger to discover the roots of American blues and rock and roll. Too many are quick to hate. This "Cultural Appropriation" whine is so out of touch with the reality that all cultures cross pollinate since the day the first humanoid thought, "I wonder what's over there" and went.
I really enjoyed your take. One thing I want to point out is just that it's very easy to pin issues on the person in the spot light. Now, if you dig more into the music BUSINESS of the time - there's some real messed up stuff. The managers, the publicists, the record companies - there was a WHOLE lot of heavily documented bigotry and all kinds of issues. And they grabbed a hold of Elvis and clung on very tight. And certainly there were people not always getting their due at that time. There were also a lot of people who were helpful and recorded artists nobody else would. Some of the problems still go on today. The record industry is one of the least talked about most corrupt messed up industries in the world. But Elvis HIMSELF? Like you said, there's a reason all these people FROM the time vouched for him and praised him. It's a two sided coin. Pros and cons - with Elvis becoming the "king". But it seems to me, on the outside, you can't argue with those who were there. I'm a dude sitting in my recliner. I'm not Stevie Wonder, or Bobby Womack. I do know that 80% of the music I love would have never reached my ears or be later created without Elvis. So... 🤷♂️
My favorite Elvis comment….reporter..do you like the name, the king? He said, the fans came up with that, not me. I appreciate them but I was raised in a home that the king was, Jesus Christ. That’s my king…..I loved that.
Jamel... It’s The King... WHAT MORE COULD WE WANT??? I’d just like to wish you, your family & EVERYONE in the US all the best for a very happy Independence Day weekend coming up 🇺🇸✌️🥳👌🇺🇸. Party on but party safe everyone 🎉🎊🎊🎉
It was a different world back then. People need to understand what that means. They don’t get it bc those are the people who just see the words ghetto & Elvis together & start talking chit before they know what’s going on. He wasn’t talking chit..he wasn’t making it up..he wasn’t lying about the ghetto..he wasn’t putting anyone down..he said the truth & I guarantee you that song opened the eyes of at least one white person at the time. People needed to hear about that & many never would have if not for that song. Nobody was trying to understand anything about any ghetto. That was his aim & it came from the heart. Elvis sincerely payed tribute from the heart in the best way he could. It’s been said that imitation is the best form of flattery. They say that bc it’s true. Elvis had love. GREAT VIDEO JAM!👌🏻
And a world of credit to the late, great Mac Davis, who wrote that song. There were a ton of southern "good old boys" in the 70s who not only weren't racist, but were damn near bleeding hearts. Davis, Jerry Reed, Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash, and so on. In the Ghetto is such a sad and poignant song, and speaks to a sad truth that continues to this day.
I love love love Kentucky Rain by Elvis. He wasn’t a songwriter per se… so where was he supposed to get material from? There are plenty of singers who are so talented, blessed with beautiful voices and worked hard to get where they got to but weren’t song writers. We still love to hear them sing tho, don’t we?
Jamel, love your vids and opinions! Always spot on man. Elvis was King, Aretha was Queen, Michael was another King, and Freddie was Queen. (And the others). Keep em rolling brother. Elvis can't win with todays peeps. They want to cancel everybody.
When Elvis hit it big and went to buy a Cadillac, the salesman brushed him off thinking he was just some young punk who wasn't a real customer. So as Elvis walked out the door he went up to a black man washing windows on the new cars on the lot. He went up to him and asked: "Is Cadillac a good car?" The man replied "Yeah, that's what they say". So he walked back in and asked for the manager and told him: "See than man out there? He just sold me on a Cadillac. I want 2. One for me and one for him and he's to have the commission on both".
Thank you! When someone was amazing, people always wanna shut someone down! Even Elvis Presley didn’t like people calling him ‘King of Rock and Roll’. When someone has so much Love and wants to give it to everyone. People will always want to shut it down. The younger generation just listen to mumble rap and sex and violences. We live in different times. We just need to stay woke and not rumours and gossip peoples reputations. So, I thank you for putting your reaction video about Elvis. R.I.P. King
Truth; It's sad that we have been reduced in todays culture as it was in the past, that we still must use the color of someone's skin to determine his heart and soul. Lies generated by jealousy, hate, and a whole host of evil to come across as something good. Elvis was a talent who just happened to be of light colored skin who grew up and was influenced by his brothers who had a darker skin tone. That's all their is to it. Good music is good music, you of all people have identified and exposed this great big lie that has been promoted in recent times to separate everyone. We are all both good and bad with variances that rise and fall everyday, regardless of our physical and outward appearances. Its what is in our hearts that matters for eternal peace.
Elvis grew up on the same side of the tracks as Black folk in his small town of Tupelo, Mississippi starting in the 1930s, and sang in Black church choir as a teen-during segregation. He's a hero, not a racist.
Thanks so much for this footage. I've never seen this before. I've always been a big Elvis fan. This just makes me love him more. So glad my parents were not like those on the video.
I’m glad you finally reacted to this 💕☮️💜💕. Your Elvis reactions are my favorite of all your reactions 💕 There’s an Elvis and the black community part 2. you should check out ☮️💜. ps. If you want to see/hear some Real LOVE between a black and a white singer, please watch (Leon Russel) Ray Charles singing to Willie Nelson on Willies 80th Birthday, it’s just so beautiful & emotional 💕☮️💜💕
The name of the song is "A Song For You" and was written by Leon Russell (who was white). The song was recorded by many artists, and IMO Ray Charles had the best cover. It has nothing to do with skin color, but how he delivers the song. I'm an older, Southern white female and I love all kinds of music that speaks to me. I couldn't care less about the singer's ethnicity and I believe most people these days probably feel the same way. Things were awful for a lot of people during those times, but laws and times have changed. I think most people try to be good humans and do right by each other. We can certainly learn from the past but we don't live there anymore. We can't change things that have already happened, but we can move forward and do the right thing today and tomorrow. Thank you, Jamel, for what you do. You are a sweet, loving soul and very much appreciated.
