Mac Davies wrote it for Sammy Davis Jr, but he felt that he could not relate to the lyrics, but he said Elvis lived it. So thanks to Sammy Davis Jr for recommending Elvis to sing it...
To know who Elvis is you need to watch the video, ELvis and the Black Community. It should change your mind about the stories you heard growing up. The song was written by Mac Davis, a country singer/ song writer. 😂 Funny you mentioned the big block of cheese as I was thinking it. I wasn't on welfare but was poor enough to qualify for " commodities" that I got from a church......yes, powdered milk, cans of peas, that chunk of cheese etc. That just brought me back to a place a long time ago in the early 70's. when I was young and just barely getting by. Elvis was never a racist. He was poor as dirt, lived next to black families and got his musical roots in Gospel music from the Black Baptist church. You might want to watch the movie, Elvis, about his life that came out last year. But definitely watch Elvis and the Black Community.
Elvis knew because he lived it. One of his back up singers was Cissy Houston, Whitney’s Mother. You need to watch Elvis and the Black Community Part 1. Get to know who he really was and he died in 1977. I love and listen to the more than 220 Gospel songs Elvis recorded when I work. His heart and love for music started in a Baptist Church and Gospel music. Some say he was a Gospel singer that sang Rock and Roll. He didn’t know he was the only white child in his Church. He never understood why his friends went to a different school or why they had to sit on he other side at the movies. I have heard so many black people were told he was racist, look at his colouring. He was a natural blonde but it always felt wrong to him so he changed it. You and many other’s were lied to, probably by people who also believed it. A famous black man started the rumours that Elvis was racist. He never knew what racist was, he was pure love and the world needed him longer.
Elvis knew that ghetto life himself first hand, IN THE SOUTH... during segregation and the Great Depression. He never forgot his roots, and he was extremely generous to the poor and those without a voice black and white, native american, latino and anyone else who needed a helping hand. If Elvis knew about it, he helped out monetarily out of his pocket. He brought cars, homes, helped people pay down home, auto and education loans. He literally gave away almost every dime he had left. When his own father said to slow down... he just did another tour and did it all over again.
@eadieharley190 I agree and remember ❤ His heart ❤️ was good pure 🤧 👌 Him his family was as poor as the dirt they stood on and with God's amazing 👏 help Elvis gave them richness I just hate his mom 👩 died to soon aswell which i believe was the start of his down fall his heart 💔 was deeply BROKEN SMASHED 💔 into PIECES THE ONLY CHILD THAT😍LOVED 😍 HIS 😍 ONLY 😍 MOTHER ❤ GONE ❤TO ❤ SOON ❤ PRAY 🙏 DO EVERYONE KNOW THAT ELVIS WAS BORN WITH A TWIN 🤔 WHO DIED AT BIRTH"Yelp, it's true"👍
Mac Davis wrote the song and no one would take it on. Sammy Davis Jr. said if anyone could and would take on the song, it would be Elvis. Mac Davis was a white guy who, as a young boy was best friends with a black boy. His friend lived in the ghetto and he saw the difference between how they lived. When he became a song writer he reflected back to his childhood and wrote this song. Notice Elvis sang this song to a crowd in Las Vegas where people want to forget about the troubles of life and have a good time but Elvis made them see the reality of a world 🌎 they didn’t know. He also sang gospel songs at his concert’s. Can you imagine that happening in today’s world 🌍. Yea, neither can I.
I remember that cheese! It was Gooood!! Lol. Elvis was from the ghetto. Someone called him an n word lover, and he said yes, I am and proud of it. Elvis didnt have a racist bone in his body. He loved everybody of all races. Friend, you should watch "Elvis and the black community". Theres two parts. These are people that knew him and worked with him. It's really good.
Elvis lived in government housing in Memphis, he understood being poor, and wanting to have better. The thing Elvis wanted most was to buy his Mother a house, and he did that for her before she died in her early forties.
Elvis grew up in the Black Section of Tupelo, Mississippi. He attended a Black Church with his friends from his neighborhood during segregation & was introduced to Black Music & Dancing at a very early age. He cut some Great Gospel Albums during his career. His Black Women Backup Singers included Whitney Houston Mom. Her Mom said that after rehearsals & shows they would sing Gospel Music with him. When he was scheduled to perform in Texas, he was told to leave the Black Girls at home. Elvis said he’d cancel the show if they couldn’t come. His Girls went to Texas & road in a Parade in a Convertible Cadillac with a White Girl driving them.His Girls got a Big Kick from that!
Mac Davis wrote the song. He had a childhood friend who was black and from he ghetto and they bonded. When Mac grew up and started writing songs he remembered his childhood friend and wrote the song. He knew Elvis grew up in poverty and a ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi and had great compassion for the poor. Mac submitted the song to Elvis. Elvis had to fight his manager and his record company to record the song. Elvis insisted. The rest is history.
I’m a 66 year old white woman and when I was a kid we used to get free food too. In my area, it was called “commodities”, and like you my favorite thing was the huge block of cheese. 😊😊😊
Thanks for reviewing. His Studio version I think sounds even better still. Yes Elvis was great for the black community. Much more than I realised. He would have turned down a show if he wasn't aloud to bring his black girls with him. His cook is a black lady, Elvis bought her a House and a car. He was good friends with Mohammed Ali. Just to mention a couple of things. Its all on TH-cam here.
When I first heard this in 1969, I cried like a baby. Mac Davis wrote this for Elvis. I was 17 and not looking forward to my eighteenth birthday. Vietnam was raging and tearing the soul and the fabric of America apart. I was brought up in the projects, and I have seen this song play out more than once. Poverty breeds a sense of hopelessness which then turns to anger. I was almost beaten to death when I was six years old by a thirteen-year-old boy. He knocked out all my teeth and kicked me in the dirt like I was less than a human being.. Ya'll we have to love one another. Thank you for a great song that needs to hit the charts again today. I did go into the army and watched Vietnam tear our nation apart, and its soul is still wounded. This is your boy in Tennessee trying to spread the love of Jesus Christ. If we all lived for him and loved one another, hatred would stop, and there would be no crime.
Elvis sung this song because it hit home for him. He grew up very poor and grew up around black people. His childhood friends were black and he absolutely fell in love with black music. Especially with gospel. He was always accused of being racist but he was not. He gave black artist opportunities that no one else ever did at that time because of the segregation and racist times of that era. His own manager tried to stop him from favoring blacks but he never did. His 1968 Comeback Special he was supposed to end it with a Christmas song but he ended it with a song dedicated in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. The song is IF I CAN DREAM. Another thing he did he was going to perform in Houston Texas and was told to not bring in the SWEET INSPIRATIONS who were his back up vocals and were all black. Elvis said if they don't come with me I won't perform. The night of the concert he brought them in riding in a Cadillac onto the concert. He put black artist before him because he never saw colored skin as different. One of the SWEET INSPIRATIONS singers was Whitney Houston's mom and she adored him for being a beautiful human being to everyone no matter the color of their skin.
Song was written by Mac Davis. The backup singers The Sweet Inspirations were fabulous, Whitney Houston's mom sang with Elvis for a while. Elvis had the best musicians around, bass player Jerry Scheff, guitar James Burton, drummer Ronnie Tutt and piano Glen Hardin. Almost forgot rhythm guitar John Wilkinson. Elvis greatest of all time and people call him racist. Would a famous singer that was racist have black backup singers? I seriously doubt it. I grew up poorer than you and we made it.
then why did it take him from 54 when he started until 68 to use any black artist? why did it take him14 years? and all those 14 years he was releasing songs with white musicians and white back up singers. why?
His first experience of singing was in a mostly Black church in his neighborhood. Not unexpected from us today within 6 weeks of Elvis in the lead in the choir the church had to put speakers outside the church. The only Grammy's he won all were in the Gospel genre
Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississippi and lived on the poorest side of town in the black section called Shake Rag.....it was the 1930s ghetto. His mom taught him to be color blind in line with their christian faith. One of his best friends in Tupelo was a black kid named Sam Bell. Elvis loved blues, country, gospel and pop of the day....and Rock and Roll is the combination of all of these genres of music. "In the Ghetto" was written by country rock artist and songwriter Mac Davis. Elvis loved the message and it reminded him of where he came from. If you have not watched the video "Elvis and the Black Community" I suggest you watch it to get a feel of what Elvis was.
