No one would record this Mac Davis song IN THE GHETTO as it was too raw, especially during the race riots in the 1960s. A top RCA executive said they can't release it. Elvis heard it and said, "That's my next single, son" and walked away. The great Sammy Davis Jr famously turned it down, stating that he didnt grow up in the ghetto and could not relate to the life. He told Mac that it had to be someone who grew up poor and with struggle. He recommended Mac to pitch the song to his friend, Elvis Presley, who Sammy thought could give the lyrics the proper justice that the song deserved. And the rest is HISTORY! Only Elvis was willing to risk his career to get that record on the air-waves. Only Elvis could have performed it and gotten the radio play when it came out in the late 1960's, during the Civil Rights Movement. He made it his platform. One of his major public statements on the issues of racism and poverty. Without uttering a single press release or public statement. Not a single political word or comment. Elvis used his platform for good, always. Amazing power of song by a very brave and loving human being.
Elvis was and is and will always be The King. Elvis was born in Tupelo, MS, and knows about the ghetto firsthand. Love your reactions!
So glad you're enjoying them. Thanks for watching and thanks for leaving a comment :)
Awesome review your spot on❤
Glad you enjoyed it :)
No one would record this Mac Davis song IN THE GHETTO as it was too raw, especially during the race riots in the 1960s. A top RCA executive said they can't release it.
Elvis heard it and said, "That's my next single, son" and walked away.
The great Sammy Davis Jr famously turned it down, stating that he didnt grow up in the ghetto and could not relate to the life. He told Mac that it had to be someone who grew up poor and with struggle. He recommended Mac to pitch the song to his friend, Elvis Presley, who Sammy thought could give the lyrics the proper justice that the song deserved. And the rest is HISTORY!
Only Elvis was willing to risk his career to get that record on the air-waves. Only Elvis could have performed it and gotten the radio play when it came out in the late 1960's, during the Civil Rights Movement. He made it his platform. One of his major public statements on the issues of racism and poverty.
Without uttering a single press release or public statement. Not a single political word or comment. Elvis used his platform for good, always. Amazing power of song by a very brave and loving human being.
All great and accurate points! Thanks for sharing those points with us. Thanks for watching and especially thank you for the comment :)