Elvis was love. I never realized how much he did. It was my ignorance. He was UNDER FIRE in his life, look at the accusations and hate he faced about being too accepting of black music that he LOVED with his whole soul.
I see a lot of reactors showing their goosebumps they get from usually a singer. If you wanna see a singer give HIMSELF goosebumps, please watch Elvis in Hawaii when he sings I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. He hits a note and has to shake himself a little bc he knows how awesome it sounded.
Had to watch you on Patreon but it's all good. I agree with you. Elvis was great and, that's all I can say and knew where his music came from and paid homage to those that came before him.
When you watch Elvis sing some of the songs you've reacted to you know how talented he was. If you watch him sing Gospel you will see him sing from the heart. His afterparties were nothing but Gospel. He gave his thanks to the Lord thru every step of his short time on Earth. God put him here for a reason and when the destiny was fulfilled he took him back. He was my first crush. I remember sitting in the floor at my grandma's house watching his wedding to Priscilla. Yes they broadcast it. He was the real thing and walked the walk. I'm so glad I grew up in the 60's and 70's. btw one of his backup singers was Cissy Houston mother of Whitney
Jamel thank you so much for this video and for your continued support of Elvis he was definitely one of a kind he never say color and never thought of himself as better than anybody else and always gave God credit saying there was only one king Jesus Christ and i dont see many entertainers today speaking those words thank you Jamel
The black lady they didn't name was Myrna Smith, a member of Elvis' female backup group, The Sweet Inspirations. She was also an accomplished song writer.
She was also very close to Elvis and his family and became Lisa's godmother. Elvis tried to date Myrna but she didn't wanna hurt their friendship. She's also Whitney's cousin.
@@mikem957 Myrna Smith and Whitney were cousins? Never heard about it. Are you sure, or do you mixed it up with Dionne Warwick. Anyway, you are right, she didn't want to hurt his feelings. She was in love with Jerry Schilling. Elvis friend and bodyguard. They got married after Elvis' death.
👍thanks for sharing the video on patreon, the greatest thing about elvis was that he had faith in Jesus and treated everyone with love as should we all. God bless America and have a happy and safe 4th of July 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Yeah.... you hit the nail on the head!!!! He grew up in black community, and absolutely LOVED the music ❣️❣️..... so people either totally loved him,or absolutely hated him. But he really did open the door to making the music of great musicians open up for all of us to become aware of 💕❣️🙏
There's an interveiw from 72 where elvis speaks about what he listened too . Gospel quarters Rythem and Blues Opera ect . Its very interesting. I totally agree people keep believing the rumours about him . How .many black artists were heared on the radio or had hits before Elvis
100% correct, and sadly it goes much further than just Elvis; look at the world today. I've watched Jamel learn a different "history" over the past 17 months I've been watching him, hoping same will happen for thousands more.
@@alfsmith4936 it's not about voting Republican as way back in the day Republicans were like present day Democrats and Democrats were like present day Republicans. It's more about voting for the person that will do the best job with the least amount of damage done, that could be either party in the future.
@@silverghostcat1924 To be fair, you're right.. I should have said, "Please don't let politics be tainted by greed and division again" and both sides use it when they can :/
Watch My Full Reaction Here👉🏾www.patreon.com/Jamel_aka_Jamal
Jamel, you have such wisdom. Your messages are from your "heart and soul". We all need to be kinder and more understanding. Too many people are mean and nasty these days. You are a true gem.💎🤗
There's a part two. Elvis hated being called the King . He said the only King is Jesus Christ. Col. Tom Parker was Elvis' manager. He insisted that if Elvis records your song he owned half of the rights but he told them if Elvis records your song you will still make 10 times the money you're making now
@@davidtullis2810 You are right about Elvis taking 1/2 the rights. When interviewed, Dolly Parton said she wouldn't let Elvis sing her song, "I Will Always Love You" because he wanted 1/2 the rights. She also said she didn't care if the song became Whitney Houston's signature song because she (Parton) got a check every time Houston sang it.
❤️💕💜 Great Channel 💙💚💜
@@dee_dee_place Regards royalties, whilst I do not specifically know (& not watched the vid yet), I suspect that was the Colonel's (Tom Parker) doing. Also that manager had a nickname that I imagine did not help the inter race feelings about Elvis.
The man grew up in the ghettos of Mississippi and Tennessee and fell in love with music because of the black choirs he heard at church. On his 11th bityhday his parents couldn't afford to buy him a bike so they bought him a guitar for 12 bucks, and the rest is history
His ancestry was Melungeon.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melungeon#:~:text=Melungeons%20(%2Fm%C9%99%CB%88l,as%20slaves%20and%20indentured%20servants.
James Brown was devastated when Elvis died, he sat alone with the coffin and had to be led out. Jackie Wilson died with a photo of Elvis by his bedside, signed “Jackie, you have a friend forever. Elvis.”
