If you want to hear Elvis' gorgeous voice, listen to some of his Gospel songs. How Great Thou Art will drop you to your knees and bring tears to your eyes!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll. He made Country albums and Gospel albums and they were all amazing. When I was a kid, my dad would put on an Elvis Gospel album full volume to wake us up for church on Sunday morning. The man was one of a kind and could do it all.
He could have been an opera singer.Unfortunately,Col. Tom Parker had other ideas.He could have been another James Dean if given the chance.That recording was from 1960,the year he was discharged from the Army.I had the recording years ago.The melody is actually "O Sole Mio",an old Italian song.
It’s appropriate that you say he sounded operatic because this song is based on the Opera song O Sole Mio. It’s the same tune but Elvis jazzed it up and changed the lyrics. That’s why Luciano Pavarotti admired Elvis.
Let's not forget that Elvis in his youth used to frequent local black churches to sing in the choirs. He loved black gospel music and it influenced him deeply.
Elvis was the best. And when he passed away, An unknown wrote a song that was an instant hit. It is called The King is Gone. Written and sung by Ronnie McDowell. Please give a listen to it. It was played constantly for 24 hours after it was first played on the radio. And people kept calling to hear it again and again.
Elvis was told he can't sing this song , because his voice could never go this high ,but he practice and practice till he could do it ,he was just amazing
I tried this song at Karaoke night and it was embarrassing how hard it was to nail the very ending. ELVIS is for advanced talent if you dare in trying to show off in front of people.
@@jimearnest4342 I could be way off, but I feel like Elvis would have collaborated with a lot of other artists if the "Colonel" wasn't so determined to keep him isolated into that original image, money-making box.
I love this song, this one and "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" are my favorite Elvis songs. They didn't call him the King for no reason, he earned it!
This was Elvis Presley number one hit coming out of the US army. Brilliant song. American singer and actor Elvis Presley served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. At the time of his enlistment, he was widely regarded as the most well-known name in the world of entertainment. In 1960, "It's Now or Never" was a number-one record in the U.S. for Elvis Presley, spending five weeks at number one and the UK, where it spent eight weeks at the top in 1960 and an additional week at number one in 2005 as a re-issue, and numerous other countries, selling in excess of 20 million physical copies worldwide, Elvis Presley's biggest international single ever. Its British release was delayed for some time because of rights issues, allowing the song to build up massive advance orders and to enter the UK Singles Chart at number one, a very rare occurrence at the time. "It's Now or Never" peaked at number seven on the R&B charts.
This Elvis classic borrows the chord progression as well as the melody from the Italian song "O Sole Mio," which was first recorded by Giuseppe Anselmi in 1907. Mario Lanza popularized the song, and Tony Martin released the first English translation as "There's No Tomorrow" in 1949. In this song, Elvis is making a passion play, telling his darling it must be tonight, for tomorrow will be too late. There's nothing explicit in the song, but it's obvious what he's after. Delivered by average Joe, the romance-novel-grade lyrics would sound silly, but Elvis could pull off lines like: Your lips excite me Let your arms invite me For who knows when We'll meet again this way
Another great song Elvis did that was adapted from an old Italian song was "Surrender," which came from a 1902 song called "Torna a Surriento" ("Come Back to Sorrento," an English version of which had already been recorded by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin). Elvis wanted an updated, more uptempo version of "Torna a Surriento" to be his follow-up to the massive success of "It's Now Or Never," so he/his music publisher asked Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman to write it. Interestingly (and humorously, in hindsight), even though Pomus and Schuman shared writing credit for "Surrender," Pomus's biographer Alex Halberstadt said that Shuman wanted nothing to do with the song. He's reported to have said, "Why should I want to write for some redneck idiot who wants to sound like Mario Lanza?" and chose to sit it out, leaving Doc Pomus to write it himself. Even then, Pomus treated it as a throwaway song, sticking to a near homonym of the title and not really thinking much about it after he sent off the demo. According to Halberstadt, "the whole thing smacked of mediocrity." "Surrender" was recorded late in the evening, in the middle of a marathon session that also produced Elvis's gospel LP "His Hand in Mine." Halberstadt goes on to say that, Pomus - who'd seen "Surrender" as just another job - "could hardly believe that Stuart Hamblen's 'Known Only to Him,' a sublime performance that inflamed Elvis's voice with what sounded like true religious epiphany, was recorded on the same night that yielded 'Surrender's' Neapolitan glitz." After treating the song like a throwaway, Pomus was apparently humbled by the result and had to admit that Elvis was a songwriter's dream. As Halberstadt put it, "Presley imbued 'Surrender' with sly humor and an almost maniacal ardor, transforming it into a dramatic showcase for his genuinely amazing chops.... He could make a mediocre song distinctive, make a good one great, and make a great one indelible. When he wanted to, he sang anything-from spirituals to novelty pop-brilliantly, finding just the right emotional shading." And, of course, validating this feeling is that "Surrender" went on to become yet another huge hit for Elvis, his fifth straight #1 single and his 12th #1 single at that point. Despite their initial feelings about the song and their underestimation of Elvis, "Surrender" boosted both the reputations and bank accounts of Pomus and Shuman, cemented them as "favorite writers" for Elvis, and put them in a position to be earning close to $50k/year which would have been unimaginable for them just a year earlier.
