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.
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.
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.
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 ✌🏼💯⚡❤
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
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.
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 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.
@@Supernova752 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.❤️
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 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.
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!!!! 👑
I enjoyed your reaction and your willingness to share your personal story. In case you're wondering why people think Elvis was racist, the rumor got started in 1957 in Sepia, a white-owned magazine marketed to black people. It was reported that Elvis said "the only thing a n-word can do for me is shine my shoes and buy my records" He supposedly said it on The Edward R. Murrow Show where he had never been a guest or in Boston where he had never been. Elvis vehemently denied having said this, and Jet Magazine debunked the rumor a few months later, but somehow it still persists to this day. At the time, white racists were doing everything in their power to kill Elvis' career because he was a huge catalyst in bringing what they called race music into the mainstream and they were afraid that, in turn, it would lead to black and white people coming together. Through all the criticism and even death threats, Elvis persisted in singing the music he loved. In 1969 he was warned by his manager and record company that recording "In the Ghetto" could end his career because racial tensions were so high at that time, but Elvis felt very strongly about getting this message out.
Elvis went from a Ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi to housing projects in Memphis. His first record at RCA got him and his family out of poverty for good.
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.
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.
I listened all the way to the end and I could've kept listening until you were done. You weren't rambling. You were speaking like anyone would once they realized something they've been told their whole life wasn't true. I'm really looking forward to what I hope is a very long journey that is, Elvis Presley. ✌🏼❤
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.
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.
Thank you for a very heartfelt reaction. The song reflects a cycle of life that repeats itself. I pray for everyone struggling in this situation. When we were poor growing up, we never knew it because family, friends and love made us feel fortunate and blessed. ❤
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.
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.
@@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.
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 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..✌️
In The Ghetto. 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 he was speaking on was Elvis.
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 😊
“In the Ghetto” is one of the most famous songs Elvis Presley released during the 1960s. In her autobiography, Elvis’ girlfriend, Linda Thompson, said Sammy Davis Jr. initially turned down the song. She said Davis felt Elvis should sing “In the Ghetto” for an interesting reason. According to the 1989 book Why Me?: The Sammy Davis Jr. Story, Davis discussed his relationship with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “I’d met Elvis Presley on the set of his third picture, Loving You,” Davis recalled. “Both of us were rebels in our own ways and we’d gravitated toward each other.” Davis and Elvis regularly fraternized together with their motorcycles. Whenever the two singers were in the same town, they would ride on their motorcycles together. Davis also recalled singing together with Elvis for fun, impersonating the likes of Ray Charles and Dr. Jekyll. Thompson felt “In the Ghetto” related to Elvis’ life. “So [songwriter] Mac Davis gave the song to Elvis, she said. “And while Sammy would go on to cover it, the definitive version was, of course, recorded by Elvis, who could sing it with such authority and feeling because he had lived in the ghetto. “He’d experienced firsthand the desperation and injustice of that kind of life,” Thompson continued. “Anyone who knows the song only has to think of the recurring line, ‘And his mama cried,’ to be reminded of the powerful love he had for his mother.” “In the Ghetto” became a huge hit for Elvis. The track reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It stayed on the chart for 13 weeks. Elvis initially released “In the Ghetto” on his album From Elvis in Memphis, the first studio album the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll released after his ’68 Comeback Special. From Elvis in Memphis peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, lasting on the chart for 34 weeks. “In the Ghetto” became significantly more popular in the United Kingdom. According to The Official Charts Company, the song reached No. 2 in the U.K. It lasted on the U.K. chart for 19 weeks. Meanwhile, From Elvis in Memphis hit the top of the U.K. chart for one week. It lasted 14 total weeks on the chart. “In the Ghetto” became an international hit - even if Davis turned it down.
Maybe Sammy thought with such an important message at stake, it would reach a bigger audience if someone like Elvis was performing it rather than him? Who knows, but I’d like to think that might have had something to do with it, as a tip of the hat to Sammy.
@@darkmatter6714 the truth is that the person who has stolen the identity of a dead man, Depper and using it as his own because he is too gutless to use his own, is that the song was offered to Sammi first, Sammi said, wtf is a white man doing giving a black man song to sing about the ghetto. wtf does a white man know 1. to be black and 2 be a black man living in the ghetto. he then said give it to that white boy Elvis. If you know who the person is who has stolen the identity of Depper who died more than 2 years ago please let me know, Depper was a friend of mine and I want to put a stop to him.