FACT: When Elvis learned Jackie Wilson suffered a stroke, Elvis immediately sent a cheque to pay for his current hospital expenses and medical bills…that was ELVIS in a nutshell ❣️
@@tonitessarolo1060 When Jackie Wilson ran out of money, Elvis paid for his nursing home and medical care until Jackie died. Elvis gave and gave and gave ....
Elvis bought his cook, Mary Jenkins, 4 cars and a 3 bedroom house. He took her all over looking for a house. He said "Mary I like this one! Do you?" Mary said I love it! He said "Then it's yours". He paid cash and paid the taxes on it even. She loved Elvis so much. She stayed on even after he died to take care of Elvis's Dad. He was a good person. He most definitely was not racist.
Mohamed ali said Elvis was the most kind ,considerate,loving and humble man you could ever meet ,they were great friends and Elvis secretly stayed at Ali's ranch with him for 2weeks
There were other blacks who said he was racist
@@beyourself2444 yeah but unlike the artist who talked in the video, those "other black artists" didn't met Elvis
@@beyourself2444 Funny tho that they can't be named. Sherman Andrus said there were rumors floating around. But there's always some sort of backstabbing being given or received whether it's in music, film, workplace, college or playground
The first time they met, Elvis put Ali on his ass lol.. They were messing in a dressing room. Ali posing a boxing stance, Presley doing a karate pose and he floor swiped him. They both laughed, got up and remained friendly until Elvis died.
They were both above race and class. :)
@@beyourself2444 There were a lot of jealous people around. To be fair, he was a good looking white guy but he was never not forthcoming when he spoke about his influences.
The warm feelings that both Mohamed Ali and James Brown had toward Elvis is all I needed to know. Elvis had the stamp of approval from two of the leading "race men" in entertainment at that time. Ali and Brown would never compromise on their convictions to appease white audiences and were very vocal about lifting up Black Americans so if they say Elvis is alright who am I to argue.
Those were segregated times. Elvis's actions spoke louder than words. Love him always! 🥰
Love love love, Elvis did not see color....He just felt the music! Thank you!
Elvis acknowledged his influences. People like Pat Boone were the ones ripping others off. This country is more divided now than it was in the 70s and 80s. I know I'm older than most of ya'll, but don't believe what the mainstream media pushes. Stevie Ray Vaughan was obsessed with the blues, and was one of the greatest guitar players ever. He made sure to tell everyone that would listen who his influences were and where the music came from. Buddy Guy and many others have stated he helped get them the recognition they deserved. I'm sorry that's what it took, but can we just leave color out of things.... When I hear a good song, I'm not thinking about colors, shapes or sizes. Good music is good music.
Well said!
God bless you sir
Absolutely, I wanted to leave a comment but when I read yours it was everything I wanted to say. We have to pull together as one human race or a lot of the things that people in this country have taken for granted for a great many years is going to disappear. I am grateful for this channel and the way music brings people together.
@@musicairplanes4884 I thank you. I just tried to express my feelings.
Ok, boomer.
U know ray Charles played country music to start out ... And rock is a fusion of country and blues. And music ain't about color it's about expressing yourself. Music is free for everybody
Exactly if it speaks to your heart....who cares who's singing it
I’ve never in more than 40 years of playing music met a racist musician. Or comedian for that matter
facts, could add Rufus "Tea Tot" Payne the unsung mentor of the late, legendary Hank Williams Sr... the list goes on...
Look, we say music is colourless, we react to something like Redbone and we say music is for everyone. People can’t have it both ways. Either it IS for EVERYONE, or it’s niche and no variant is worthy. Elvis took an idea he loved and respected and he interpreted it his way. It was massively huge. There’s a huge danger in cancel culture. We lose our history, and Elvis changed things to prepare the way for others, of any colour. Thank you Jamel, because I get so fed up with this crap. And anyway, Elvis was part Native American, so how do they feel about that, the naysayers? You cannot have inclusiveness and have cancelled people because of their colour, being white or black or red or yellow or anything.
Thank you Jamel❤️❤️❤️
Ikr and rock and roll was just a fusion of country and the blues. didn't ray Charles start out singing country? We don't call all that sampling that's done in rap stealing white culture do we.
Amen!!!!
Another thing to keep in mind was that when he was growing up, songs were never really tied to one specific artist. There were many instances where a song was on the charts by several different artists at the same time. That extended even into the 1950s.
Hi Jamel , I agree with you ! Elvis loved the Black Culture! Black Clothing! Thank You for keeping it real . Happy Independence stay safe my good man . Your reaction was a 10 plus ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elvis opened the door for an entire new sound. I was in the second grade when he died, I remember it was the first time I ever saw my mother cry. He was larger than life.
Music is the universal sound of expression and is "color-less." If a person finds skin color in music it's because they are looking for it.
It was natural for Elvis to sing black artists music, they were his influence as a child he grew up singing in black churches for crying out loud 😡
I grew up with Elvis, my parents had his first record. We kids loved to play 'You Aint Nothin' but a Houn Dog" on the record player. Everyone knew, that Elvis ALWAYS said he was very much influenced by the black community. I think he said there was one man (black) in particular who mentored him on the guitar...and he ALWAYS said he LOVED the black church music, AND..."In the Ghetto" affected everyone who ever heard it, in an extremely positive way in terms of getting real about things, and CARING about what the hell goes on that just ain't right. Thank YOU Jemel/Jamel for CARING and SHARING..always a positive message.
Elvis sounded like what he grew up on. When he opened his mouth, the sound of his world came out, and that world sounded black. If you grow up with something, it's yours.
Elvis never cared for being called "The King," but hey, when BB King calls you a king, take it to the bank, you're a king.