THE LEGEND Mr BB KING spent A LOT OF TIME WITH ELVIS: 'Before Elvis we had Little Black Sambo, separate black restrooms and water fountains, and colored events that kept us away from the whites', BB King noted as he mention that Presley would attend events especially designated just for African-Americans. In June 1956, Presley ignored Memphis's segregation ordinances by attending 'Colored Night' at the local fairgrounds amusement park. The following December, King was there as Presley opened up almost unbreakable racial barriers by attending and supporting the segregated WDIA black radio station's annual fund-raising event for 'needy black children' at Memphis' Ellis Auditorium. King wrote in his autobiography that he 'liked Elvis. I saw him as a fellow Mississippian. I was impressed by his sincerity. When he came to the Goodwill Review (the event WDIA fund raisers of 1956 and 1957), he did himself proud'. 'The Goodwill Revues were important', he wrote. 'The entire black community turned out. All the DJs carried on, putting on skits and presenting good music'. In his autobiography, King said he held no grudges because 'Elvis didn't steal any music from anyone. He just had his own interpretation of the music he'd grown up on, same is true for everyone. I think Elvis had integrity'. BB KING: 'If anyone says Elvis Presley was a racist', charged B.B. King in the 2010 interview. 'Then they don't know a thing about Elvis Presley or music history. 'Many nights after we finished our sets and I'd go up to his suite', King stated. 'I'd play Lucille (on Elvis' guitar) and sing with Elvis, or we'd take turns. It was his way of relaxing'. 'I'll tell you a secret', King winked and laughed. 'We were the original Blues Brothers because that man Elvis knew more blues songs than most in the business - and after some nights it felt like we sang everyone one of them." 'Let me tell you the definitive truth about Elvis Presley and racism', The King of the Blues, B.B. King said, 'With Elvis, there was not a SINGLE drop of racism in that man. And when I say that, believe me -- I should know'.
@@carriemichelle322 There is a comment above from a person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper died more than 2 years ago. This person who has stolen the identity of a dead man and using it as his own must be stopped. Depper was a friend of mine and if you know who he is please let me know so I can have him charged.
Well said. My mom's family is related to Elvis (although I forget how). Elvis's mom actually drove my mom to the hospital when she was a kid (when she had broken her arm). I know that my mom spoke to him a couple of times too. This is one of the things that people don't really know about the "mid-south" back in the day. As ugly and prevalent that racism was in those days, there were many, many people -- black and white -- who just got along. Why? Poverty is a great educator. You learn who your "neighbors" are by those who look past your poverty and see you as a fellow human being, neighbor or friend. For those people, "racism" is something that didn't exist between neighbors. I still have family who live in Memphis and Southaven. While they would spank their kids for saying the "F" word, they would have thrown them out of the house if they had said something racist. My grandmother once said that there are three things that take away racism: 1.) Poverty; 2.) Education/Traveling; and, 3.) Military service/communities. I was lucky to have all three. My mom was a divorced mother (20 years old with three children) who moved from Memphis to Norfolk, Virginia. We didn't have white neighbors on our street. All of our friends were black. My babysitter was black. My mom's boss (at 7-Eleven) was black. My school teachers were black. Consequently, I saw so much good in all of them. I aspired to be like many of them. When my mom remarried, her husband (who I call my "dad") was in the military. We traveled all over. Military communities are very diverse and supportive of one another; so, it was just more "normal" to us. You learn to value each person on the basis of who they are as a person rather than any differences. My friends were black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Native American, etc. However, they weren't chosen because of their race. We became friends because we offered great friendship. Eventually, I went off to college and graduate school. My college internships were with NASA (at Langley Research Center). Once I finished with post-grad, I married a wonderful woman from Mexico (that I met in college). We moved to the Silicon Valley. I would argue that there is more racism in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area than I ever experienced in places like Tennessee, Alabama, Texas or Virginia. We don't have any children yet. However, when we do, I will teach them all of the wonderful lessons that I learned growing up. These lessons aren't learned from books. They're learned from experience.
Great reaction. Elvis had one of the biggest impact on the music 🎶 from the black community. You need to watch Elvis Presley and the Black Community, The Echo Never Dies. Part one and two. Please continue to react to his music. Elvis RIP
Elvis had so much love for everyone he came into contact with and never saw himself as a star, he always remembered where he came from and stayed humble. His lady back up singers are called The Sweet Inspirations, one of the ladies called Estelle Brown wanted to ask Elvis something so she said to him "hey Boss" and Elvis replied "no, no, no, I'm not your boss, I'm your brother". How I wish everyone in the world saw and would love human beings the way Elvis did, this world would be such a nicer and peaceful place to live in as a result of this.
Elvis grew up in a black Ghetto in Mississippi. He was poor and loved his black neighbors. He sang in a black church. Many lies were told that he was racist, by a white guy at Jet magazine and repeated by Chuck D. The truth is that he was loved by blacks in the 50's more than whites. White teenagers loved him. I am a child of the racist 50's. White stations would not play black singers. He changed that. You need to watch, "Elvis Presley and the Black Community". See the truth about Elvis. Thanks.
Elvis was born very very poor. He was a twin, who was stillborn and died at birth. Buried in a shoebox in an unmarked grave. Elvis lived in a prominently black neighborhood during awful times of segregation. 1 of 4 white families. His neighbors helped his family and he saw humans showing Kindness, respect and love for one another. He never forgot where he came from. He loved everyone! He didn't see color, he saw humans!! Mac Davis wrote this song & offered it to Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy said he didn't connect with it, but Elvis would.... Would love for you to react to Elvis...King of Kindness and short version of Elvis...A Generous Heart. I appreciate your transparency & Elvis was passionate at his message songs. ❤
Yes. Song was written by Mac Davis and sold to Sammy, but he wouldn't sing it first. He said that he knew someone who could do it better because he didnt lived in the ghetto like his recommended musician was. His close friend Elvis.
Elvis could sing this song without music! The music in his songs is good, but I listen TO Elvis. Always have since mid '60's. Roll it back a bit after you stop it. Always keep your eyes on him.
@@Athena752-r6h Part 1 th-cam.com/video/xd1pXw1DmsA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=53HbddrhGMkXlqxq Part 2 is hard to find for some reason. All I could find was a hundred people reacting to it but no vid on it's own. So I chose one of my fav Elvis reactors for the second part. Hope you enjoy! th-cam.com/video/kqypv4Gd7Ro/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hJr4zAz8Fwoe82gF
Elvis Presley was the man.....he basically grew up black. If he was racist, I'm the Egyptian Queen. Lies are spread faster than truth because they're usually fueled by petty jealousy, resentment and misguided hate. Thank you for taking the time to listen to and learn about EP and undo the untruths. Peace ✌🏼💯⚡❤
Elvis had compassion and loved hard…everyone. He gave his fans himself, and I hate when I hear derogatory comments about him that are so untrue. He deserves better. He was ahead of his time and a great man, aside from his talent.❤️
@@dennisaber8011 okay answer this for me. did Elvis ever pick up his microphone and walk out on the stage and speak about civil rights? yes or no? just because a few black artists that met Elvis said something nice about Elvis because they had to or they could be the next black man swinging from a tree with a noose around his neck like wind chime don't speak for the black community they speak of their own individual encounters and are NOT! spokespeople for the black community it is their individual meeting.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Ok. How bout the time Houston concert promoters told Elvis that they wanted him to leave his 3 female backup singers home. Elvis told the promoters that he wouldn't perform at the Astrodome without them. The group caved to his demands and when they had a parade, the 3 singers were driven in a convertible by a white blond girl. How about in 1956 when Elvis took a date to the Memphis amusement park on the designated "colored night" The only white people there. And how about the two appearances at the black radio station WDAI's charity event for poor black kids in 1956 and 1957. Again the only white performer to show up along with Ray Charles and B.B.King. And you can look it up. There are pictures of Elvis at these events and interviews with B.B King and Rufus Thomas about the visits. Have you heard the song If I can Dream that Elvis sang in 1968 in honor of Martin Luther King? The song In the Ghetto recorded by Elvis in 1969. How about the song Walk a Mile in my Shoes recorded in 1970? Probably not. And it wasn't just a few blacks who said nice things about Elvis. Do you think Muhammed Ali, Jim Brown, B.B. King, Sammy Davies Jr, James Brown, Fats Domino, Little Richard and many others were scared of being lynched? They were all good friends of Elvis and all praised him. I could go on but your little mind is probably immune to facts and logic.