The filming in this video was done on Elvis’ return to America, after being drafted into the army for two years in 1958 ….at the height of his global superstardom. This song was his best selling single, & eventually sold a staggering 25 million records worldwide. It’s still probably one of the most popular Elvis songs. It came from an Italian opera song O Sole Mio, & Elvis got a couple of songwriters to write words that Americans could relate to, in a love story. He was told that because of the high note at the end, he would not be able to sing it in the same way as the original Italian song, but Elvis spent many months training his voice to hit that high note. Elvis actually had a baritone voice, but he could drop down into the upper range of Bass, & easily go up into the Tenor range too, so his vocals covered considerably more than most singers, & he did manage to hit that high note at the end, & even popped in an even higher note towards the end of the high note, taking him into the vocal range of an opera singer.
Fun fact about Elvis with all his songs he did the only award he won was for his gospel singing . I would too see you react to him singing Peace in the valley his voice is soooo beautiful.
I have his whole Gospel album downloaded on my phone. My mom was an interpreter for the deaf at our church when I was a kid and she will now listen to Elvis' Gospel album and sign the songs and I love to watch her. It is so beautiful to me and his voice is absolutely amazing throughout the whole album.
Nothing beats a great baritone, and Elvis is one of the best. "Suspicious Minds" is a real showcase for his range and depth... Oops! You've already done Suspicious Minds. I forgot. My bad...
I was in the living room of my childhood home when I heard he died. I was 10 years old and it felt like I had just lost a close family member. No other musical artist has helped shape my life as much as Elvis.
@@buckbuchanan4902 I was awaiting the birth of my first child, sitting at home watching the news when I found out. I always liked him though I wasn't a fanatic fan. The effect of his death around the world was profound. I wonder what he would have thought.
My mother was one of the many teenagers who fell in love with Elvis during his breakthrough in the 195o's. As a young black girl, she and her sisters sat around the radio to listen to him sing everytime one of his songs played. They wouldn't speak, just listen. Afterwards, they would talk about how purty he was and how they wanted marry him. Even my Grandmother understood the sway of his magnificent voice. She told me stories about how this was one of my mothers favorite songs. That he made the enormous impression that he did during those early years of rock-n-roll to some many people of all colors, to follow in his footsteps led to social, cultural, and musical changes that literally shook and shaped the world. I remember how the news of his death on August 16, 1977 also shook the world. And despite the fact he unable to handle his personal problems, those us that were alive when he lived have fond memories of him. My mother loved his gospel records best. She played them every Sunday in her declining years. His voice gave her comfort. And she is with him in Heaven now. Which gives me comfort. May they both rest in peace. A couple of suggestions, PEACE IN THE VALLEY, ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT? ANYPLACE IS PARADISE, WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK, & LOVE ME TENDER. Enjoy.
When I was four years old, Elvis was all over the TV. My mom and grandma, who always played his music were crying. I wanted to make them feel better so I told them not to worry, I was going to grow up and marry Elvis so we could always hear his voice. That just made them cry more. It was 1977. They were watching coverage of his funeral. I didn't know what that was. My whole life, I have listened to his amazing voice, and watched his movies and concerts. There was no one else like him and there never will be again.
His love for his mother was very powerful. "Mama Loved the Roses" a song he sang for her after her passing, is a song that has always made me weap like a baby. His voice carries so much raw emotion that you can just feel the pain and love!
One of my favorite Elvis songs. The other ones are "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You," "In The Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds." Don't ask me which of those is my favorite, because I don't know.
Yeah, now THIS is music. "It's Now or Never" is one of my all time favorite songs and a great example of Elvis giving a top notch vocal performance. Absolutely love this song and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for a fun, uplifting reaction. Keep the ball rolling..
Elvis was really evolving and proving he was an artist. He was having trouble getting the ending of the song in one take. He was offered an easy out by combining previous takes of the song. Elvis was said to have responded with something like, "if I can't sing it then we won't do it at all." I love the truth in his singing. No doubt he nailed it!
Elvis in the house! Please do more: "Suspicious Minds" (Live 1970 Las Vegas show); Watch the opening scene of the movie "King Creole". He sings a song called Crawfish. Don't let the name fool you. It's a great song. Also, anything from his '68 Comeback tv show will not disappoint!
Finally! This is his best genre! No one sings a love song like Elvis! "Love Me Tender" and "Loving You" are 2 of his most heart melting ones. "Love Me Tender" is also the title of his first movie.
@@sparky6086 Mario's manager contacted Colonel Parker. The former wanted Mario to co-star with Elvis in a movie. Colonel Parker nixed the idea. Yes, Elvis was very much influenced by Mario. There is a good bio "Mario :Tenor In Exile" by Roland L. Bessette. It's very eye-opening. He died at age 38 -four years younger than Elvis. Mark Vincent does a virtual duet with Mario "Because You're Mine." It's excellent.
This is one of his most beautiful songs if not the most. "Surrender" by Elvis is like this one with his amazing vocal range on display. Other big songs were "Fame and Fortune", "Home Is Where the Heart Is", "Marie's the Name His Latest Flame", and "Teddy Bear".
Thank you for reacting to this one. I am one of the many who must have requested it, so thank you for "giving us what we wanted!" His version of "CRYING IN THE CHAPEL" really showcases his voice. I think you would enjoy it!
This song charted on Billboard Hot 100 charts on July 18, 1960 and it was number 1 for 5 weeks and this was his 41st hit single Elvis has over 165 chart singles so you have plenty to choose from
Thank you for playing this song from Elvis. He was and always will be the most beautiful looking man with the most beautiful voice that was kissed by angels. When I was a kid, Elvis’s name was known world wide, he was truly a MEGA star. His last name was not needed. It doesn’t matter who sang what before him because he came along and catapulted R& R into the stratosphere . That is why he is the king of R & R.
I was just talking to a co-worker yesterday (we're both female) and we were talking about how beautiful that man was. We actually used that word. lol I was just a kid when he died, but I still remember when I found out. I was so sad.