Elvis would always reply, "No Sir, there is only one king. And that is Jesus
Christ"
Elvis being a white man sounding black is the reason Sam Phillips signed him to Sun Records.
He opened the door for these artists. They were known in their community, but Elvis paved the way with their music and exposed these artists to nationwide audiences.
Elvis just loved music and he was brought up in the heart of it in the beginning ,,,,he just loved music.
Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston's mother, was a back up singer with her group the Sweet Inspirations. In 1969 they backed Elvis up. She has always spoken highly of Elvis. I was fortunate to see Elvis many times in Vegas with my parents. I have seen a lot of performers over the years but his shows left a lasting impression on me. The performance and the reaction of the audience...amazing.
I had no idea Cissy Houston was a back-up singer for him. Thank you for sharing. This is a TIL moment for me.😁🤣
@@mrs.martin3158 You are welcome :) There are many videos on TH-cam of Cissy Houston talking about Elvis. Here is a short one. th-cam.com/video/eKBEe-ndBt0/w-d-xo.html
it was for 4 weeks don't get carried away with yourself..
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 It was a 100% factual statement and since it was just Independence Day, I will do what I want
@@VZ935 hey Cartman.
did I say it was not?
I said it was only 4 weeks.
I will make it easier for you to understand
Elvis career 1144 weeks
Cissy with Elvis 4 weeks.
you do the math's
Hence don't get carried away with making such a big deal about Cissy.
4 weeks is no big deal
Elvis grew up in a black community and heard the music of the community and that is what he felt
I think Elvis heard excellent music and honored it.
I saw Elvis perform live at Notre Dame, the year before he died. Such an amazing performer. I visited Graceland with a couple of friends years ago...very interesting.
Elvis doing what he did, gained him fame not only for himself, but for all the other Rockers out there at that time. It's an undeniable fact that "He" was the reason that Rock and Roll became such an unstoppable genre of Music, simply because his talent and stage presence was so overwhelming and compelling.
And as they sayI: it is what it was, like it or not.
And probably because ALL the girls loved him, and ALL the guys wanted to be him. Nobody ever had , or will have, the Sex Appeal Elvis did. Plus he
Was really a funny guy.
what is more popular today
Rap or Rock n Roll?
GOD BLESS YOU FOR EXPLAINING IT TO EVERYONE that Elvis was for everyone!
They were jealous. Nobody says this crap about Whitney Houston. Her biggest hit was Dolly Parton's song. Lots of songs are cover songs and most people don't even know it.
And Dolly even stated Whitney did it Justice and better then she could dream of... she sent Whitney roses every week it was on the top of the charts....
Facts. Jamel even has a video that showcases songs which are covers that "you" never knew. Some cases, the hit versions were done within couple of years.
Ok here is the big difference.
The colonel got the best song writers available at the time to write all the songs to get Elvis started and be the great white hope to get the white girls out of the black clubs.
remember segregation?
And by your statement it is okay for a white guy to steal a black mans song but it is not okay for a back woman to do the same even though she is paying royalties, whereas Elvis and his crew did not.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 I never said anything was wrong with Whitney covering a song. I think it's perfectly fine, and COMMON for artists to cover each others songs. What is this "great white hope" shit? Give me a break. He was a talented singer with great charisma, and a huge heart. People loved him. Girls are STILL falling in love with him 40+ years after his death through his videos, and not just white girls. You sound jealous, bro.
@@vhonn95 I think you missed the point.
I am black, was born in 1955 and raised in Memphis. The rumors started from another artist attempting to tarnish Elvis's name. Elvis stood up for injustice, period. He was born in Tupelo, Ms.1935. His family was poor. He often spoke of playing outside barefooted. His friends were black. He was drawn to tent revivals with black mimisters and members. Moved to Memphis, as a teenager. Lived in government assisted apartments with black and white neighbors. Started attending East Trigg Baptist Church and sang in the choir as a teenager. A black congregation lead by Rev. DR. William Herbert Brewster. His backup singers were black. He would help anyone he could. I'm finding it really hard to understand where' the racist? As far as sampling music, artist do it everyday. He never forgot his roots.
I think Elvis respected the black community and was inspired by the old gospel music and black artists! I think he loved and felt that music in his soul! Good music that is felt in your soul is color blind!
Thanks a lot for this video. I totally agree. Elvis truly love black people and their music. He had so much respect!!!I am always said to read he stole their music when the biggest black singers loved him and were his fans.
Two Jewish guys wrote hound dog and a lot of elvis songs. Elvis listen to black radio stations he love and gravitated to the blues. And the dancing.he stand still.he had rhythm. Everyone sings every one's music.when elvis sang a song he put his stamp on it.
@T La yes I know.she did it different more bluesy .but how did elvis steal it.
and the reason big momma got to do it is because no white artist would touch their music.
white America was told what they were going to listen to.
Just like radio does today.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 did not know that.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 No white artist would touch who's miusic? Hound Dog was written by 2 white men. Clearly hate has you confused.
@@richardeidemiller6739 white writers would write for black artists because no white artist would sing the songs that white people wrote. show me in my comments where I have hate?
GOD BLESS YOU, MY BROTHER! 🙏THE WORLD NEEDS MORE OPEN MINDED PEOPLE LIKE YOU! THE KING WAS A MUSICAL AND HISTORICAL MILESTONE! LOVE FROM GREECE! 🇬🇷
The 21st Century is all about division right now, it's all fkn stupid.
Content of Character, words to live by!