Great reaction! Thanks for keeping Elvis alive I highly recommend you react to ** (Elvis and the black community part 1&2 that echo will never die) there not that long about 12mins it will answer a lot of questions and you’ll learn about what Elvis went through so please react to it you won’t regret it!!!! 👑
Great reaction ❤ Still surprises me that an unfounded rumour about an artist so many yrs ago continues half a century after he passed! Elvis brought all peoples together thru music..he loved all human beings & only showed love & respect....when the "he's the devil incarnate" line failed to stop black & whites mixing when segregation still existed...the "u know he's a racist dont you!" line was peddled and the poison was drip fed til it became 'fact'....then passed on by word of mouth frm generation to generation without questioning or actually any facts/research..it became "obvious".."common sense" etc...but noone took the time to actually listen to him - until recently the lies are being revealed....and Elvis NEVER complained or put anyone down about negative commentary about himself...in an early interview he's asked if he feels he's 'learnt anything from the negative' light he's portrayed as (not exact words but similar)..Elvis at just 20 replies "no sir coz i dont feel im doing anything wrong"...still polite & said calmly & without annoyance! He conducted himself in a very respectful manner all his life. Many artists would go mad with anger & retaliate aggressively..Elvis knew he wasnt anything like the rumours so chose to ignore and do his thing..music. A very spiritual man too he was very humble & often attributed his voice as a gift from God. So glad the real Elvis is being discovered. Btw his regular fans loved this & all his music then & now. RIP Elvis...forever loved ❣🙏
The female back up singers are called the sweet inspirations, one of which is Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston’s mother. And they would play a new city, if the hotels would not allow his back up singers and band members because they were black, he would cancel the stay at the hotel, and cancel the show in that city😊😊😊. You need to check out if I can dream in 68 comeback special white suit version. It was a tribute to Martin Luther King, who had been murdered earlier that year, and Elvis sang amazing grace at MLK’s funeral
Mac Davis wrote the song. I’m pretty sure the bass player is Jerry Scheff. For Elvis, moving into the housing project was a huge step up for the family. Until that, they were not stable in their housing. Elvis was born in 1935 in a two room shotgun house in Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis dad was sent to prison for check fraud, so they stated to live with family. When his dad got out, they moved from house to house. At one point, the family moved to The Hill which was the all black section of Tupelo. (Segregation then). They were one of three white families that lived in the neighborhood. Most of The Hill population were teachers, shop owners, land owners, etc. Sam Bell, a friend at that time, stated that his family felt sorry for the Presley family because they were poor. Many people have been told Elvis was racist. As a 65 year old woman, I don’t know how this rumor got started and then become “truth.” I suggest you watch Elvis and the Black Community. It will give a different perspective. Black artist that worked with Elvis tell about their experiences. Also, Sam Bell (RIP) was interviewed just before his death. He talks about Elvis being in the little neighborhood group and retells some of their antics. Even though I am tone deaf and can’t sing a note, I enjoy you talking about the music side of the song.
There is a comment above from a person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper died more than 2 years ago. This person who has stolen the identity of a dead man and using it as his own must be stopped. Depper was a friend of mine and if you know who he is please let me know so I can have him charged.
What is rap except the lyrics of this song.... without a melody. Congratulations. You have discovered there is a MOUNTAIN of music representing a hundred years worth of people examining pain, injustice and the human condition. This song was just one tiny rock in the detritus or generations. You have a lot more to discover. If you like the blues, recommend you listen to Janis Joplin's Ball and Chain in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival. Elvis's talent comes through here... but Janis takes it to a new level. Fun.
I'm 64 yr old. This one still moves me to tears. I was just a little kid when this was made. I lived in a small town. I remember the powdered milk and big boxes of cheese. Commodities! We were poor and not too proud to eat what they gave us.
Im 57. My mom wouldn't stand in line. She would volunteer to hand out the commodities and her and the other proud moms would take home "the leftovers".
There is a comment above from a person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper died more than 2 years ago. This person who has stolen the identity of a dead man and using it as his own must be stopped. Depper was a friend of mine and if you know who he is please let me know so I can have him charged.
Agreed... It hit me in the heart when this first came out. I was raised on Elvis... Music and movies... but this song... its standing in a special place all on its own
Elvis grew up in the projects too ..Also was born into poverty I Tupelo Mississippi and lived in a shotgun house with no electricity in a mixed race community during segregation . He worked hard extremely hard to get his family out of poverty..it's a long story but no not a racist bone in his body..✌️
Mac Davis wrote this song. And Mac does a good job of singing his song as well. Mac also wrote: "Memories", of which Elvis had a hit with. RIP Mac & Elvis.
Love your laugh! Elvis also grew up in a poor Neighborhood. Please watch the movie ELVIS… it’s the truth. Especially how he had to fight the studio to be able to perform IF I CAN DREAM… Executives tried to block…
Elvis was in touch. He was poor growing up. He made some bold song choices. Elvis was very generous. In the early days of St. Jude Hospital, Elvis made a very significant donation that made a huge difference.
Elvis lived in a ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi. When the Presley family moved to Memphis, they lived in the projects. He bought his mom and dad a home in Memphis when he first started his singing career and his Mama a pink Cadillac.
Elvis and his family were dirt poor when he was kid, if you ever get the time look for a video on here titled "Baz Luhrmann interviews Elvis Presley’s childhood friend Sam Bell" , Sam tell some lovely stories about Elvis and his friendship with Elvis before Elvis and his family left Tupelo Mississippi to live in Memphis
Mac Davis wrote the song about his life when he was a kid. He being a white kid had friends from the ghetto and he couldn't understand why they lived in such a bad area. Mac Davis and Elvis Presley both knew race nor Color back in 69-70 . They saw everyone as equal. This is one of my favorite songs from Elvis. Also suspicious mind, peace in the valley. Elvis was a spiritual man
Oh brother that big block of government cheese. I still think that's how macaroni and cheese should taste. Bless you and thank goodness and hard work you all got out!!! Beautiful stuff. Thank you for your words at the end.
Elvis did a show in Houston and they told him his back up singers The Sweet Inspirations ( they were I think 4 talented black ladies. One was Whitney Houston’s mother ) could not stay in the hotel and Elvis told them if they couldn’t stay then he wasn’t either and would just leave. They stayed. This song was written by Mac Davis. This was the 60’s and nobody wanted to record it Elvis said he would.
Just want to point out that the song shows such compassion for the child and even the angry young man. There's no judgement, only sorrow. The song even says the young man turns to crime out of "desperation". The song even touches on the epidemic of young black males killed by the police. The song is about 50 years old. No one would record this song until Elvis said he would. This was a story he felt compelled to tell. It's just so sad that so much of this tragedy continues so many decades later.
Elvis was born in Tupelo Miss. in a $180 shotgun house his father couldn't afford to make the payments on so they moved to Memphis where Elvis grew up in the Projects. He grew up very poor. He never forgot his roots and where he came from. When he became famous he was very generous and loving to a lot of people of any race. There are two documentaries you should watch Elvis and the Black Community 1&2 and Elvis a generous Heart. He went through a lot of abuse when he first began his singing career because of his stance on race equality.
Back in the 80s I was on welfare myself and I couldn't help it because I was with child and not a man to help me to take care of him so mommy had to raise him by myself and I did a well job because he is a good Christian and he works very hard from sunup to sundown and I'm so proud of him we didn't have it easy but we made it
Mac Davis wrote this song. He sang songs like "Happiness is Luckenbach Texas in the rearview mirror," and, "Hard to be Humble when you're perfect in every way."
Could you imagine if Elvis had never been discovered? I could see him being a Pastor/Singer in some small non-denominational church in Mississippi or somewhere. Check out some of his gospel tunes! You may be pleasantly surprised....
Mac Davis wrote the song and Elvis recorded it in 1969. He was told it was too controversial but he didn't care because he grew up very poor and understood what it was like for a kid to grow up like that. Cissy Houston was one of the background singers in this.
Elvis saw people, not color. He lived in the getto during the years his Daddy was in prison. Watch 'Elvis And The Black Community' parts 1 & 2. You will see just the tip of the abuse he coped with because he wasn't a "race man" and refused to see color. So glad you are getting to know Elvis.
Elvis was born in poverty. He lived in government funded apartments. They sometimes couldn’t afford food. Elvis never forgot where he came from. That’s why he was such a big hearted man. He gave and gave. He was one of the first to donate to St. Judes hospital. They even named the trauma center after him. The Presley foundation is still donated to St. Jude’s hospital. He gave homes, cars, he helped so many people.
Elvis sang the song. Beautifully. And his heart was in this song as by now you already know about his history. But the song was written by Singer , songwriter Mac Davis.