❤I love this song! Nobody can sing this song like him!❤ Have I mentioned how nice it is to see you guys look at each other with so much love! Makes me smile! Enjoy every moment ❤
I loved Elvis when I was your daughter's age. I collected his cards, listened to his top 10 album, and watched his movies. I still love him. I love "Treat me nice" and "Love Me Tender".
Kentucky Rain is an absolute favourite of mine and an Elvis you should definitely check out soon. Also worth checking out is Always on my mind, American Trilogy, Are you lonesome tonight, (There’ll be) Peace in the valley, The Wonder of You, Trouble and A little less conversation.
My 2 favourite Elvis songs areLawdy Miss Clawdy and Trouble from the Elvis film King Creole, which btw is a great film with a fantastic cast and Elvis shines as a true actor in the film. Peace and love to all, from your friendly neighbor from the north. 🙏❤️😎🇨🇦✌️
The studio hired musicians do an absolute knock out job on every second of this wonderful flowing song. It's great to play the spoons along with this tune if you got them handy.
If you like "manly" voice Elvis, you NEED to listen to Trouble! My favorite Elvis song and my pump up song when I need to feel like a badass! Great reaction fam.
If you're looking for trouble...then you come to the right place If you're looking for trouble...then look right in my face! Yeah, that song exemplified his total coolness!
There are so many wonderful Elvis songs to choose from. "Surrender" "Suspicious Minds" "American Trilogy" & "Marie's The Name" to name just a few! ❤🎶🎼🎙🇺🇲🇬🇧
This one is so great, really shows off his powerful, beautiful voice. ❤️ my Daddy was a huge Elvis fan so we listened together. I'd LOVE for you guys to react to Trying To Get to you from the '68 Comeback Special. You can't miss the video for that, he's dressed all in black leather and looked amazing. 😍 That song and performance may be my favorite, it's very bluesy and soulful! I absolutely love it!
YES ! I've mentioned that one several times, as have many others. I have watched others react to it and it always gets great reviews. I had been in love with Elvis since I was a little girl. I turned15 just a few months before that special aired, and I remember thinking how handsome and sexy he looked in that leather suit. Oh my, I knew then I wasn't that little girl any more ! 🤭😍 😊
All I can say is.........WHAT A MAN!!!!! If there had been a MR. UNIVERSE for performer and looks and great soul, Elvis would have definitely been the winner!!
Elvis covered so much ground musically (rock-a-billy, crooning, country, gospel)... his songs like "Trouble," "Don't Be Cruel," "All Shook Up," and "Hard Headed Woman" have always been my favorites from the Elvis catalog.
Please watch Aloha from Hawaii! To see Elvis entertain an audience shows you his passion for his fans. He loved the interaction. There are so many great moments in that concert. You’d love it, I’m sure.
Hi Jay and Amber. Love your site. You are adorable. I grew up in Memphis 3 Miles from Graceland. I moved there in '68. ELVIS loved Gospel the most. He also hung on Beale Street with BB King and the great blues guys . Watch the Elvis movie , it is great. I think Austin Butler should win the Academy Award for his portrayal. I knew most of it, but I learned alot. Your daughter will love him, he is so cute and still alive. ❤ Peace
I am 66 years old and I was madly in love with Elvis when I was 5 years old. Watching your beautiful little daughter react to him gives me wonderful memories of watching and listening to him with my Mother. All Women love Elvis.
Show your daughter an Elvis movie. Please! They are all G rated. I recommend starting your daughter with "Fun in Acapulco". Your daughters going to love the song Bossa Nova Baby! I loved Elvis movies as a kid! I've seen them all more than once. My favorite is Roustabout. The voice of Elvis in Forest Gump was Kurt Russell who played Watt Earp in Tombstone. Kurt Russell played Elvis in the first bio-pic about the King. Kurt's performance is amazing!
That's just precious 🤩!! You came THIS CLOSE to being The King's father and mother-in-law's. 🥰 I was introduced to Elvis at around her age, too, by my grandmother. She babysat for me a lot, and she would play all these amazing artists. A lot of Loretta Lynn, she and grandpa took me to see "Coal Miners Daughter". I also got her autobiography and the soundtrack, and I decided I should have a southern accent. We're from a little town in Kansas. Later on they took me to see "Sweet Dreams", introduced me to Patsy Cline. Got the book and soundtrack, and again tried the accent. My grandmother was one of a kind, and so much fun. I got the opportunity to introduce her to some of my music, and then she started to buy the records again, The Stray Cats, Queen, (BTW, she loved Freddie Mercury's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and that he sounded like he had some Elvis style in that song. I agree, you guys would love it!), John Mellencamp, (spell??), Aerosmith, The Beastie Boys, Bon Jovi. Prince was one of her all time favorites. Plus the "newer style" of country music. We both adored Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, and George Straight. Thank you for letting us into your world, and for being so positive. It's great to share music with friends and family, and when I started watching reaction channels, it's just been such a joy to see people find all these amazing songs and branching out to other genres as well. When you share something like music, books, and favorite movies, with friends and family, and even if you don't personally know you great reactors out there, it feels like the happiness and anticipation you get watching someone you care about opening a present you just know they will love. Take care guys!
Aside from being an amazing, all around artist, he was also known for being a great human being. My dad met him in a small bar in Germany when they were both in the army. He said Elvis made the rounds, greeting everyone and chatting for a bit to get to know all the soldiers. The world lost a great man, and for many people it is still heartbreaking.