@@michele6740 wrong! mac offered the song to Sammy. Sammy read the lyrics and said wtf is a white man giving a black man a song to sing about the ghetto? wtf does a white guy know what is like to be black and be be black and live in the ghetto. Sammy then said give it to that white boy Elvis
The bass player is Jerry Scheff. I love his way of playing. His first bass player Bill Black played a stand up bass and made it sound as if the group also had a drummer. At the beginning there were only Elvis, Scotty Moore and Bill Black. 'Mystery Train' is a good listen. If you are interested in documentaries: -Elvis and the black community -A generous heart -King of kindness A huge compliment to your family! Loved your reaction to this outstanding song!🌞 Thank you!
Jerry has a great story to tell. He said he was just a session bassist, in San Francisco or LA, I can’t remember. He said he would have his smokes and a jug of wine and play. For Elvis’ 1969 return to Vegas, Elvis tasked James Burton, his guitarist, to get a rhythm section together. They went all out. They got the best of the best at that time, and they backed Elvis his entire career from 1970-1977. There were minor changes during the years. Jerry left for a couple of years after the Aloha concert, but returned in 1974 or so. My dates may be off. But, the TCB Band was exceptional.
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!
Memories, memories my friend . As a old white guy I can remember going with my Grandmother to our local food distribution center in the 60’s to get our commodities. That was the food distributed to lower income and elderly recipients.The cheese brought a smile to my face. You’re exactly right! Best grilled cheese ever! And the butter, canned luncheon meat , Lima beans, powered milk. . You know those were hard times back then but I look at that time with fond memories. Fortunately you and I are probably are in better circumstances now but those memories make us appreciate where we are now. Great reactions . Keep doing what you’re doing.
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.
I lived in Memphis during the early 80's. Every person I met who knew Elvis or met him had nothing but respect for him. I heard one story after another of his kindness and generosity to everyone he met. He remembered his roots. Your parents sound like wonderful people and I can tell by your own thoughtfulness that they did a good job with you. What a blessing. When we lived in Memphis we were very poor. We had a toddler and I was working as a secretary full time and supporting my husband through full time college. We lived in an apartment complex that was not too far removed from the ghetto. Lots of gunfire, prostitution and danger. I understand that same complex is much worse today. Memphis is a tough city. My husband eventually became a Captain in the Navy and we live well today. Our daughter is college educated as well. The American dream is real but it does take sacrifice and hard work to attain.
Yes Elvis was in touch with the common people his manager didn't want him to do this song Mac Davis wrote this song he performed it to no doubt Elvis did it better thank you
The terrible thing is this song was written by Mac Davis in 1970 and things haven't changed much. Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississippi in a 2 room shack with no electricity or running water during the depression. Elvis knew poverty.
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.
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....
Oh, I love that cheese too! We lived out in the country but we were really poor, so we went to the county for those food boxes too. I also loved those powdered eggs, for cooking! Nobody liked being on "the county" back in those days so we did all we could to get off of it as soon as we could. I'm so glad you got out of those circumstances! I made it out too, obviously! It's fabulous that you have two parents that love you! I hope they are both still alive. Elvis was the farthest thing from a racist that there was. He was born in the ghetto and went to black churches, he never forgot where he came from and how he was raised and those he was raised with. I feel you don't waste people's time when you are giving them part of yourself for safekeeping! Best of luck with your channel and hopefully I'll see you over there on the right again and I'll click into your channel again! I subscribed last time I was here with you so all I did today was leave a thumb's up! Thank you for telling your story!
Elvis knows all about growing up poor and hungry. He always remembered his "roots" after he became famous and rich. He helped so many people with his wealth. Us Baby Boomers always were so proud of him, as an artist and as a human being.
Thank you for your heartfelt reaction, as you are a very engrossing speaker. I'm glad you and Elvis made it out. Elvis is going to be quite a journey, my friend. Elvis called Mohammed Ali, "The Greatest", and Ali called Elvis, "The Greatest", and they were good friends. So much more to discover. Enjoy!
Your reaction was sooo good! Thank you for setting the record straight about Elvis. Racism is an obomanation (sp?) It hurts all poeple no matter what colour. Thank you!
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.