Great guy gone to soon 🤴 👑 I remember Elvis very well He learned 💯 percent from blacks His music 🎶 His dancing 🕺 🕺 He attended all black churches ⛪️ with black kids, "watching them jump and shout" while he learned He and his black friends would sit outside jute joints "clubs" to listen and watch black singers perform His background singer's was black Him his family was poor as dirt, they had nothing, and living in a one room shack that was barely standing him crying 😢 😭 heart 💔 broken sad 😔 and disgraced and lonely 🙁 🥺 in heart ❤️ who wanted the best for his mom dad family 👨👩👧 and friends He was born with a twin but died at birth Nope , there wasn't a racist bone in his body. I'm a black lady and can speak truthfully of Elvis for days. i love him, and i could go on and on, etc. talking about him for days ,weeks ,months, and years He was a great 👍 young man 👨 pleasing everyone, not including 😒 himself he was a people pleaser, not a self pleaser he was gifted, great 👍 loved by millions that's gone too soon, but left lot's of great memories 👍 and a beautiful smile 😍 😊😂 that will last a lifetime😀 😊 😊😂to knew generations to come forever😀 that will learn of "ELVIS PRESLEY"THE MAN WHO MADE A CHANGE WITHIN BLACKS & WHITES MUSIC 🎶 DANCING 🕺 AND MOST OF ALL LIFE CHANGING😀💙❤😊😢😊😅😂 I wish i could stay longer and tell you more😉❤😘love❤️God bless LET'S BE THANKFUL WE WHO KNEW HIM HAD THE TIME we SHARED TOGETHER with LOTS OF GREAT MEMORIES...GOD BLESS🙌
‘In the Ghetto’ was released in 1969. It’s now 2024, 56 years ago. And you nailed the composition. How good is a song, that a man, 56 years later, only heard minor flaws. The Sweet Inspiration background singers add a smooth quality to the life of the song. The cycle revealed is sad because it’s still in the world. Thank you for sharing your experience. 😊 These comments are awesome.
Hello! I just watched your video and I wanted to stop by and comment. You mentioned the things you'd been told about Elvis as a child, and that you realize now those things aren't true. I'm glad you are sharing, letting people know. That makes me smile :) Mac Davis wrote In The Ghetto and initially offered the song to Sammy Davis Jr, but Sammy told Mac he couldn't; sing that song because he wasn't from the ghetto, but he knew someone who was - and the rest is history! Fun Fact about me - I was 8 years old in August 1977 when Elvis died. I was in the car with my parents and it came over the radio. I remember my parents being very upset because they had tickets to see him in concert on August 23, 1977. They had the option to turn in their tickets for a refund, but decided to keep them instead and gave one to me and one to my cousin. The tickets were for upper arena and sold for $7.50. I have the ticket on my dresser. There are quite a few people in this area who have tickets to what's now referred to as "The Concert That Never Was" here in Lexington, KY. Also, when Elvis died, many women went to "crying parties" - everyone brought a dish and a box of kleenex and talked about what Elvis meant to them. My best friend's mom went to one every weekend for a while after he died. Enjoying your reactions!! Thanks and have a great rest of your week!
There is a comment above from a person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper died more than 2 years ago. This person who has stolen the identity of a dead man and using it as his own must be stopped. Depper was a friend of mine and if you know who he is please let me know so I can have him charged.
He was a HUGE advocate for the black community and they stopped playing his music in some places on white radio because he sang in black churches….he grew up in the Memphis ghetto! Mac Davis wrote the song but the minute Elvis heard it, he knew he had to record it
“If you don’t have the leadership and strength, you will become what’s around you”, what prophetic words Sir, you had me transfixed on your honest reaction to this song. I will be using your words in helping my grandchildren to make sensible choices in life. Thank you and G’day from Australia.
Elvis wrote this song and they told him not to record it that would kill his career but he ignored them. Elvis grew up in the ghetto in Tupelo Mississippi.
Sometimes new information we are given is true. Sometimes it isn't. Sometimes it's really tough to tell the difference. You looked with an open enough mind and open enough eyes to realize that something you were told years ago doesn't seem to ring true. Bravo. Not everybody manages to do that.
I was just a kid when I heard my dad humming fools rush in. I thought what is the hype over this one man when new kids on the block were completing my life. 😂😂😂 but when I got old enough to know better he sent a message all of us that is so inspirational and there will never be another like him.
Just discovered your channel, hope you do Elvis and Black Community parts 1 and 2. Bring a 77 year old white guy from Detroit suburb in the shadow of MOTOWN we listened t o all music at our dances. En joy your comments
Released in 1968 or 69.. written by Mac Davis. Mac Davis passed away in 2020 and had some songs of his own he recorded. Mac wrote at least 3 songs for Elvis . Thanks for listening & reacting to it!
According to Mac Davis who wrote "In The Ghetto", he said he had written it with the intention of having his friend, Sammy Davis Jr. sing it. When he brought it to Sammy he told him that while he really liked the lyrics, the message, and appreciated that Mac wanted him to be the one to record it Sammy thought he should pass... In his words, (and I am paraphrasing from what I remember hearing Mac Davis say in a few interviews).."This is an important song and in all authenticity I just wouldn't be able to do the song justice, because I didn't grow up this way, but I'll tell you who did..Elvis!" And he shared with Mac what he knew of Elvis' childhood years.
I’m a white man that grew up without much money in the rural Virginia and I remember those boxes too. My memory is sometimes there’d be a jar of peanut butter Not sure why that’s the thing I remember so much
Elvis is one of the most recognized & famous people in music history, & no doubt, one of the most talented, however his heart & love for humanity, is his true legacy 💗💜 💙 Thank you for such a thoughtful & open reaction 😊
Yes, Elvis knows of what he speaks. He grew up in a ghetto in the south. He got his inspirations from listening to gospel, soul, blues from black artists popular from the 1900's through the 50's and beyond. He made it out.
elvis rhythm section had the very best musicians in the country his tcb (taking care of business) band with him from 1969 till his death in 1977 jerry scheff on bass ronnie tutt drums james burton lead guitar john wilkerson rhythm guitar glen dee hardin piano e had a very symbiotic musical relationship with them all elvis heart was pure he loved all people he never had hatred in his heart for anyone or anything yes, he was an incredible entertainer BUT he was an even more amazing human being and humanitarian he never forgot where he came from and spent his entire life giving to those less fortunate and in need he never sought recognition for any of it in his eyes seeking recognition for his charitable acts or getting tax breaks for them defeats the act of giving out of the love in your heart they were acts of pure love and kindness for his fellow man he was always in the highest tax bracket but never once took a tax break or deductions he always said he was the luckiest and most blessed person on the planet and felt like he needed to give back and pay for that privilege thank you ♡
Elvis was born in ghetto his mama and pap were very poor Elvis never forget we’re he came from God bless Elvis ❤🙏
Mac Davies wrote it for Sammy Davis Jr, but he felt that he could not relate to the lyrics, but he said Elvis lived it.
So thanks to Sammy Davis Jr for recommending Elvis to sing it...
Written by Mac Davis. Elvis was in touch with the poor community, was very charitable, and was the perfect choice to perform it.
To know who Elvis is you need to watch the video, ELvis and the Black Community. It should change your mind about the stories you heard growing up.
The song was written by Mac Davis, a country singer/ song writer.
😂 Funny you mentioned the big block of cheese as I was thinking it. I wasn't on welfare but was poor enough to qualify for " commodities" that I got from a church......yes, powdered milk, cans of peas, that chunk of cheese etc. That just brought me back to a place a long time ago in the early 70's. when I was young and just barely getting by.
Elvis was never a racist. He was poor as dirt, lived next to black families and got his musical roots in Gospel music from the Black Baptist church.
You might want to watch the movie, Elvis, about his life that came out last year. But definitely watch Elvis and the Black Community.
Elvis knew because he lived it. One of his back up singers was Cissy Houston, Whitney’s Mother.
You need to watch Elvis and the Black Community Part 1. Get to know who he really was and he died in 1977. I love and listen to the more than 220 Gospel songs Elvis recorded when I work. His heart and love for music started in a Baptist Church and Gospel music. Some say he was a Gospel singer that sang Rock and Roll. He didn’t know he was the only white child in his Church. He never understood why his friends went to a different school or why they had to sit on he other side at the movies. I have heard so many black people were told he was racist, look at his colouring. He was a natural blonde but it always felt wrong to him so he changed it. You and many other’s were lied to, probably by people who also believed it.
A famous black man started the rumours that Elvis was racist. He never knew what racist was, he was pure love and the world needed him longer.
Elvis knew that ghetto life himself first hand, IN THE SOUTH... during segregation and the Great Depression. He never forgot his roots, and he was extremely generous to the poor and those without a voice black and white, native american, latino and anyone else who needed a helping hand. If Elvis knew about it, he helped out monetarily out of his pocket. He brought cars, homes, helped people pay down home, auto and education loans. He literally gave away almost every dime he had left. When his own father said to slow down... he just did another tour and did it all over again.