When I saw you were reacting to Elvis again, I couldn't click the button fast enough! This man is the legend of legends! Elvis could sing anyone's song, from any genre, and absolutely nail it and make it better! He was the greatest crooner, the greatest hipster, the greatest Rock n Roll, the greatest blues, the greatest gospel, and the greatest country singer to ever have lived! If he had been a rapper, he would have been the best at that, too! There is a reason he is the most imitated singer of all time, had the most books and articles written about him, the most movies about his life, and even to this day makes the girls go weak in the knees and the guys get jealous with envy. He was masculine, kind, genuine, honest and just an all around classy guy. I honestly believe that after Jesus, Elvis was the greatest man to ever live. You really need to start reacting to some of his 33 movies. They are so much fun and have great songs, and show just how cool this man was. And if you want to hear the most powerful performance ever done by any singer, listen to How Great Thou Art! You can almost hear the angels in Heaven join in as he's singing. I have been an Elvis superfan for 50 years, since I first heard him as a young child. No other musical artist comes anywhere remotely close to ELVIS!
since following Elvis since early sixties pretty sure this was Elvis's favourite, 8 weeks no 1 in the UK charts. Vocally at his peak too. As long aw we live there will be another Elvis and probably in the future. A true voice genius, one day he will get the recognition he deserves.
You guys REALLY need to check out his 68 comeback special!!! It is the king at his best!!!! His sit down jam session!! NOTHING beats the black suited Elvis!! Trying to get you, one night with you, lawdy Miss clawdy..... Not a bad song in the whole thing!! PLEASE!! I've been requesting this for a WHILE now.
If you have already done Suspicious Minds I have a suggestion. You MUST WATCH THE LIVE VERSION! It is fabulous. It is Elvis at his peak as a performer!
You're right about this being like opera...they once asked Pavarotti the opera singer (considered the best of his time at least) if he thought he was the best singer at the time and he said he thought Elvis was because Elvis could sing his music but Pavarotti said he couldn't sing Elvis's music
❤❤❤god broke the mould after creating him❤❤❤
Oh man! Sing to me Elvis. Yes, he has so many layers, no auto tune, just ELVIS!!
If you want to hear Elvis' gorgeous voice, listen to some of his Gospel songs. How Great Thou Art will drop you to your knees and bring tears to your eyes!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
You can safely let your daughter watch all of the Elvis movies. They are all G rated.
Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll. He made Country albums and Gospel albums and they were all amazing. When I was a kid, my dad would put on an Elvis Gospel album full volume to wake us up for church on Sunday morning. The man was one of a kind and could do it all.
I love Elvis's rendition of Mylon Lefevre's Without Him. One of my all time favorite Elvis tunes.
Wow, the good ol days right?
He could have been an opera singer.Unfortunately,Col. Tom Parker had other ideas.He could have been another James Dean if given the chance.That recording was from 1960,the year he was discharged from the Army.I had the recording years ago.The melody is actually "O Sole Mio",an old Italian song.
+southernlady75-Amy He is still the king, THE GOAT!!!
It’s appropriate that you say he sounded operatic because this song is based on the Opera song O Sole Mio. It’s the same tune but Elvis jazzed it up and changed the lyrics. That’s why Luciano Pavarotti admired Elvis.
That’s why Pavarotti said Elvis can sing like me but I can’t sing like Elvis.
Love Elvis!!!!❤ Kia is so sweet to want to marry him!!!
Glad you rewind a few seconds when you stop the song!!
68' special . All of it !!
Hawaii Special . All of it !!
Elvis forever ❤
Let's not forget that Elvis in his youth used to frequent local black churches to sing in the choirs. He loved black gospel music and it influenced him deeply.
He had it all, looks, the voice and so much charisma.
Elvis was the best. And when he passed away, An unknown wrote a song that was an instant hit. It is called The King is Gone. Written and sung by Ronnie McDowell. Please give a listen to it. It was played constantly for 24 hours after it was first played on the radio. And people kept calling to hear it again and again.
Elvis was told he can't sing this song , because his voice could never go this high ,but he practice and practice till he could do it ,he was just amazing
I tried this song at Karaoke night and it was embarrassing how hard it was to nail the very ending. ELVIS is for advanced talent if you dare in trying to show off in front of people.
His voice is so powerful that Luciano Pavarotti once said Elvis’ voice was magnificent. Thank you for your reaction to Elvis. 👏🇨🇦
Pavarotti said "he can sing like me but I can't sing like him". Quite the compliment.
I was surprised when I read your post! It made me smile and inspired me post something as well. Good to know 😊
This song is basically “O Sole Mio” anyway
It would have been great to see a collaboration between Elvis and Pavarotti, like James brown did,it definitely would have been historical
@@jimearnest4342 I could be way off, but I feel like Elvis would have collaborated with a lot of other artists if the "Colonel" wasn't so determined to keep him isolated into that original image, money-making box.
THIS SONG IS FROM HIS MOVIE "G.I. BLUES" YOUR DAUGHTER WOULD LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was in fact Elvis's favorite song. His voice shows such power at the end of it. He was truly one of a kind.
Jay & Amber, you'll love his "All Shook Up" and "Are You Lonesome Tonight"!!!
A fool such as I?
@@reynaldorodrigo1326 you don't sound that foolish. Lol
@@petejones879 🤣👍 just pretend
@@reynaldorodrigo1326 lol OK
I love this song, this one and "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" are my favorite Elvis songs. They didn't call him the King for no reason, he earned it!
This was Elvis Presley number one hit coming out of the US army. Brilliant song.
American singer and actor Elvis Presley served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. At the time of his enlistment, he was widely regarded as the most well-known name in the world of entertainment.