Bless you ,Exactly Good and Evil,Rich and Poor come in all shades ....its our job to teach our children to distinguish the difference and up to them to decide where they want to be In this world
It has to be frustrating to grow up in a culture, singing in church, it's all you know and love, and then have people claim it's not your culture and you're stealing your own culture because you're white. He really couldn't win on either side and yet he did.
Elvis rocked and just covered and played songs he loved. Artists sample other classic artists these days and nobody cares. It's all expression. Race isn't the issue, we all know it's about the tunes. Elvis was the king. An asian violin player isn't "ripping off" old classical white English musicians. It's music and influences.
I’m guessing people are thinking that the singers are also the writers of most of these songs. They are not.
Big Momma Thorton sung the original Hound Dog but it was 2 Jewish guys, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller who actually wrote it. They could choose who could use it.
Even if some did write it. Many artists back in the day would sell the copyrights in several cases. Record companies in those days owned most song copyrights. So if it flopped they would find a new artist to use it on and hopefully make money with it the second time around.
And I understand that "In the Ghetto" was written by Mack Davis of Lubbock, Texas.
Elvis never stopped mentioning his influences and reminding everyone the real reason why he started to like music, I'm sick of seeing people saying that Elvis stole music from so-and-so, but I guess I'll get used to it. Elvis was not perfect, neither were we, but he liked to help, he was very good to everyone, even if there were people who disliked Elvis, he did not care, there was no resentment in his heart. I like to remember the good times to brighten my life unlike others
I’m 61 years old. I say that because I grew up in that era where you were told that Elvis didn’t like black people that he was racist . So for much of my life I believed it but I always said regardless of that This man could sing and I loved listening to him. To me color shouldn’t matter What should matter is that you’re a good human being It wasn’t until I got older and saw this documentary about Elvis that really put a different spin on what I was told or heard about this man and I was like WOW this man was a compassionate loving ,caring and a descent person I have mad respect for this man. Like you said Jamel when Legends speak highly of someone nothing else bad should be said. Thank you for your reaction truly appreciate your perspective.
Elvis always gave props to black artists, even at the start, putting himself at great risk. People thought when they first heard him on the radio he was black. He grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, where if you were dirt poor it didn't matter if you were black or white, you were still dirt poor. People tend to forget, at the time when rock and roll started, most young black kids thought blues was old mans music. Stuff their parents liked, and you know what kids are like, they'll always rebel against their parents. They identified more with rock n roll and especially doo wop, because it was made by teenage black kids like themselves. Young harmony groups singing on street corners. Colonel Tom Parker was very controlling as well, and kept Elvis on a tight leash. Don't forget this was a guy who started off as a carnival huckster. One of his 'acts' were dancing chickens. Basically chickens on a hot plate. One of the reasons Elvis never toured in Europe or indeed outside the USA is now thought to be because of the Colonel's immigration status. Basically if he left the USA, he was worried they wouldn't let him back in. Elvis hated making all those godawful films in the 60's, (honourable exceptions King Creole and Jailhouse Rock, though those two were 50's), but he was tied into such a restrictive contract. It took the British invasion with bands like the Stones and The Animals for blues to get the recognition it deserved in America. Keith famously said when they went to Chess studios there was an old guy in overalls painting the ceiling. He was shocked to discover it was Muddy Waters. When Dusty Springfield toured apartheid South Africa in the 60's she refused to play to segregated audiences. There are hundreds of examples of this, white artists paying their dues to black artists, they recognise and appreciate the source of their music. Dusty had a tv show over here in the UK, as did Tom Jones and the amount of black artists featured on both shows was testament to the high regard they felt for them. Sorry for the novel Jamel, but had to get that off my chest. Oh and thanks for introducing me to The Tragically Hip, what a great band.
Elvis did. Sam Phillips...... not so much
If you were white poor you had privilege's, if you were black poor you did not.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 white or black...still poor!! The problem is being poor not the fricking color of the fricking skin
@@gabaduran3333 you are white, you have no idea what it is like to be poor and black.
I suggest you stick more closely to church orientated activities.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 i'll do
I have thought about this for years, and there are 2 big things that this controversy misses: 1) how important a factor was Elvis in the massive social changes that started in the mid 50s?? He literally made rock n roll / r'n'b the most popular music in the world, and ever since that point Black American music has basically consistently been the most popular music in the world. By the early 60s Little Richard and James Brown were on mainstream TV shows like American Bandstand etc as teen idols / big beloved music stars, whereas just 5 years earlier a black artist appearing on Ed Sullivan etc would have been a huge controversy. Elvis spearheaded a *massive* cultural shift that helped open the eyes of the world to Black American culture. My Dad, a white English dude, was a teenager in the late 50s....by 1957-8 he and his friends were buying mail order records with their pocket money direct from Chess in the U.S, buying Chuck Berry records, Howlin' Wolf records. That is a paradigm shift in culture that occurred directly from Elvis making rock n roll the lingua franca of world popular music.