And paid many a medical bill for people. Jackie Wilson was very sick and Elvis paid his hospital bills. Just a good guy. He's so missed.
Exactly! Church boy you should know that Elvis lived in the Ghetto - the projects of Memphis. His life was not terribly different from yours.
@eadieharley190
I agree and remember ❤
His heart ❤️ was good pure 🤧 👌
Him his family was as poor as the dirt they stood on and with God's amazing 👏 help Elvis gave them richness I just hate his mom 👩 died to soon aswell which i believe was the start of his down fall his heart 💔 was deeply BROKEN SMASHED 💔 into PIECES
THE ONLY CHILD THAT😍LOVED 😍 HIS 😍 ONLY 😍 MOTHER ❤
GONE ❤TO ❤ SOON ❤ PRAY 🙏
DO EVERYONE KNOW THAT ELVIS WAS BORN WITH A TWIN 🤔
WHO DIED AT BIRTH"Yelp, it's true"👍
Mac Davis wrote the song and no one would take it on. Sammy Davis Jr. said if anyone could and would take on the song, it would be Elvis. Mac Davis was a white guy who, as a young boy was best friends with a black boy. His friend lived in the ghetto and he saw the difference between how they lived. When he became a song writer he reflected back to his childhood and wrote this song.
Notice Elvis sang this song to a crowd in Las Vegas where people want to forget about the troubles of life and have a good time but Elvis made them see the reality of a world 🌎 they didn’t know. He also sang gospel songs at his concert’s. Can you imagine that happening in today’s world 🌍. Yea, neither can I.
I remember that cheese! It was Gooood!! Lol. Elvis was from the ghetto. Someone called him an n word lover, and he said yes, I am and proud of it. Elvis didnt have a racist bone in his body. He loved everybody of all races. Friend, you should watch "Elvis and the black community". Theres two parts. These are people that knew him and worked with him. It's really good.
Woooooa you are a superb presenter. Huge thnx ❤❤
This song from 1970.nothing has changed. Discraceful for the richest country in the world
Elvis lived in government housing in Memphis, he understood being poor, and wanting to have better. The thing Elvis wanted most was to buy his Mother a house, and he did that for her before she died in her early forties.
Elvis. Born in slums of Mississippi during the depression. Nobody could match Elvis. Nobody. Canada
who would want to?
Elvis grew up in the Black Section of Tupelo, Mississippi. He attended a Black Church with his friends from his neighborhood during segregation & was introduced to Black Music & Dancing at a very early age. He cut some Great Gospel Albums during his career. His Black Women Backup Singers included Whitney Houston Mom. Her Mom said that after rehearsals & shows they would sing Gospel Music with him. When he was scheduled to perform in Texas, he was told to leave the Black Girls at home. Elvis said he’d cancel the show if they couldn’t come. His Girls went to Texas & road in a Parade in a Convertible Cadillac with a White Girl driving them.His Girls got a Big Kick from that!
Mac Davis wrote the song. He had a childhood friend who was black and from he ghetto and they bonded. When Mac grew up and started writing songs he remembered his childhood friend and wrote the song. He knew Elvis grew up in poverty and a ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi and had great compassion for the poor. Mac submitted the song to Elvis. Elvis had to fight his manager and his record company to record the song. Elvis insisted. The rest is history.
I’m a 66 year old white woman and when I was a kid we used to get free food too. In my area, it was called “commodities”, and like you my favorite thing was the huge block of cheese. 😊😊😊
Mac Davis wrote that song. Only Elvis had the guts to perform it.
thank you for showing as much passion listening as he does singing
The the most authentic moving response to this Elvis song I have ever heard. Church Boy, you were not rambling, but spoke with humble reality.
Thanks for reviewing. His Studio version I think sounds even better still. Yes Elvis was great for the black community. Much more than I realised. He would have turned down a show if he wasn't aloud to bring his black girls with him. His cook is a black lady, Elvis bought her a House and a car. He was good friends with Mohammed Ali. Just to mention a couple of things. Its all on TH-cam here.
Elvis, with his parents, lived at one point in Lauderdale Courts, a public housing project in Memphis.
Elvis had great musicians. 🙂
I love anybody who loves Elvis
When I first heard this in 1969, I cried like a baby. Mac Davis wrote this for Elvis. I was 17 and not looking forward to my eighteenth birthday. Vietnam was raging and tearing the soul and the fabric of America apart. I was brought up in the projects, and I have seen this song play out more than once. Poverty breeds a sense of hopelessness which then turns to anger. I was almost beaten to death when I was six years old by a thirteen-year-old boy. He knocked out all my teeth and kicked me in the dirt like I was less than a human being.. Ya'll we have to love one another. Thank you for a great song that needs to hit the charts again today. I did go into the army and watched Vietnam tear our nation apart, and its soul is still wounded. This is your boy in Tennessee trying to spread the love of Jesus Christ. If we all lived for him and loved one another, hatred would stop, and there would be no crime.
You will enjoy going down this road with Elvis, Thank You
Elvis grew up dirt poor in Tupelo, Mississippi. BB King said is best; He's the blackest man I've ever met...and he happens to be white.
Elvis sung this song because it hit home for him. He grew up very poor and grew up around black people. His childhood friends were black and he absolutely fell in love with black music. Especially with gospel. He was always accused of being racist but he was not. He gave black artist opportunities that no one else ever did at that time because of the segregation and racist times of that era. His own manager tried to stop him from favoring blacks but he never did. His 1968 Comeback Special he was supposed to end it with a Christmas song but he ended it with a song dedicated in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. The song is IF I CAN DREAM. Another thing he did he was going to perform in Houston Texas and was told to not bring in the SWEET INSPIRATIONS who were his back up vocals and were all black. Elvis said if they don't come with me I won't perform. The night of the concert he brought them in riding in a Cadillac onto the concert. He put black artist before him because he never saw colored skin as different. One of the SWEET INSPIRATIONS singers was Whitney Houston's mom and she adored him for being a beautiful human being to everyone no matter the color of their skin.
Elvis knew the life of the ghetto growing up in poverty. He never forgot it.
Song was written by Mac Davis. The backup singers The Sweet Inspirations were fabulous, Whitney Houston's mom sang with Elvis for a while. Elvis had the best musicians around, bass player Jerry Scheff, guitar James Burton, drummer Ronnie Tutt and piano Glen Hardin. Almost forgot rhythm guitar John Wilkinson. Elvis greatest of all time and people call him racist. Would a famous singer that was racist have black backup singers? I seriously doubt it. I grew up poorer than you and we made it.
then why did it take him from 54 when he started until 68 to use any black artist?
why did it take him14 years? and all those 14 years he was releasing songs with white musicians and white back up singers. why?
Elvis was born in the projects , he knew this life first hand ,
Elvis had soul. ⚡
Elvis grew up very impoverished in Tupelo, Mississippi, and later Memphis, Tennessee. He never forgot his roots.
His first experience of singing was in a mostly Black church in his neighborhood. Not unexpected from us today within 6 weeks of Elvis in the lead in the choir the church had to put speakers outside the church. The only Grammy's he won all were in the Gospel genre
Elvis was told if he did this song it would ruin his career. He didn’t care. He did it anyway.
Lord Jesus Christ bless you for sharing this...
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing your story. It’s one that many of us share, but in different situations. God bless you, and God bless America.
Elvis is the greatest 💐💕
Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississippi and lived on the poorest side of town in the black section called Shake Rag.....it was the 1930s ghetto.
His mom taught him to be color blind in line with their christian faith.
One of his best friends in Tupelo was a black kid named Sam Bell.
Elvis loved blues, country, gospel and pop of the day....and Rock and Roll is the combination of all of these genres of music.
"In the Ghetto" was written by country rock artist and songwriter Mac Davis.
Elvis loved the message and it reminded him of where he came from.
If you have not watched the video "Elvis and the Black Community" I suggest you watch it to get a feel of what Elvis was.
THE LEGEND Mr BB KING spent A LOT OF TIME WITH ELVIS: 'Before Elvis we had Little Black Sambo, separate black restrooms and water fountains, and colored events that kept us away from the whites', BB King noted as he mention that Presley would attend events especially designated just for African-Americans.
In June 1956, Presley ignored Memphis's segregation ordinances by attending 'Colored Night' at the local fairgrounds amusement park. The following December, King was there as Presley opened up almost unbreakable racial barriers by attending and supporting the segregated WDIA black radio station's annual fund-raising event for 'needy black children' at Memphis' Ellis Auditorium. King wrote in his autobiography that he 'liked Elvis. I saw him as a fellow Mississippian. I was impressed by his sincerity.