In 1960, "It's Now or Never" was a number-one record in the U.S. for Elvis Presley, spending five weeks at number one and the UK, where it spent eight weeks at the top in 1960 and an additional week at number one in 2005 as a re-issue, and numerous other countries, selling in excess of 20 million physical copies worldwide, Elvis Presley's biggest international single ever. Its British release was delayed for some time because of rights issues, allowing the song to build up massive advance orders and to enter the UK Singles Chart at number one, a very rare occurrence at the time. "It's Now or Never" peaked at number seven on the R&B charts.
You should hear Elvis sing, "Peace in the Valley". He's definitely got some Gospel chops too.
ooh I 2nd this! ♥
Yes, also my favorite. I've listened to it hundreds of times, and it still moves me like no other..
This Elvis classic borrows the chord progression as well as the melody from the Italian song "O Sole Mio," which was first recorded by Giuseppe Anselmi in 1907. Mario Lanza popularized the song, and Tony Martin released the first English translation as "There's No Tomorrow" in 1949.
In this song, Elvis is making a passion play, telling his darling it must be tonight, for tomorrow will be too late. There's nothing explicit in the song, but it's obvious what he's after.
Delivered by average Joe, the romance-novel-grade lyrics would sound silly, but Elvis could pull off lines like:
Your lips excite me
Let your arms invite me
For who knows when
We'll meet again this way
I wish more comments in reply to their videos were like yours. Great comment. 👍🏻
When he was in Germany didn't he expand his interests into the Italian music?
Mario Lanza did a movie "The Student Prince" which I'd love to see you react to. Elvis is the King for a reason.
When I worked in the French Quarter, a little old Italian lady pointed at the speaker when this was played and said "Italiano"!
Another great song Elvis did that was adapted from an old Italian song was "Surrender," which came from a 1902 song called "Torna a Surriento" ("Come Back to Sorrento," an English version of which had already been recorded by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin). Elvis wanted an updated, more uptempo version of "Torna a Surriento" to be his follow-up to the massive success of "It's Now Or Never," so he/his music publisher asked Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman to write it.
Interestingly (and humorously, in hindsight), even though Pomus and Schuman shared writing credit for "Surrender," Pomus's biographer Alex Halberstadt said that Shuman wanted nothing to do with the song. He's reported to have said, "Why should I want to write for some redneck idiot who wants to sound like Mario Lanza?" and chose to sit it out, leaving Doc Pomus to write it himself. Even then, Pomus treated it as a throwaway song, sticking to a near homonym of the title and not really thinking much about it after he sent off the demo. According to Halberstadt, "the whole thing smacked of mediocrity."
"Surrender" was recorded late in the evening, in the middle of a marathon session that also produced Elvis's gospel LP "His Hand in Mine." Halberstadt goes on to say that, Pomus - who'd seen "Surrender" as just another job - "could hardly believe that Stuart Hamblen's 'Known Only to Him,' a sublime performance that inflamed Elvis's voice with what sounded like true religious epiphany, was recorded on the same night that yielded 'Surrender's' Neapolitan glitz." After treating the song like a throwaway, Pomus was apparently humbled by the result and had to admit that Elvis was a songwriter's dream. As Halberstadt put it, "Presley imbued 'Surrender' with sly humor and an almost maniacal ardor, transforming it into a dramatic showcase for his genuinely amazing chops.... He could make a mediocre song distinctive, make a good one great, and make a great one indelible. When he wanted to, he sang anything-from spirituals to novelty pop-brilliantly, finding just the right emotional shading."
And, of course, validating this feeling is that "Surrender" went on to become yet another huge hit for Elvis, his fifth straight #1 single and his 12th #1 single at that point. Despite their initial feelings about the song and their underestimation of Elvis, "Surrender" boosted both the reputations and bank accounts of Pomus and Shuman, cemented them as "favorite writers" for Elvis, and put them in a position to be earning close to $50k/year which would have been unimaginable for them just a year earlier.
The filming in this video was done on Elvis’ return to America, after being drafted into the army for two years in 1958 ….at the height of his global superstardom. This song was his best selling single, & eventually sold a staggering 25 million records worldwide. It’s still probably one of the most popular Elvis songs. It came from an Italian opera song O Sole Mio, & Elvis got a couple of songwriters to write words that Americans could relate to, in a love story. He was told that because of the high note at the end, he would not be able to sing it in the same way as the original Italian song, but Elvis spent many months training his voice to hit that high note. Elvis actually had a baritone voice, but he could drop down into the upper range of Bass, & easily go up into the Tenor range too, so his vocals covered considerably more than most singers, & he did manage to hit that high note at the end, & even popped in an even higher note towards the end of the high note, taking him into the vocal range of an opera singer.
Fun fact about Elvis with all his songs he did the only award he won was for his gospel singing . I would too see you react to him singing Peace in the valley his voice is soooo beautiful.
I have a playlist specifically with Elvis gospel.
Yes!!!
Peace in the Valley is beautiful.
I have his whole Gospel album downloaded on my phone. My mom was an interpreter for the deaf at our church when I was a kid and she will now listen to Elvis' Gospel album and sign the songs and I love to watch her. It is so beautiful to me and his voice is absolutely amazing throughout the whole album.
@@dianafrost936 it is gorgeous!
Nothing beats a great baritone, and Elvis is one of the best. "Suspicious Minds" is a real showcase for his range and depth...
Oops! You've already done Suspicious Minds. I forgot. My bad...
Among many, many others.
Love Suspicious Minds
Listen to a million different singers. Nobody will ever be as good as Elvis. PERIOD...
No matter how old I get, the chills start when I listen to Elvis. I just love him.
Blessed with an amazing voice and near perfect looks. I remember the exact moment when I heard he died. Such a loss.