2) and perhaps most importantly....Elvis wasn't copying anybody. Yes - he was influenced by Black music and was playing a lot of songs written by Black musicians....lots of artists didn't write there own music in those days. Like anybody he had influences and a style, and there is no doubt a huge part of Elvis was the tension of white person so completely singing in this way....BUT listen to Elvis' first 2 years, the Sun records stuff, the first year of RCA etc....then listen to Little Richard etc. Elvis is as massive a leap forward as any artist in history....he takes all this American music....rock, country, r'n'b, the lonesome whine of bluegrass, rockabilly, all these strains of culture and song that don't much speak to each other, and roles them up into this cosmic explosion that is American culture realising itself. Of course, Elvis after 1957 is never really the same - the above description only really applies to the first 2-3 years (though he did have some moments in the 70s), but what Elvis, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and Sam Phillips did was cosmic, and it simply holds no water to say that they were just copying Little Richard and Ike Turner, like they were taking someone else's act wholesale and just doing it as white people. Culture is not always a zero-sum game between people of different ethnicities, there is a lot of symbiosis
Anyway, I think your understanding of the issue in this video is really spot on and I really enjoyed watching it xx
I am from The Netherlands. I know that Elvis always said: evryone is a child off God, no one excepted. Elvis wish was to come for shows to Europa, but that Colonel don't want it because he was affraid if he returns to the USA, he cant come over the border, he was illigal in the USA. Elvis had a lot off fans in The Netherlands, he is The King and timeles
Oh absolutely. Plus he mixed Country, Gospel, and rhythm & blues plus he could even sing Opera!!
BB King used to always point out "Elvis would come to my African American charity events, and stay till the very end cause he knew, if I took pictures with Elvis it would only make me bigger, and the cause I was representing bigger". BB King detested Elvis's critics and he dubbed them "fools who bring shame on us all". Cheers. 👍
That rebellious Elvis the Pelvis laid many of the bricks that paved the road leading into the 60's.
He set humankind on an unanticipated and new trajectory.
Full disclosure...old white guy here. I still remember hearing Elvis the first time. Nothing compared in the white world of the mid 50's. But because of him, then I learned about Chuck Berry, Little Richard (one of my all time faves), many others. It made me a fan of the blues, a gift from the black community to the world...in our family we never judged who was doing the music, just how good it was. My mother's favorite artist? Nat King Cole. The Motown years were phenomenal. And the only white guy who could come close was Elvis. It opened my mind in elementary school to all the other great music out there...I wonder today where all that glorious music has gone. The world is a sadder place now that it is gone...
Jamel is always speaking the truth! What a great guy! If i would live near you, i would love to be your friend! Much love from Germany!
"If they block it, imma be pissed off, cuz I'm in a great mood". Lol I appreciate your passion my man. People want to be mad at each other these days it seems.
I like to think we all influence each other through music, dance, food ,fashion, ect to evolve all together.
No one is critiquing PDiddy using Every Breath you Take to do Missing You
Sure we are. That shit was lazy.
But it's not really the same. As far as I can tell, Elvis gave credit whenever asked.. but people didn't ask too much.
@@jibrilbaldhead when that came out some guys are work were grooving to it and they were saying how Diddy wrote this great song and I laughed.
It's rarely mentioned that Elvis helped break the color barrier with regard to music. He helped bring attention to a lot of the great Black artists that came before him and songs that he covered.
If ever there was a bigger tall tale than Elvis taking away anything from black artists, people, etc.check out the story of his cook whom he bought a home for back in the day. It doesn't wash!
You got it all my friend!! Listening to your reaction, it was like I was hearing my thoughts
coming out of your mouth!! Not to sound self-righteous, but you (we) were spot on. Can’t
let the nay-sayers try to confuse the issue. Elvis loved and revered the black gospel, it was
absorbed into his soul at a young age. How can you rip off.something that is yours already?
He was paying homage to gospel, homage to the artists he loved and praising God in the
way he was put on this earth to do. And I, for one, am very grateful he did…bless him to heaven
and back again..
And I am grateful to you, Jamel…for your stand
I can’t believe I’m having to justify Elvis’ love for all music to (I need to be respectful here) a bunch
of people who can’t or won’t recognize greatness when they see it.
Whooooheee, there…..I said it all…I feel a little better.
Let the music bring us together!
Hi jamel, great reaction elvis was never a racist i think the more black people watch your channel, thay would see elvis was never a racist, from marty in Belfast northern Ireland God bless
I am from Tupelo Mississippi and you nailed it on your understanding of Elvis, thank you
Jamal. I’m a fan of yours. I am as big an Elvis fan as you will know. I have watched all your Elvis reactions. There are three songs, particular versions, you have yet to review. The studio version of Bridge Over Trouble Water off the That’s The Way It Is album. The most amazing version of American Trilogy recorded at Madison Square Garden. Not the version on the released album. This the version from the afternoon show. It’s fromPrince from another planet album. Lastly Without Love from 1969 Elvis From Memphis. Thank you
I was Born and Raise in Oakland California in a all black neighborhood as a white child and i raise on motown music and the Funk brothers And a lot of black artist🎙 And I'm happy to say it's in my DNA just like Elvis Presley😊
Elvis brought me to ... jimmy reed.... ivory joe hunter.. roy hamilton... i loved elvis for that.
I feel because of the times we were in as a country (and still in today in some ways) Elvis helped pave the way for many black artists to come after him. He helped to mainstream a genre of music that sadly at the time was not accessible to the masses. He himself had to fight to get the music played, he was a gateway for the sounds of R&B to the world and help to evolve that sound into R&R. That being said, on a personal level black or white, there was not anyone that possessed the pure magnetism and charisma that Elvis embodied. He was the right man for the right time. Here is a Elvis song you have not yet done a cover of. It features a live performance (the only released version is this one there is no studio recording) It was a top ten song in the UK but was never released in the USA as a single. This features his back up singers and is fun because Elvis is still learning the song as he sings it. It's called "I just can't help believing" It is a cover of a BJ Thomas song. th-cam.com/video/xyKtRoGiNIM/w-d-xo.html
He was a champion of "Black Music" in America. He was raised on it, grew up with it all around him, he searched out it's sources and was inspired by it. He brought "Black Music" into the mainstream. Because of my love of Elvis' music as a kid I discovered Willie Dixon (one of my heroes) and many other artists that I found through him. He was a conduit for my hunger to discover the roots of American blues and rock and roll. Too many are quick to hate. This "Cultural Appropriation" whine is so out of touch with the reality that all cultures cross pollinate since the day the first humanoid thought, "I wonder what's over there" and went.