When he came to the Goodwill Review (the event WDIA fund raisers of 1956 and 1957), he did himself proud'. 'The Goodwill Revues were important', he wrote. 'The entire black community turned out. All the DJs carried on, putting on skits and presenting good music'. In his autobiography, King said he held no grudges because 'Elvis didn't steal any music from anyone. He just had his own interpretation of the music he'd grown up on, same is true for everyone. I think Elvis had integrity'.
BB KING: 'If anyone says Elvis Presley was a racist', charged B.B. King in the 2010 interview. 'Then they don't know a thing about Elvis Presley or music history. 'Many nights after we finished our sets and I'd go up to his suite', King stated. 'I'd play Lucille (on Elvis' guitar) and sing with Elvis, or we'd take turns. It was his way of relaxing'. 'I'll tell you a secret', King winked and laughed. 'We were the original Blues Brothers because that man Elvis knew more blues songs than most in the business - and after some nights it felt like we sang everyone one of them."
'Let me tell you the definitive truth about Elvis Presley and racism', The King of the Blues, B.B. King said, 'With Elvis, there was not a SINGLE drop of racism in that man. And when I say that, believe me -- I should know'.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Took the words right outta my mouth! Much respect and love. TCB ⚡
@@carriemichelle322 There is a comment above from a person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper died more than 2 years ago. This person who has stolen the identity of a dead man and using it as his own must be stopped. Depper was a friend of mine and if you know who he is please let me know so I can have him charged.
Well said.
My mom's family is related to Elvis (although I forget how). Elvis's mom actually drove my mom to the hospital when she was a kid (when she had broken her arm). I know that my mom spoke to him a couple of times too. This is one of the things that people don't really know about the "mid-south" back in the day. As ugly and prevalent that racism was in those days, there were many, many people -- black and white -- who just got along.
Why?
Poverty is a great educator. You learn who your "neighbors" are by those who look past your poverty and see you as a fellow human being, neighbor or friend. For those people, "racism" is something that didn't exist between neighbors. I still have family who live in Memphis and Southaven. While they would spank their kids for saying the "F" word, they would have thrown them out of the house if they had said something racist.
My grandmother once said that there are three things that take away racism: 1.) Poverty; 2.) Education/Traveling; and, 3.) Military service/communities.
I was lucky to have all three. My mom was a divorced mother (20 years old with three children) who moved from Memphis to Norfolk, Virginia. We didn't have white neighbors on our street. All of our friends were black. My babysitter was black. My mom's boss (at 7-Eleven) was black. My school teachers were black. Consequently, I saw so much good in all of them. I aspired to be like many of them.
When my mom remarried, her husband (who I call my "dad") was in the military. We traveled all over. Military communities are very diverse and supportive of one another; so, it was just more "normal" to us. You learn to value each person on the basis of who they are as a person rather than any differences. My friends were black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Native American, etc. However, they weren't chosen because of their race. We became friends because we offered great friendship.
Eventually, I went off to college and graduate school. My college internships were with NASA (at Langley Research Center). Once I finished with post-grad, I married a wonderful woman from Mexico (that I met in college). We moved to the Silicon Valley. I would argue that there is more racism in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area than I ever experienced in places like Tennessee, Alabama, Texas or Virginia.
We don't have any children yet. However, when we do, I will teach them all of the wonderful lessons that I learned growing up. These lessons aren't learned from books. They're learned from experience.
Great reaction. Elvis had one of the biggest impact on the music 🎶 from the black community. You need to watch Elvis Presley and the Black Community, The Echo Never Dies. Part one and two. Please continue to react to his music. Elvis RIP
Elvis led the singers. He directed his singers. They had to get it right.
Don't be upset at yourself. We are often told half truths and lies. It's not your fault brother. 🥃😁 Love from Downunder in Australia.
Elvis had so much love for everyone he came into contact with and never saw himself as a star, he always remembered where he came from and stayed humble. His lady back up singers are called The Sweet Inspirations, one of the ladies called Estelle Brown wanted to ask Elvis something so she said to him "hey Boss" and Elvis replied "no, no, no, I'm not your boss, I'm your brother". How I wish everyone in the world saw and would love human beings the way Elvis did, this world would be such a nicer and peaceful place to live in as a result of this.
Elvis grew up in a black Ghetto in Mississippi. He was poor and loved his black neighbors. He sang in a black church. Many lies were told that he was racist, by a white guy at Jet magazine and repeated by Chuck D. The truth is that he was loved by blacks in the 50's more than whites. White teenagers loved him. I am a child of the racist 50's. White stations would not play black singers. He changed that. You need to watch, "Elvis Presley and the Black Community". See the truth about Elvis. Thanks.
Elvis also lived in a project. when he was young. You have great parents, Sir!
Elvis was born very very poor. He was a twin, who was stillborn and died at birth. Buried in a shoebox in an unmarked grave. Elvis lived in a prominently black neighborhood during awful times of segregation. 1 of 4 white families. His neighbors helped his family and he saw humans showing Kindness, respect and love for one another. He never forgot where he came from. He loved everyone! He didn't see color, he saw humans!!
Mac Davis wrote this song & offered it to Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy said he didn't connect with it, but Elvis would....
Would love for you to react to Elvis...King of Kindness and short version of Elvis...A Generous Heart.
I appreciate your transparency & Elvis was passionate at his message songs. ❤
Yes. Song was written by Mac Davis and sold to Sammy, but he wouldn't sing it first. He said that he knew someone who could do it better because he didnt lived in the ghetto like his recommended musician was. His close friend Elvis.
Elvis could sing this song without music! The music in his songs is good, but I listen TO Elvis. Always have since mid '60's. Roll it back a bit after you stop it. Always keep your eyes on him.
That's exactly how it's meant to sound!👑👌
It hits your feels. Whether your of color or white.
Elvis and the Black Community, parts 1 and 2 explains Elvis' life pretty well. ✌🏼❤
If anyone hasn't watched this I encourage you to do so.
Where can I watch that?
I love Elvis so much ❤
@@Athena752-r6h
Part 1
th-cam.com/video/xd1pXw1DmsA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=53HbddrhGMkXlqxq
Part 2 is hard to find for some reason. All I could find was a hundred people reacting to it but no vid on it's own. So I chose one of my fav Elvis reactors for the second part. Hope you enjoy!
th-cam.com/video/kqypv4Gd7Ro/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hJr4zAz8Fwoe82gF
@@Athena752-r6h WTH I left you the links yest. What happened to my reply???
@@Athena752-r6h Part 1
th-cam.com/video/xd1pXw1DmsA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=NN6eLz-ixYxDrGh8
Elvis Presley was the man.....he basically grew up black. If he was racist, I'm the Egyptian Queen. Lies are spread faster than truth because they're usually fueled by petty jealousy, resentment and misguided hate.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to and learn about EP and undo the untruths. Peace ✌🏼💯⚡❤
troll!
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 no need to announce yourself....we see you, Troll. Did EP steal your girlfriend? Lol
Agreed!!!
Elvis had compassion and loved hard…everyone. He gave his fans himself, and I hate when I hear derogatory comments about him that are so untrue. He deserves better. He was ahead of his time and a great man, aside from his talent.❤️
Watch the video: Elvis and the Black Community. It will answer all your questions about how Elvis felt about black people. Much enjoy your reactions.
Elvis did not care about the black community.
@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Watch the video before making silly statements.
@@dennisaber8011 okay answer this for me. did Elvis ever pick up his microphone and walk out on the stage and speak about civil rights? yes or no? just because a few black artists that met Elvis said something nice about Elvis because they had to or they could be the next black man swinging from a tree with a noose around his neck like wind chime don't speak for the black community they speak of their own individual encounters and are NOT! spokespeople for the black community it is their individual meeting.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Ok. How bout the time Houston concert promoters told Elvis that they wanted him to leave his 3 female backup singers home. Elvis told the promoters that he wouldn't perform at the Astrodome without them. The group caved to his demands and when they had a parade, the 3 singers were driven in a convertible by a white blond girl. How about in 1956 when Elvis took a date to the Memphis amusement park on the designated "colored night" The only white people there. And how about the two appearances at the black radio station WDAI's charity event for poor black kids in 1956 and 1957. Again the only white performer to show up along with Ray Charles and B.B.King. And you can look it up. There are pictures of Elvis at these events and interviews with B.B King and Rufus Thomas about the visits. Have you heard the song If I can Dream that Elvis sang in 1968 in honor of Martin Luther King? The song In the Ghetto recorded by Elvis in 1969. How about the song Walk a Mile in my Shoes recorded in 1970? Probably not. And it wasn't just a few blacks who said nice things about Elvis. Do you think Muhammed Ali, Jim Brown, B.B. King, Sammy Davies Jr, James Brown, Fats Domino, Little Richard and many others were scared of being lynched? They were all good friends of Elvis and all praised him. I could go on but your little mind is probably immune to facts and logic.