I was in the living room of my childhood home when I heard he died. I was 10 years old and it felt like I had just lost a close family member. No other musical artist has helped shape my life as much as Elvis.
@@buckbuchanan4902 I was awaiting the birth of my first child, sitting at home watching the news when I found out. I always liked him though I wasn't a fanatic fan. The effect of his death around the world was profound. I wonder what he would have thought.
My mother was one of the many teenagers who fell in love with Elvis during his breakthrough in the 195o's. As a young black girl, she and her sisters sat around the radio to listen to him sing everytime one of his songs played. They wouldn't speak, just listen. Afterwards, they would talk about how purty he was and how they wanted marry him. Even my Grandmother understood the sway of his magnificent voice. She told me stories about how this was one of my mothers favorite songs. That he made the enormous impression that he did during those early years of rock-n-roll to some many people of all colors, to follow in his footsteps led to social, cultural, and musical changes that literally shook and shaped the world. I remember how the news of his death on August 16, 1977 also shook the world. And despite the fact he unable to handle his personal problems, those us that were alive when he lived have fond memories of him. My mother loved his gospel records best. She played them every Sunday in her declining years. His voice gave her comfort. And she is with him in Heaven now. Which gives me comfort. May they both rest in peace.
A couple of suggestions,
PEACE IN THE VALLEY,
ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT?
ANYPLACE IS PARADISE,
WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK,
& LOVE ME TENDER. Enjoy.
Beautiful story and well said! I love how your mom referred to him as "purty". Perfect word!
When I was four years old, Elvis was all over the TV. My mom and grandma, who always played his music were crying. I wanted to make them feel better so I told them not to worry, I was going to grow up and marry Elvis so we could always hear his voice. That just made them cry more. It was 1977. They were watching coverage of his funeral. I didn't know what that was. My whole life, I have listened to his amazing voice, and watched his movies and concerts. There was no one else like him and there never will be again.
Elvis was and is the greatest entertainer ever! I love him as much as it is possible for a completely straight man to love another man!
Trying to get to you. By Elvis is good ❤️
"The Wonder of You" really shows the power of his voice.
Elvis's mother passed shortly after he went into the army...made a huge impact on the rest of his life...
His love for his mother was very powerful. "Mama Loved the Roses" a song he sang for her after her passing, is a song that has always made me weap like a baby. His voice carries so much raw emotion that you can just feel the pain and love!
One of my favorite Elvis songs. The other ones are "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You," "In The Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds." Don't ask me which of those is my favorite, because I don't know.
Elvis - always and forever! ❤❤
Yeah, now THIS is music. "It's Now or Never" is one of my all time favorite songs and a great example of Elvis giving a top notch vocal performance. Absolutely love this song and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for a fun, uplifting reaction. Keep the ball rolling..
Elvis was really evolving and proving he was an artist. He was having trouble getting the ending of the song in one take. He was offered an easy out by combining previous takes of the song. Elvis was said to have responded with something like, "if I can't sing it then we won't do it at all." I love the truth in his singing. No doubt he nailed it!
Elvis would so not approve of auto-tune.
Elvis in the house! Please do more: "Suspicious Minds" (Live 1970 Las Vegas show); Watch the opening scene of the movie "King Creole". He sings a song called Crawfish. Don't let the name fool you. It's a great song. Also, anything from his '68 Comeback tv show will not disappoint!
Elvis is in pretty much every music hall of fame. He was so versatile. He could do it all.
Finally! This is his best genre! No one sings a love song like Elvis! "Love Me Tender" and "Loving You" are 2 of his most heart melting ones. "Love Me Tender" is also the title of his first movie.
What a great reaction to such a amazing song, that only Elvis could make it perfection.
This was based on the Italian classic "O Sole Ami." It was his biggest selling single. You can tell that he had a fondness for opera.
Elvis was a big fan of Mario Lanza, a singer, albeit an opera singer, who like Elvis, acted in Hollywood movies.
@@sparky6086 Mario's manager contacted Colonel Parker. The former wanted Mario to co-star with Elvis in a movie. Colonel Parker nixed the idea.
Yes, Elvis was very much influenced by Mario. There is a good bio "Mario :Tenor In Exile" by Roland L. Bessette. It's very eye-opening. He died at age 38 -four years younger than Elvis.
Mark Vincent does a virtual duet with Mario "Because You're Mine." It's excellent.
Tim Carr,- One of my best memories of when I was a teenager is dancing the Tango to O Sole Mio with my dad at a banquet we attended.
In addition to having a magnificent voice, it's simply shocking how anyone can be that handsome!
Finally! This is one of my favorite Elvis Presley songs.
Only Fools Rush In is my favorite Elvis song. It's such a beautiful wedding song
Elvis "Suspicious Minds". ❤️
This is one of his most beautiful songs if not the most. "Surrender" by Elvis is like this one with his amazing vocal range on display. Other big songs were "Fame and Fortune", "Home Is Where the Heart Is", "Marie's the Name His Latest Flame", and "Teddy Bear".
Love it too
Thank you for reacting to this one. I am one of the many who must have requested it, so thank you for "giving us what we wanted!" His version of "CRYING IN THE CHAPEL" really showcases his voice. I think you would enjoy it!
Crying in the chapel shows his beautiful, glorious head voice. Will make you cry.
My favorite Elvis song, I think you’ll love it too
“Don’t “ one of my favourite Elvis songs.