Excellent commentary! I agree ☝️
I really enjoyed your take. One thing I want to point out is just that it's very easy to pin issues on the person in the spot light.
Now, if you dig more into the music BUSINESS of the time - there's some real messed up stuff. The managers, the publicists, the record companies - there was a WHOLE lot of heavily documented bigotry and all kinds of issues. And they grabbed a hold of Elvis and clung on very tight. And certainly there were people not always getting their due at that time. There were also a lot of people who were helpful and recorded artists nobody else would.
Some of the problems still go on today. The record industry is one of the least talked about most corrupt messed up industries in the world. But Elvis HIMSELF? Like you said, there's a reason all these people FROM the time vouched for him and praised him.
It's a two sided coin. Pros and cons - with Elvis becoming the "king". But it seems to me, on the outside, you can't argue with those who were there. I'm a dude sitting in my recliner. I'm not Stevie Wonder, or Bobby Womack. I do know that 80% of the music I love would have never reached my ears or be later created without Elvis. So... 🤷♂️
My favorite Elvis comment….reporter..do you like the name, the king? He said, the fans came up with that, not me. I appreciate them but I was raised in a home that the king was, Jesus Christ. That’s my king…..I loved that.
Jamel... It’s The King... WHAT MORE COULD WE WANT??? I’d just like to wish you, your family & EVERYONE in the US all the best for a very happy Independence Day weekend coming up 🇺🇸✌️🥳👌🇺🇸. Party on but party safe everyone 🎉🎊🎊🎉
It was a different world back then. People need to understand what that means. They don’t get it bc those are the people who just see the words ghetto & Elvis together & start talking chit before they know what’s going on. He wasn’t talking chit..he wasn’t making it up..he wasn’t lying about the ghetto..he wasn’t putting anyone down..he said the truth & I guarantee you that song opened the eyes of at least one white person at the time. People needed to hear about that & many never would have if not for that song. Nobody was trying to understand anything about any ghetto. That was his aim & it came from the heart. Elvis sincerely payed tribute from the heart in the best way he could. It’s been said that imitation is the best form of flattery. They say that bc it’s true. Elvis had love. GREAT VIDEO JAM!👌🏻
And a world of credit to the late, great Mac Davis, who wrote that song. There were a ton of southern "good old boys" in the 70s who not only weren't racist, but were damn near bleeding hearts. Davis, Jerry Reed, Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash, and so on. In the Ghetto is such a sad and poignant song, and speaks to a sad truth that continues to this day.
@@auckalukaum ...Touché my friend! Damn right!
I love love love Kentucky Rain by Elvis. He wasn’t a songwriter per se… so where was he supposed to get material from? There are plenty of singers who are so talented, blessed with beautiful voices and worked hard to get where they got to but weren’t song writers. We still love to hear them sing tho, don’t we?
You put exact! I'm not divided, just be a good human!
Love your videos, and your point of view. You are dead right about Elvis. He is my favorite artist of all time, and was not racist.
Jamel, love your vids and opinions! Always spot on man. Elvis was King, Aretha was Queen, Michael was another King, and Freddie was Queen. (And the others). Keep em rolling brother. Elvis can't win with todays peeps. They want to cancel everybody.
yeah i would have never discovered roy hamilton if elvis didnt say he was his favorite singer
Elvis was the Best.
Let us not forget Ray Charles,and his breakthrough into integration too!...The two of them opened eyes and doors!!.......
When Elvis hit it big and went to buy a Cadillac, the salesman brushed him off thinking he was just some young punk who wasn't a real customer. So as Elvis walked out the door he went up to a black man washing windows on the new cars on the lot. He went up to him and asked: "Is Cadillac a good car?" The man replied "Yeah, that's what they say". So he walked back in and asked for the manager and told him: "See than man out there? He just sold me on a Cadillac. I want 2. One for me and one for him and he's to have the commission on both".
THANK YOU, JAMEL !!
God bless you!
💝
Thank you! When someone was amazing, people always wanna shut someone down! Even Elvis Presley didn’t like people calling him ‘King of Rock and Roll’. When someone has so much Love and wants to give it to everyone. People will always want to shut it down. The younger generation just listen to mumble rap and sex and violences. We live in different times. We just need to stay woke and not rumours and gossip peoples reputations. So, I thank you for putting your reaction video about Elvis. R.I.P. King
I apologize he didn’t like being called King.....R.I.P. Beautiful Soul.
God Bless you Jamel for your insight. You are GREAT !!!!
You are spot on .love listening to you.
Love Elvis Love you my man
Truth; It's sad that we have been reduced in todays culture as it was in the past, that we still must use the color of someone's skin to determine his heart and soul. Lies generated by jealousy, hate, and a whole host of evil to come across as something good. Elvis was a talent who just happened to be of light colored skin who grew up and was influenced by his brothers who had a darker skin tone. That's all their is to it. Good music is good music, you of all people have identified and exposed this great big lie that has been promoted in recent times to separate everyone. We are all both good and bad with variances that rise and fall everyday, regardless of our physical and outward appearances. Its what is in our hearts that matters for eternal peace.