Great reaction! Thanks for keeping Elvis alive I highly recommend you react to ** (Elvis and the black community part 1&2 that echo will never die) there not that long about 12mins it will answer a lot of questions and you’ll learn about what Elvis went through so please react to it you won’t regret it!!!! 👑
Absolutely. Was also going to recommend this.
Great reaction ❤
Still surprises me that an unfounded rumour about an artist so many yrs ago continues half a century after he passed! Elvis brought all peoples together thru music..he loved all human beings & only showed love & respect....when the "he's the devil incarnate" line failed to stop black & whites mixing when segregation still existed...the "u know he's a racist dont you!" line was peddled and the poison was drip fed til it became 'fact'....then passed on by word of mouth frm generation to generation without questioning or actually any facts/research..it became "obvious".."common sense" etc...but noone took the time to actually listen to him - until recently the lies are being revealed....and Elvis NEVER complained or put anyone down about negative commentary about himself...in an early interview he's asked if he feels he's 'learnt anything from the negative' light he's portrayed as (not exact words but similar)..Elvis at just 20 replies "no sir coz i dont feel im doing anything wrong"...still polite & said calmly & without annoyance! He conducted himself in a very respectful manner all his life. Many artists would go mad with anger & retaliate aggressively..Elvis knew he wasnt anything like the rumours so chose to ignore and do his thing..music. A very spiritual man too he was very humble & often attributed his voice as a gift from God. So glad the real Elvis is being discovered. Btw his regular fans loved this & all his music then & now. RIP Elvis...forever loved ❣🙏
One thing that is true about Elvis he never won a Grammy award for rock and roll. He won some awards for gospel music gospel music
❤for your reaction and your story❤
The female back up singers are called the sweet inspirations, one of which is Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston’s mother. And they would play a new city, if the hotels would not allow his back up singers and band members because they were black, he would cancel the stay at the hotel, and cancel the show in that city😊😊😊. You need to check out if I can dream in 68 comeback special white suit version. It was a tribute to Martin Luther King, who had been murdered earlier that year, and Elvis sang amazing grace at MLK’s funeral
Mac Davis wrote the song. I’m pretty sure the bass player is Jerry Scheff.
For Elvis, moving into the housing project was a huge step up for the family. Until that, they were not stable in their housing. Elvis was born in 1935 in a two room shotgun house in Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis dad was sent to prison for check fraud, so they stated to live with family. When his dad got out, they moved from house to house. At one point, the family moved to The Hill which was the all black section of Tupelo. (Segregation then). They were one of three white families that lived in the neighborhood. Most of The Hill population were teachers, shop owners, land owners, etc. Sam Bell, a friend at that time, stated that his family felt sorry for the Presley family because they were poor.
Many people have been told Elvis was racist. As a 65 year old woman, I don’t know how this rumor got started and then become “truth.” I suggest you watch Elvis and the Black Community. It will give a different perspective. Black artist that worked with Elvis tell about their experiences. Also, Sam Bell (RIP) was interviewed just before his death. He talks about Elvis being in the little neighborhood group and retells some of their antics.
Even though I am tone deaf and can’t sing a note, I enjoy you talking about the music side of the song.
There is a comment above from a person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper died more than 2 years ago. This person who has stolen the identity of a dead man and using it as his own must be stopped. Depper was a friend of mine and if you know who he is please let me know so I can have him charged.
What is rap except the lyrics of this song.... without a melody. Congratulations. You have discovered there is a MOUNTAIN of music representing a hundred years worth of people examining pain, injustice and the human condition. This song was just one tiny rock in the detritus or generations. You have a lot more to discover. If you like the blues, recommend you listen to Janis Joplin's Ball and Chain in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival. Elvis's talent comes through here... but Janis takes it to a new level. Fun.
I'm 64 yr old. This one still moves me to tears. I was just a little kid when this was made.
I lived in a small town. I remember the powdered milk and big boxes of cheese. Commodities! We were poor and not too proud to eat what they gave us.
Im 57. My mom wouldn't stand in line. She would volunteer to hand out the commodities and her and the other proud moms would take home "the leftovers".
There is a comment above from a person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper died more than 2 years ago. This person who has stolen the identity of a dead man and using it as his own must be stopped. Depper was a friend of mine and if you know who he is please let me know so I can have him charged.
Agreed... It hit me in the heart when this first came out.
I was raised on Elvis... Music and movies... but this song... its standing in a special place all on its own
I’m 62. Elvis was my mom’s idol so I grew up with his music. He is the King for a reason. I cu every time I hear this song.
Elvis grew up in the projects too ..Also was born into poverty I Tupelo Mississippi and lived in a shotgun house with no electricity in a mixed race community during segregation . He worked hard extremely hard to get his family out of poverty..it's a long story but no not a racist bone in his body..✌️
must have been hard for his mother carrying him on her back picking cotton.
Mac Davis wrote this song. And Mac does a good job of singing his song as well. Mac also wrote: "Memories", of which Elvis had a hit with. RIP Mac & Elvis.
Love your laugh! Elvis also grew up in a poor Neighborhood. Please watch the movie ELVIS… it’s the truth. Especially how he had to fight the studio to be able to perform IF I CAN DREAM… Executives tried to block…
More Elvis please!❤
Elvis was in touch. He was poor growing up. He made some bold song choices. Elvis was very generous. In the early days of St. Jude Hospital, Elvis made a very significant donation that made a huge difference.
Elvis lived in a ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi. When the Presley family moved to Memphis, they lived in the projects. He bought his mom and dad a home in Memphis when he first started his singing career and his Mama a pink Cadillac.
Elvis and his family were dirt poor when he was kid, if you ever get the time look for a video on here titled "Baz Luhrmann interviews Elvis Presley’s childhood friend Sam Bell" , Sam tell some lovely stories about Elvis and his friendship with Elvis before Elvis and his family left Tupelo Mississippi to live in Memphis
Elvis's back up singers are known as The Sweet Inspirations and one of them is Whitney Houston's mom
If you have an image in your mind of what the boy Elvis sings about looks like. Remember, Elvis never mentioned the boys race.
Elvis was born in a ghetto in Tupelo Miss. He never forgot hs roots
Mac Davis wrote the song about his life when he was a kid. He being a white kid had friends from the ghetto and he couldn't understand why they lived in such a bad area. Mac Davis and Elvis Presley both knew race nor Color back in 69-70 . They saw everyone as equal. This is one of my favorite songs from Elvis. Also suspicious mind, peace in the valley. Elvis was a spiritual man
Oh brother that big block of government cheese. I still think that's how macaroni and cheese should taste. Bless you and thank goodness and hard work you all got out!!! Beautiful stuff. Thank you for your words at the end.
" ... or he's gonna be an angry young man someday." BRILLIANT BRILLIANT line. To me, this is the "punch" of this song - this is the truth, people
Elvis did a show in Houston and they told him his back up singers The Sweet Inspirations ( they were I think 4 talented black ladies. One was Whitney Houston’s mother ) could not stay in the hotel and Elvis told them if they couldn’t stay then he wasn’t either and would just leave. They stayed. This song was written by Mac Davis. This was the 60’s and nobody wanted to record it Elvis said he would.
Just want to point out that the song shows such compassion for the child and even the angry young man. There's no judgement, only sorrow. The song even says the young man turns to crime out of "desperation". The song even touches on the epidemic of young black males killed by the police. The song is about 50 years old. No one would record this song until Elvis said he would. This was a story he felt compelled to tell. It's just so sad that so much of this tragedy continues so many decades later.
Elvis was born in Tupelo Miss. in a $180 shotgun house his father couldn't afford to make the payments on so they moved to Memphis where Elvis grew up in the Projects. He grew up very poor. He never forgot his roots and where he came from. When he became famous he was very generous and loving to a lot of people of any race. There are two documentaries you should watch Elvis and the Black Community 1&2 and Elvis a generous Heart. He went through a lot of abuse when he first began his singing career because of his stance on race equality.
Back in the 80s I was on welfare myself and I couldn't help it because I was with child and not a man to help me to take care of him so mommy had to raise him by myself and I did a well job because he is a good Christian and he works very hard from sunup to sundown and I'm so proud of him we didn't have it easy but we made it
Mac Davis wrote this song. He sang songs like "Happiness is Luckenbach Texas in the rearview mirror," and, "Hard to be Humble when you're perfect in every way."