Thank you appreciate you for listening to one n only Elvis Bob Joyce Presley Elvis did in the those places eating banana peanut butter check Bob Joyce Elvis might be still alive✌️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
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.
Thank you so much for sharing about your parents. Their dedication and grit in working their way out for you all is beautiful and it really touched my heart. God Bless you & your family.
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 loved the lord. One of the greatest and shortest gospel songs I’ve ever heard was, Stand by me! He didn’t like being called The King, and he let it be known in public that there is only one king! Thanks for your great comments on If I Can Dream and In the Ghetto!
I grew up with this song (I'm 58). It influenced the way I see people. I'm from a very white neighborhood; my high school had 3 black kids. Because of this song, I've always seen everyone as a person first no matter what the skin color was. We were more on the poor side but we had enough. I'm grateful for that. This song still hits me in the gut and I didn't live it.
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.
“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.
If I could give you 1K thumbs up I would. If I could stand up, I would give you an ovation. Elvis sang from his soul and if you actually listen, he touches yours. But I can say thank you, thank you for pushing aside the rumors and actually listening to the man himself.
"ELVIS was in touch". Love that!. He was. The song was written by Mac Davis BUT Elvis added the chilling lyrics "and his mama cried" why? "Because he was in touch" as you said.
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.
Church Boy, I’m so glad that I have found your channel. You definitely gave this song a superb reaction with your own testimony. I’m a 77 year old church girl and have been an Elvis Presley fan since his first song. Maybe I was 13 when I had to go down to the alley entrance to see his movie, “Love Me Tender.” If you haven’t, please react to that song. I knew about the lie that he was prejudiced. Thank you for everything you said. I too lived in the projects for one year until my mother could work 3 jobs to get back to the outskirts of the ghetto. Blessings.
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. 😊😊😊
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.
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…
This song was released in 1969. The cycle of desperation Elvis sang about was already well established by that time, and has continued and increased in the 55 years since then. Young potential cut down before they’re even able to get to adulthood because nobody has seen fit to find a way to break the cycle. Folks who think about it know that education is the way to escape, but when a person is struggling to live in an even slightly decent place and have even meager food to feed the family, education takes a backseat to just staying alive.
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
I remember my grandma getting that cheese. I loved that cheese. Don’t listen to what everyone says, find out things for yourself. Elvis worked hard to get where he was from poor beginning. Impactful song. Thanks
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.
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🙌
Elvis said that he could never make enough money to forget what it felt like to be dirt poor!! Thanks for opening your mind to learning the truth about Elvis. Do listen to his gospel music ( his favourite genre ) He won Grammies for “How Great thou Art” and the album of that name. 👌💕🕺
I was born and raised up in northern Maine and we grew up receiving the surplus food. We would wait in lines and my favorite was the big block of cheese as well. I'm a new subscriber and there are tons of great Elvis songs! You should watch the new Elvis movie that came out a little over a year ago. It's his true story and you can buy or rent it on youtube.
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.
![First Time Seeing - Elvis Presley - "In The Ghetto" [Infinite Jay] Reaction](/img/n.gif)
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.
You will enjoy going down this road with Elvis, Thank You
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.
Elvis grew up very impoverished in Tupelo, Mississippi, and later Memphis, Tennessee. He never forgot his roots.
Elvis. Born in slums of Mississippi during the depression. Nobody could match Elvis. Nobody. Canada
who would want to?
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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 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 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 ❤
@@Supernova752
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
@@Supernova752 WTH I left you the links yest. What happened to my reply???
@@Supernova752 Part 1
th-cam.com/video/xd1pXw1DmsA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=NN6eLz-ixYxDrGh8
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.
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.
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 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.
Its much much more than his songs brother, it was his actions ❤
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
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.❤️
Elvis is the greatest 💐💕
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 had great musicians. 🙂
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 had soul. ⚡
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.
Elvis also lived in a project. when he was young. You have great parents, Sir!
I love anybody who loves Elvis
I enjoyed your reaction and your willingness to share your personal story. In case you're wondering why people think Elvis was racist, the rumor got started in 1957 in Sepia, a white-owned magazine marketed to black people. It was reported that Elvis said "the only thing a n-word can do for me is shine my shoes and buy my records" He supposedly said it on The Edward R. Murrow Show where he had never been a guest or in Boston where he had never been. Elvis vehemently denied having said this, and Jet Magazine debunked the rumor a few months later, but somehow it still persists to this day. At the time, white racists were doing everything in their power to kill Elvis' career because he was a huge catalyst in bringing what they called race music into the mainstream and they were afraid that, in turn, it would lead to black and white people coming together. Through all the criticism and even death threats, Elvis persisted in singing the music he loved. In 1969 he was warned by his manager and record company that recording "In the Ghetto" could end his career because racial tensions were so high at that time, but Elvis felt very strongly about getting this message out.