This song charted on Billboard Hot 100 charts on July 18, 1960 and it was number 1 for 5 weeks and this was his 41st hit single Elvis has over 165 chart singles so you have plenty to choose from
Thank you for playing this song from Elvis. He was and always will be the most beautiful looking man with the most beautiful voice that was kissed by angels. When I was a kid, Elvis’s name was known world wide, he was truly a MEGA star. His last name was not needed. It doesn’t matter who sang what before him because he came along and catapulted R& R into the stratosphere . That is why he is the king of R & R.
He’s the king!
I was just talking to a co-worker yesterday (we're both female) and we were talking about how beautiful that man was. We actually used that word. lol I was just a kid when he died, but I still remember when I found out. I was so sad.
I'm convinced that he was from another world. Nobody can match him.
The King forever 😎👍
My parents and many peoples first dance at their weddings was “Can’t Help Falling in Love with you”
Great reaction! You can't go wrong with Elvis! "Can't Help Falling in Love" is another song (out of many) you will love. It is often used at weddings.
❤I love this song! Nobody can sing this song like him!❤ Have I mentioned how nice it is to see you guys look at each other with so much love! Makes me smile! Enjoy every moment ❤
“Are you Lonesome Tonight” audio is tender like this song
I loved Elvis when I was your daughter's age. I collected his cards, listened to his top 10 album, and watched his movies. I still love him. I love "Treat me nice" and "Love Me Tender".
Kentucky Rain is an absolute favourite of mine and an Elvis you should definitely check out soon. Also worth checking out is Always on my mind, American Trilogy, Are you lonesome tonight, (There’ll be) Peace in the valley, The Wonder of You, Trouble and A little less conversation.
All of those are great suggestions, but where do you stop? Elvis had hundreds of incredible songs that could be suggested!
@@buckbuchanan4902 I know! I physically had to stop myself from adding more as I was writing so as to not overwhelm them ; )
Kentucky rain is way too sad I don't like it!!
@@daveyhouston It's one of my favorites, and so, so powerful!
Elvis never disappoints ❤
Elvis could sing the telephone book and make it a big hit. An artist that can never be mirrored by anyone ever. He was a gift from GOD.
My 2 favourite Elvis songs areLawdy Miss Clawdy and Trouble from the Elvis film King Creole, which btw is a great film with a fantastic cast and Elvis shines as a true actor in the film.
Peace and love to all, from your friendly neighbor from the north.
🙏❤️😎🇨🇦✌️
Elvis was at his best in the early 1970s And Remember Elvis didnt need AOUTO TONE
The studio hired musicians do an absolute knock out job on every second of this wonderful flowing song. It's great to play the spoons along with this tune if you got them handy.
If you like "manly" voice Elvis, you NEED to listen to Trouble! My favorite Elvis song and my pump up song when I need to feel like a badass! Great reaction fam.
If you're looking for trouble...then you come to the right place
If you're looking for trouble...then look right in my face!
Yeah, that song exemplified his total coolness!
Elvis early 60s is amazing! That voice could do ANYTHING!🔥⚡️
My favorite Elvis song...thanks for playing it!🥰🤩
I'd love to see you react to "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" Elvis the crooner, for sure!
There are so many wonderful Elvis songs to choose from. "Surrender" "Suspicious Minds" "American Trilogy" & "Marie's The Name" to name just a few! ❤🎶🎼🎙🇺🇲🇬🇧
Kentucky Rain, Return to Sender, Don’t Cry Daddy, just a few of my favorite Elvis songs, but there are so many songs.
I love this song. Elvis - Trying To Get To You (‘68 Comeback Special) is another favorite.
Elvis spoke of his love for opera and that he enjoyed those moments in his own songs.
This one is so great, really shows off his powerful, beautiful voice. ❤️ my Daddy was a huge Elvis fan so we listened together. I'd LOVE for you guys to react to Trying To Get to you from the '68 Comeback Special. You can't miss the video for that, he's dressed all in black leather and looked amazing. 😍 That song and performance may be my favorite, it's very bluesy and soulful! I absolutely love it!
YES ! I've mentioned that one several times, as have many others. I have watched others react to it and it always gets great reviews. I had been in love with Elvis since I was a little girl. I turned15 just a few months before that special aired, and I remember thinking how handsome and sexy he looked in that leather suit. Oh my, I knew then I wasn't that little girl any more ! 🤭😍 😊
I totally agree I hope they do react to this song, I'll definitely be waiting for it.
Oh how my mom loved Elvis! LoL
RIP mom
Miss you every second, of every day. 💔
He sounded as good as he looked. Absolutely unique.
All I can say is.........WHAT A MAN!!!!! If there had been a MR. UNIVERSE for performer and looks and great soul, Elvis would have definitely been the winner!!
Elvis covered so much ground musically (rock-a-billy, crooning, country, gospel)... his songs like "Trouble," "Don't Be Cruel," "All Shook Up," and "Hard Headed Woman" have always been my favorites from the Elvis catalog.
Please watch Aloha from Hawaii! To see Elvis entertain an audience shows you his passion for his fans. He loved the interaction. There are so many great moments in that concert. You’d love it, I’m sure.
Hi Jay and Amber. Love your site. You are adorable. I grew up in Memphis
3 Miles from Graceland. I moved there in '68. ELVIS loved Gospel the most.
He also hung on Beale Street with BB King and the great blues guys .
Watch the Elvis movie , it is great. I think Austin Butler should win the
Academy Award for his portrayal. I knew most of it, but I learned alot.
Your daughter will love him, he is so cute and still alive. ❤ Peace
I am 66 years old and I was madly in love with Elvis when I was 5 years old. Watching your beautiful little daughter react to him gives me wonderful memories of watching and listening to him with my Mother. All Women love Elvis.
O rei nunca morrerá
He is the “King” for a reason. I’m going to send you a present, hope it make your wall and that your daughter like it.