Could you imagine if Elvis had never been discovered? I could see him being a Pastor/Singer in some small non-denominational church in Mississippi or somewhere. Check out some of his gospel tunes! You may be pleasantly surprised....
Mac Davis wrote the song and Elvis recorded it in 1969. He was told it was too controversial but he didn't care because he grew up very poor and understood what it was like for a kid to grow up like that. Cissy Houston was one of the background singers in this.
Elvis saw people, not color. He lived in the getto during the years his Daddy was in prison. Watch 'Elvis And The Black Community' parts 1 & 2. You will see just the tip of the abuse he coped with because he wasn't a "race man" and refused to see color. So glad you are getting to know Elvis.
I'm saving this reaction to my email. Thank you for this.
Elvis was born in poverty. He lived in government funded apartments. They sometimes couldn’t afford food. Elvis never forgot where he came from. That’s why he was such a big hearted man. He gave and gave. He was one of the first to donate to St. Judes hospital. They even named the trauma center after him. The Presley foundation is still donated to St. Jude’s hospital. He gave homes, cars, he helped so many people.
Elvis sang the song. Beautifully. And his heart was in this song as by now you already know about his history. But the song was written by Singer , songwriter Mac Davis.
Great guy gone to soon 🤴 👑
I remember Elvis very well
He learned 💯 percent from blacks
His music 🎶
His dancing 🕺 🕺
He attended all black churches ⛪️ with black kids, "watching them jump and shout" while he learned
He and his black friends would sit outside jute joints "clubs" to listen and watch black singers perform
His background singer's was black
Him his family was poor as dirt, they had nothing, and living in a one room shack that was barely standing him crying 😢 😭 heart 💔 broken sad 😔 and disgraced and lonely 🙁 🥺 in heart ❤️ who wanted the best for his mom dad family 👨👩👧 and friends
He was born with a twin but died at birth
Nope , there wasn't a racist bone in his body. I'm a black lady and can speak truthfully of Elvis for days. i love him, and i could go on and on, etc. talking about him for days ,weeks ,months, and years
He was a great 👍 young man 👨 pleasing everyone, not including 😒 himself he was a people pleaser, not a self pleaser he was gifted, great 👍 loved by millions that's gone too soon, but left lot's of great memories 👍 and a beautiful smile 😍 😊😂 that will last a lifetime😀 😊 😊😂to knew generations to come forever😀 that will learn of "ELVIS PRESLEY"THE MAN WHO MADE A CHANGE WITHIN BLACKS & WHITES MUSIC 🎶 DANCING 🕺 AND MOST OF ALL LIFE CHANGING😀💙❤😊😢😊😅😂
I wish i could stay longer and tell you more😉❤😘love❤️God bless
LET'S BE THANKFUL WE WHO KNEW HIM HAD THE TIME we SHARED TOGETHER with LOTS OF GREAT MEMORIES...GOD BLESS🙌
‘In the Ghetto’ was released in 1969. It’s now 2024, 56 years ago. And you nailed the composition. How good is a song, that a man, 56 years later, only heard minor flaws. The Sweet Inspiration background singers add a smooth quality to the life of the song. The cycle revealed is sad because it’s still in the world. Thank you for sharing your experience. 😊 These comments are awesome.
Hello! I just watched your video and I wanted to stop by and comment. You mentioned the things you'd been told about Elvis as a child, and that you realize now those things aren't true. I'm glad you are sharing, letting people know. That makes me smile :)
Mac Davis wrote In The Ghetto and initially offered the song to Sammy Davis Jr, but Sammy told Mac he couldn't; sing that song because he wasn't from the ghetto, but he knew someone who was - and the rest is history!
Fun Fact about me - I was 8 years old in August 1977 when Elvis died. I was in the car with my parents and it came over the radio. I remember my parents being very upset because they had tickets to see him in concert on August 23, 1977. They had the option to turn in their tickets for a refund, but decided to keep them instead and gave one to me and one to my cousin. The tickets were for upper arena and sold for $7.50. I have the ticket on my dresser. There are quite a few people in this area who have tickets to what's now referred to as "The Concert That Never Was" here in Lexington, KY.
Also, when Elvis died, many women went to "crying parties" - everyone brought a dish and a box of kleenex and talked about what Elvis meant to them. My best friend's mom went to one every weekend for a while after he died.
Enjoying your reactions!! Thanks and have a great rest of your week!
There is a comment above from a person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper died more than 2 years ago. This person who has stolen the identity of a dead man and using it as his own must be stopped. Depper was a friend of mine and if you know who he is please let me know so I can have him charged.
God gave Elvis the same beautiful face as the Statue of Liberty. Check it out.
He was a HUGE advocate for the black community and they stopped playing his music in some places on white radio because he sang in black churches….he grew up in the Memphis ghetto! Mac Davis wrote the song but the minute Elvis heard it, he knew he had to record it
I suggest the video Elvis and the black community.
Its much much more than his songs brother, it was his actions ❤
“If you don’t have the leadership and strength, you will become what’s around you”, what prophetic words Sir, you had me transfixed on your honest reaction to this song. I will be using your words in helping my grandchildren to make sensible choices in life. Thank you and G’day from Australia.
Mac Davis wrote this song. Rest in peace to those two wonderful men ❤
Elvis wrote this song and they told him not to record it that would kill his career but he ignored them. Elvis grew up in the ghetto in Tupelo Mississippi.
Sometimes new information we are given is true. Sometimes it isn't. Sometimes it's really tough to tell the difference. You looked with an open enough mind and open enough eyes to realize that something you were told years ago doesn't seem to ring true. Bravo. Not everybody manages to do that.
I was just a kid when I heard my dad humming fools rush in. I thought what is the hype over this one man when new kids on the block were completing my life. 😂😂😂 but when I got old enough to know better he sent a message all of us that is so inspirational and there will never be another like him.
Just discovered your channel, hope you do Elvis and Black Community parts 1 and 2. Bring a 77 year old white guy from Detroit suburb in the shadow of MOTOWN we listened t o all music at our dances. En joy your comments
Released in 1968 or 69.. written by Mac Davis. Mac Davis passed away in 2020 and had some songs of his own he recorded. Mac wrote at least 3 songs for Elvis . Thanks for listening & reacting to it!
Today's ghetto would be an upgrade from where he grew up.
He wrote Memories, In the Ghetto, and Don’t Cry Daddy
@@dghfarm1974 Correct🙂
According to Mac Davis who wrote "In The Ghetto", he said he had written it with the intention of having his friend, Sammy Davis Jr. sing it. When he brought it to Sammy he told him that while he really liked the lyrics, the message, and appreciated that Mac wanted him to be the one to record it Sammy thought he should pass... In his words, (and I am paraphrasing from what I remember hearing Mac Davis say in a few interviews).."This is an important song and in all authenticity I just wouldn't be able to do the song justice, because I didn't grow up this way, but I'll tell you who did..Elvis!" And he shared with Mac what he knew of Elvis' childhood years.
@robinmcintyre3472 and the actual title is "The Vicious Circle", both titles are perfect
I’m a white man that grew up without much money in the rural Virginia and I remember those boxes too. My memory is sometimes there’d be a jar of peanut butter Not sure why that’s the thing I remember so much
Elvis is one of the most recognized & famous people in music history, & no doubt, one of the most talented, however his heart & love for humanity, is his true legacy 💗💜 💙 Thank you for such a thoughtful & open reaction 😊
Yes, Elvis knows of what he speaks. He grew up in a ghetto in the south. He got his inspirations from listening to gospel, soul, blues from black artists popular from the 1900's through the 50's and beyond. He made it out.
elvis rhythm section had the very best musicians in the country
his tcb (taking care of business) band with him from 1969 till his death in 1977
jerry scheff on bass
ronnie tutt drums
james burton lead guitar
john wilkerson rhythm guitar
glen dee hardin piano
e had a very symbiotic musical relationship with them all
elvis heart was pure
he loved all people
he never had hatred in his heart for anyone or anything
yes, he was an incredible entertainer BUT he was an even more amazing human being and humanitarian
he never forgot where he came from and spent his entire life giving to those less fortunate and in need
he never sought recognition for any of it
in his eyes seeking recognition for his charitable acts or getting tax breaks for them defeats the act of giving out of the love in your heart
they were acts of pure love and kindness for his fellow man
he was always in the highest tax bracket but never once took a tax break or deductions
he always said he was the luckiest and most blessed person on the planet and felt like he needed to give back and pay for that privilege
thank you ♡