Elvis went from a Ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi to housing projects in Memphis. His first record at RCA got him and his family out of poverty for good.
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.
Elvis was born in ghetto his mama and pap were very poor Elvis never forget we’re he came from God bless Elvis ❤🙏
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.
I listened all the way to the end and I could've kept listening until you were done. You weren't rambling. You were speaking like anyone would once they realized something they've been told their whole life wasn't true. I'm really looking forward to what I hope is a very long journey that is, Elvis Presley. ✌🏼❤
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.
Thank you for sharing your story. I pray it gives hope to many who are stuck.
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.
Thank you for a very heartfelt reaction. The song reflects a cycle of life that repeats itself. I pray for everyone struggling in this situation. When we were poor growing up, we never knew it because family, friends and love made us feel fortunate and blessed. ❤
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.
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.
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.
What an inspirational story! You're a class act man
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 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.
In The Ghetto. 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 he was speaking on was Elvis.
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 😊
“In the Ghetto” is one of the most famous songs Elvis Presley released during the 1960s. In her autobiography, Elvis’ girlfriend, Linda Thompson, said Sammy Davis Jr. initially turned down the song. She said Davis felt Elvis should sing “In the Ghetto” for an interesting reason.
According to the 1989 book Why Me?: The Sammy Davis Jr. Story, Davis discussed his relationship with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “I’d met Elvis Presley on the set of his third picture, Loving You,” Davis recalled. “Both of us were rebels in our own ways and we’d gravitated toward each other.”
Davis and Elvis regularly fraternized together with their motorcycles. Whenever the two singers were in the same town, they would ride on their motorcycles together. Davis also recalled singing together with Elvis for fun, impersonating the likes of Ray Charles and Dr. Jekyll.
Thompson felt “In the Ghetto” related to Elvis’ life. “So [songwriter] Mac Davis gave the song to Elvis, she said. “And while Sammy would go on to cover it, the definitive version was, of course, recorded by Elvis, who could sing it with such authority and feeling because he had lived in the ghetto.
“He’d experienced firsthand the desperation and injustice of that kind of life,” Thompson continued. “Anyone who knows the song only has to think of the recurring line, ‘And his mama cried,’ to be reminded of the powerful love he had for his mother.”
“In the Ghetto” became a huge hit for Elvis. The track reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It stayed on the chart for 13 weeks. Elvis initially released “In the Ghetto” on his album From Elvis in Memphis, the first studio album the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll released after his ’68 Comeback Special. From Elvis in Memphis peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, lasting on the chart for 34 weeks.
“In the Ghetto” became significantly more popular in the United Kingdom. According to The Official Charts Company, the song reached No. 2 in the U.K. It lasted on the U.K. chart for 19 weeks. Meanwhile, From Elvis in Memphis hit the top of the U.K. chart for one week. It lasted 14 total weeks on the chart. “In the Ghetto” became an international hit - even if Davis turned it down.
Maybe Sammy thought with such an important message at stake, it would reach a bigger audience if someone like Elvis was performing it rather than him? Who knows, but I’d like to think that might have had something to do with it, as a tip of the hat to Sammy.
@@darkmatter6714 the truth is that the person who has stolen the identity of a dead man, Depper and using it as his own because he is too gutless to use his own, is that the song was offered to Sammi first, Sammi said, wtf is a white man doing giving a black man song to sing about the ghetto. wtf does a white man know 1. to be black and 2 be a black man living in the ghetto. he then said give it to that white boy Elvis. If you know who the person is who has stolen the identity of Depper who died more than 2 years ago please let me know, Depper was a friend of mine and I want to put a stop to him.
Double tip of hat to Sammy. Since he couldn’t relate to the song, even though he was black, but Elvis could. Give the song to someone that feels it.