Elvis grew up on the same side of the tracks as Black folk in his small town of Tupelo, Mississippi starting in the 1930s, and sang in Black church choir as a teen-during segregation. He's a hero, not a racist.
Thanks so much for this footage. I've never seen this before. I've always been a big Elvis fan. This just makes me love him more. So glad my parents were not like those on the video.
Beautiful reaction. Please react to Elvis and the black community part 2
I’m glad you finally reacted to this 💕☮️💜💕. Your Elvis reactions are my favorite of all your reactions 💕 There’s an Elvis and the black community part 2. you should check out ☮️💜. ps. If you want to see/hear some Real LOVE between a black and a white singer, please watch (Leon Russel) Ray Charles singing to Willie Nelson on Willies 80th Birthday, it’s just so beautiful & emotional 💕☮️💜💕
The name of the song is "A Song For You" and was written by Leon Russell (who was white). The song was recorded by many artists, and IMO Ray Charles had the best cover. It has nothing to do with skin color, but how he delivers the song. I'm an older, Southern white female and I love all kinds of music that speaks to me. I couldn't care less about the singer's ethnicity and I believe most people these days probably feel the same way.
Things were awful for a lot of people during those times, but laws and times have changed. I think most people try to be good humans and do right by each other. We can certainly learn from the past but we don't live there anymore. We can't change things that have already happened, but we can move forward and do the right thing today and tomorrow. Thank you, Jamel, for what you do. You are a sweet, loving soul and very much appreciated.
You are very wise. Your reactions are so insightful.
Elvis was love. I never realized how much he did. It was my ignorance. He was UNDER FIRE in his life, look at the accusations and hate he faced about being too accepting of black music that he LOVED with his whole soul.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
You are a good person and I hope you have the best!!!💯☮️🎯✊❤️⭐️🌳✊🎯❤️
“Can’t we all just get along”? Rodney King
I see a lot of reactors showing their goosebumps they get from usually a singer. If you wanna see a singer give HIMSELF goosebumps, please watch Elvis in Hawaii when he sings I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. He hits a note and has to shake himself a little bc he knows how awesome it sounded.
Had to watch you on Patreon but it's all good. I agree with you. Elvis was great and, that's all I can say and knew where his music came from and paid homage to those that came before him.
When you watch Elvis sing some of the songs you've reacted to you know how talented he was. If you watch him sing Gospel you will see him sing from the heart. His afterparties were nothing but Gospel. He gave his thanks to the Lord thru every step of his short time on Earth. God put him here for a reason and when the destiny was fulfilled he took him back. He was my first crush. I remember sitting in the floor at my grandma's house watching his wedding to Priscilla. Yes they broadcast it. He was the real thing and walked the walk. I'm so glad I grew up in the 60's and 70's. btw one of his backup singers was Cissy Houston mother of Whitney
Jamel thank you so much for this video and for your continued support of Elvis he was definitely one of a kind he never say color and never thought of himself as better than anybody else and always gave God credit saying there was only one king Jesus Christ and i dont see many entertainers today speaking those words thank you Jamel
You are just the man. So happy you did this. And you are absolutely right BTW.
The black lady they didn't name was Myrna Smith, a member of Elvis' female backup group, The Sweet Inspirations. She was also an accomplished song writer.
She was also very close to Elvis and his family and became Lisa's godmother. Elvis tried to date Myrna but she didn't wanna hurt their friendship. She's also Whitney's cousin.
@@mikem957
Myrna Smith and Whitney were cousins?
Never heard about it.
Are you sure, or do you mixed it up with Dionne Warwick.
Anyway, you are right, she didn't want to hurt his feelings.
She was in love with Jerry Schilling. Elvis friend and bodyguard. They got married after Elvis' death.
@@polarlights5044 She, Dion and Whitney were all cousins. There's a pic of Myrna and Whitney at her birthday party in the 90s.
@@mikem957
But a foto isn't a proof that they were cousins.
I researched it but i couldn't find any reference that they were related.
👍thanks for sharing the video on patreon, the greatest thing about elvis was that he had faith in Jesus and treated everyone with love as should we all. God bless America and have a happy and safe 4th of July 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Yeah.... you hit the nail on the head!!!! He grew up in black community, and absolutely LOVED the music ❣️❣️..... so people either totally loved him,or absolutely hated him. But he really did open the door to making the music of great musicians open up for all of us to become aware of 💕❣️🙏
I agree…. FANTASTIC REACTION!!!!
There's an interveiw from 72 where elvis speaks about what he listened too . Gospel quarters Rythem and Blues Opera ect . Its very interesting.
I totally agree people keep believing the rumours about him . How .many black artists were heared on the radio or had hits before Elvis
There are sadly always some who only want to sow conflict and division. It's their only reason for being 😔
100% correct, and sadly it goes much further than just Elvis; look at the world today. I've watched Jamel learn a different "history" over the past 17 months I've been watching him, hoping same will happen for thousands more.
There always have been, always will.. Please don't vote Republican again.
@@alfsmith4936 it's not about voting Republican as way back in the day Republicans were like present day Democrats and Democrats were like present day Republicans. It's more about voting for the person that will do the best job with the least amount of damage done, that could be either party in the future.
@@silverghostcat1924 To be fair, you're right.. I should have said, "Please don't let politics be tainted by greed and division again" and both sides use it when they can :/
I totally agree with you.