Show your daughter an Elvis movie. Please! They are all G rated. I recommend starting your daughter with "Fun in Acapulco". Your daughters going to love the song Bossa Nova Baby! I loved Elvis movies as a kid! I've seen them all more than once. My favorite is Roustabout.
The voice of Elvis in Forest Gump was Kurt Russell who played Watt Earp in Tombstone. Kurt Russell played Elvis in the first bio-pic about the King. Kurt's performance is amazing!
Yes, every Elvis movie is fantastic, has great music, great action and humor. People of all ages can watch and enjoy.
@@buckbuchanan4902 Right!! I love how Elvis was his own genre in the movies.
You really need to listen to his song my way you will love it his voice the music it's awesome
That's just precious 🤩!! You came THIS CLOSE to being The King's father and mother-in-law's. 🥰 I was introduced to Elvis at around her age, too, by my grandmother. She babysat for me a lot, and she would play all these amazing artists. A lot of Loretta Lynn, she and grandpa took me to see "Coal Miners Daughter". I also got her autobiography and the soundtrack, and I decided I should have a southern accent. We're from a little town in Kansas. Later on they took me to see "Sweet Dreams", introduced me to Patsy Cline. Got the book and soundtrack, and again tried the accent. My grandmother was one of a kind, and so much fun. I got the opportunity to introduce her to some of my music, and then she started to buy the records again, The Stray Cats, Queen, (BTW, she loved Freddie Mercury's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and that he sounded like he had some Elvis style in that song. I agree, you guys would love it!), John Mellencamp, (spell??), Aerosmith, The Beastie Boys, Bon Jovi. Prince was one of her all time favorites. Plus the "newer style" of country music. We both adored Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, and George Straight. Thank you for letting us into your world, and for being so positive. It's great to share music with friends and family, and when I started watching reaction channels, it's just been such a joy to see people find all these amazing songs and branching out to other genres as well. When you share something like music, books, and favorite movies, with friends and family, and even if you don't personally know you great reactors out there, it feels like the happiness and anticipation you get watching someone you care about opening a present you just know they will love. Take care guys!
This is what I call Elvis's torch song you can almost imagine a garden Paradise lit by tiki torches.
Oooooooooooo yeah baby
Love Elvis this was just one of his 20 number one's from 1960.
My favorite is A Little Less Conversation!Good memories 🙂
Give a listen to Welcome to My World…If You Live Me,Let Me Know….sooo many great ones!
To me personally this is his most perfect song vocally.
Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling In Love.
A couple of my favorites; "Love Me Tender" "American Trilogy" "Don't Cry Daddy"
That's Alright Mamma. His first big one. It'll blow your mind.
Sung to the tune of "O Sole Mio". Many Opera stars, such as Enrico Caruso & Mario Lanza, sang. Elivis was a big fan of Mario Lanza.
Aside from being an amazing, all around artist, he was also known for being a great human being. My dad met him in a small bar in Germany when they were both in the army. He said Elvis made the rounds, greeting everyone and chatting for a bit to get to know all the soldiers.
The world lost a great man, and for many people it is still heartbreaking.
When I saw you were reacting to Elvis again, I couldn't click the button fast enough! This man is the legend of legends! Elvis could sing anyone's song, from any genre, and absolutely nail it and make it better! He was the greatest crooner, the greatest hipster, the greatest Rock n Roll, the greatest blues, the greatest gospel, and the greatest country singer to ever have lived! If he had been a rapper, he would have been the best at that, too!
There is a reason he is the most imitated singer of all time, had the most books and articles written about him, the most movies about his life, and even to this day makes the girls go weak in the knees and the guys get jealous with envy. He was masculine, kind, genuine, honest and just an all around classy guy. I honestly believe that after Jesus, Elvis was the greatest man to ever live.
You really need to start reacting to some of his 33 movies. They are so much fun and have great songs, and show just how cool this man was.
And if you want to hear the most powerful performance ever done by any singer, listen to How Great Thou Art! You can almost hear the angels in Heaven join in as he's singing.
I have been an Elvis superfan for 50 years, since I first heard him as a young child. No other musical artist comes anywhere remotely close to ELVIS!
"Just A Whistling Tune"
Elvis
"Teddy Bear"
I remember it from when I was 6 years old.
A great classic reacted to by two of my favorite reactors on YT. Thanks for doing it
since following Elvis since early sixties pretty sure this was Elvis's favourite, 8 weeks no 1 in the UK charts. Vocally at his peak too. As long aw we live there will be another Elvis and probably in the future. A true voice genius, one day he will get the recognition he deserves.
Elvis was a master of vocal dynamics.
Beautiful song from the G.O.A.T.RIP Elvis ☝👍👊👏👌👑🕺🎤🎧🎸🕊⚡TCB❤TLC🌹💐🇵🇷🇺🇲❤🙏
You guys REALLY need to check out his 68 comeback special!!! It is the king at his best!!!! His sit down jam session!! NOTHING beats the black suited Elvis!! Trying to get you, one night with you, lawdy Miss clawdy..... Not a bad song in the whole thing!! PLEASE!! I've been requesting this for a WHILE now.
My Lord
Elvis is everything ❣️❣️❣️
Thank You Lord for giving him to us
If you have already done Suspicious Minds I have a suggestion. You MUST WATCH THE LIVE VERSION! It is fabulous. It is Elvis at his peak as a performer!
You're right about this being like opera...they once asked Pavarotti the opera singer (considered the best of his time at least) if he thought he was the best singer at the time and he said he thought Elvis was because Elvis could sing his music but Pavarotti said he couldn't sing Elvis's music