@@michele6740 wrong! mac offered the song to Sammy. Sammy read the lyrics and said wtf is a white man giving a black man a song to sing about the ghetto? wtf does a white guy know what is like to be black and be be black and live in the ghetto. Sammy then said give it to that white boy Elvis
The bass player is Jerry Scheff. I love his way of playing.
His first bass player Bill Black played a stand up bass and made it sound as if the group also had a drummer. At the beginning there were only Elvis, Scotty Moore and Bill Black. 'Mystery Train' is a good listen.
If you are interested in documentaries:
-Elvis and the black community
-A generous heart
-King of kindness
A huge compliment to your family!
Loved your reaction to this outstanding song!🌞
Thank you!
Jerry played bass on The Doors “LA Woman” album. I think it was that one. He’s great for sure.
@@russjohnson2478 Very interesting! Thank you! It's time to listen to the Doors again.🌞
Jerry has a great story to tell. He said he was just a session bassist, in San Francisco or LA, I can’t remember. He said he would have his smokes and a jug of wine and play. For Elvis’ 1969 return to Vegas, Elvis tasked James Burton, his guitarist, to get a rhythm section together. They went all out. They got the best of the best at that time, and they backed Elvis his entire career from 1970-1977. There were minor changes during the years. Jerry left for a couple of years after the Aloha concert, but returned in 1974 or so. My dates may be off. But, the TCB Band was exceptional.
As musicians and as personalities, It seems.
Thank you!
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!
Memories, memories my friend . As a old white guy I can remember going with my Grandmother to our local food distribution center in the 60’s to get our commodities. That was the food distributed to lower income and elderly recipients.The cheese brought a smile to my face. You’re exactly right! Best grilled cheese ever! And the butter, canned luncheon meat , Lima beans, powered milk. . You know those were hard times back then but I look at that time with fond memories. Fortunately you and I are probably are in better circumstances now but those memories make us appreciate where we are now. Great reactions . Keep doing what you’re doing.
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.
I lived in Memphis during the early 80's. Every person I met who knew Elvis or met him had nothing but respect for him. I heard one story after another of his kindness and generosity to everyone he met. He remembered his roots. Your parents sound like wonderful people and I can tell by your own thoughtfulness that they did a good job with you. What a blessing. When we lived in Memphis we were very poor. We had a toddler and I was working as a secretary full time and supporting my husband through full time college. We lived in an apartment complex that was not too far removed from the ghetto. Lots of gunfire, prostitution and danger. I understand that same complex is much worse today. Memphis is a tough city. My husband eventually became a Captain in the Navy and we live well today. Our daughter is college educated as well. The American dream is real but it does take sacrifice and hard work to attain.
Yes Elvis was in touch with the common people his manager didn't want him to do this song Mac Davis wrote this song he performed it to no doubt Elvis did it better thank you
Elvis performed this in 1969. 54 years later this song is still relevant.
The terrible thing is this song was written by Mac Davis in 1970 and things haven't changed much. Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississippi in a 2 room shack with no electricity or running water during the depression. Elvis knew poverty.
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.
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! Great reaction!
Oh, I love that cheese too! We lived out in the country but we were really poor, so we went to the county for those food boxes too. I also loved those powdered eggs, for cooking! Nobody liked being on "the county" back in those days so we did all we could to get off of it as soon as we could.
I'm so glad you got out of those circumstances! I made it out too, obviously! It's fabulous that you have two parents that love you! I hope they are both still alive.
Elvis was the farthest thing from a racist that there was. He was born in the ghetto and went to black churches, he never forgot where he came from and how he was raised and those he was raised with.
I feel you don't waste people's time when you are giving them part of yourself for safekeeping!
Best of luck with your channel and hopefully I'll see you over there on the right again and I'll click into your channel again!
I subscribed last time I was here with you so all I did today was leave a thumb's up! Thank you for telling your story!
Elvis knows all about growing up poor and hungry. He always remembered his "roots" after he became famous and rich. He helped so many people with his wealth. Us Baby Boomers always were so proud of him, as an artist and as a human being.
Thank you for your heartfelt reaction, as you are a very engrossing speaker. I'm glad you and Elvis made it out. Elvis is going to be quite a journey, my friend. Elvis called Mohammed Ali, "The Greatest", and Ali called Elvis, "The Greatest", and they were good friends. So much more to discover. Enjoy!
Elvis sabia cantar gospel com a alma. Sua musica soava como um trovão. music soul in elvis.Brasil
Your reaction was sooo good! Thank you for setting the record straight about Elvis. Racism is an obomanation (sp?) It hurts all poeple no matter what colour. Thank you!
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.
Thank you appreciate you for listening to one n only Elvis Bob Joyce Presley Elvis did in the those places eating banana peanut butter check Bob Joyce Elvis might be still alive✌️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
grew up with ELVIS and there is nothing he cant sing i am now 67 and still and will always be a ELVIS fan
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.
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.
Thank you so much for sharing about your parents. Their dedication and grit in working their way out for you all is beautiful and it really touched my heart. God Bless you & your family.
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 loved the lord. One of the greatest and shortest gospel songs I’ve ever heard was, Stand by me! He didn’t like being called The King, and he let it be known in public that there is only one king! Thanks for your great comments on If I Can Dream and In the Ghetto!
Elvis, with his parents, lived at one point in Lauderdale Courts, a public housing project in Memphis.
I grew up with this song (I'm 58). It influenced the way I see people. I'm from a very white neighborhood; my high school had 3 black kids. Because of this song, I've always seen everyone as a person first no matter what the skin color was. We were more on the poor side but we had enough. I'm grateful for that. This song still hits me in the gut and I didn't live it.
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.
I sometimes cry from this performance. Today, I cried from your reaction. Very moving.
“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.
If I could give you 1K thumbs up I would. If I could stand up, I would give you an ovation. Elvis sang from his soul and if you actually listen, he touches yours. But I can say thank you, thank you for pushing aside the rumors and actually listening to the man himself.
"ELVIS was in touch". Love that!. He was. The song was written by Mac Davis BUT Elvis added the chilling lyrics "and his mama cried" why? "Because he was in touch" as you said.
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.
Church Boy, I’m so glad that I have found your channel. You definitely gave this song a superb reaction with your own testimony. I’m a 77 year old church girl and have been an Elvis Presley fan since his first song. Maybe I was 13 when I had to go down to the alley entrance to see his movie, “Love Me Tender.” If you haven’t, please react to that song. I knew about the lie that he was prejudiced. Thank you for everything you said. I too lived in the projects for one year until my mother could work 3 jobs to get back to the outskirts of the ghetto. Blessings.
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. 😊😊😊
That's exactly how it's meant to sound!👑👌
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
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.
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…
I loved what you had to say after the song. You are a lot like Elvis, humble and a good person. I wish you the best in life. May God Bless you.
This song was released in 1969. The cycle of desperation Elvis sang about was already well established by that time, and has continued and increased in the 55 years since then. Young potential cut down before they’re even able to get to adulthood because nobody has seen fit to find a way to break the cycle. Folks who think about it know that education is the way to escape, but when a person is struggling to live in an even slightly decent place and have even meager food to feed the family, education takes a backseat to just staying alive.
Elvis always in tune with the band. You really need to listen to American Trilogy from the Aloha from Hawaii live album. Amazing.
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
If you have an image in your mind of what the boy Elvis sings about looks like. Remember, Elvis never mentioned the boys race.
I remember my grandma getting that cheese. I loved that cheese. Don’t listen to what everyone says, find out things for yourself. Elvis worked hard to get where he was from poor beginning. Impactful song. Thanks
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.
It hits your feels. Whether your of color or white.
You do know Elvis produced all his live music and where each musician came in and how they played etc.
Love love your reaction 💕💕💕💕
Now,I could see that song had an impact on You,old song,but very true still,Elvis forever!
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🙌
Elvis said that he could never make enough money to forget what it felt like to be dirt poor!! Thanks for opening your mind to learning the truth about Elvis. Do listen to his gospel music ( his favourite genre ) He won Grammies for “How Great thou Art” and the album of that name. 👌💕🕺
You’re family is a success story. You should be so proud of that. You’re lucky you had the parents you had.
Elvis was born in the projects , he knew this life first hand ,
I was born and raised up in northern Maine and we grew up receiving the surplus food. We would wait in lines and my favorite was the big block of cheese as well. I'm a new subscriber and there are tons of great Elvis songs! You should watch the new Elvis movie that came out a little over a year ago. It's his true story and you can buy or rent it on youtube.
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.
You have a gift. A gift that will bless a lot of people and make a positive impact. Appreciate your work.
Elvis Presley live in the ghetto his family was poor he knew what people was going through...
thank you for showing as much passion listening as he does singing