To quote Little Richard, "Elvis was an integrator and blessing for black music, they didn't let us black singers in but Elvis opened the music gate for us."
We know alot more. You guys will def. like the family friendly stories. The Smiths have been sharing alot! We update on a small blog and Several Elvis social media groups!
Elvis was a good man. He had his faults, some deep, but he wasn't a racist. My aunt was over at the Buick-Olds-Cadillac dealership in Memphis one day windowshopping. Elvis came in to buy a new Cadillac. He came out to talk to my aunt and my uncle (he recognized my uncle from church) and asked them if they were looking for a Cadillac. My aunt laughed and laughed and said "Mr. Elvis, we can't even afford a Chevrolet!" And he said "You can now, it's my treat." My auntie was black but I think she turned white for a few moments. She said that there was no way in Earth she could accept such a gift, and Elvis nodded his head, and said, "You're right, a new Cadillac is a lot to put on somebody. But an Oldsmobile isn't!" so my auntie and my uncle drove off with a brand new Olds 98 that day courtesy of Elvis Presley. He didn't do that because there was a camera around him, or because he needed the publicity. It was one human that saw another human in need, and he was in a position to help. If anyone says that Elvis was racist then they're a damn liar.
Marvin Harrison Smith II Great story. From what I found there are many other similar stories like that as well. Not only did he do nice things for black folks but he called out some of his white people on their racism. There are white folks that have given interviews that witnessed him do that and there are black folks that also witnessed it. Elvis didn't play that racist stuff AND he was generous, as your families story verifies.
A beautiful soul. His childhood Tupelo friend, African American Sam Bell "didn't have a racist bone on his body". "He was poorer than us, my parents adored him".
He was raised around black music and gospel, it's not appropriation, it's appreciation. As someone who grew up in a black neighborhood I can say that you are inspired by the things you love, and there was a lot of things I experienced in that neighborhood that helped shape who I am and the music I love. So many great people have taught me so many great things.
@@xoxo7132 It's tragic that your views on race are so myopic that you allow your limited worldview to keep you from making more intellectual and informed observations about the world around you. Once you denigrate my viewpoint as being stupid solely on the fact of my not being black., shows how limited your argument is. I know I'm not black. I'm so white I reflect the sun, but that doesn't mean I'm not affected by those I grew up with and were an integral part of my life while I was growing up. Your argument rings hollow, my friend.
@@deviantmoore9744 bro what? White men never get applauded for not being racist, but we do however automatically get cancelled for one statement. Elvis grew up around racists but never followed them. But theres snowflakes now a days are going back to every little comment and trying ti find something on him. All im saying is dont be surprised if you find some comments that seemed ok when he said them during the time. But if he was a true racist, you would know it already.
We have always loved Elvis Presley and will always remember him as the King. Most people don't even know that James Brown was the first person who started calling him the King! James Brown taught him how to dance and helped him with his music. Elvis Presley was always in Black neighborhoods.
TheOnlyOneKingElvis well, I guess Elvis Presley got his rhythm from his mother's Black ancestors, huh? You go and hang out in ghetto as Elvis did, you will see many white kids learning from Black kids how to dance. I have taught white kids rhythm. Apropos, Elvis Presley himself admitted he was inspired by Black people, and he would go and sing in the Black churches because he said the white churches were boring. He would even admit he loved Black women, but they would turn him down. When my uncle used to run James Brown's radio station, Elvis Presley was always hanging out with James Brown. He would even go to James Brown's house. Just because Black people did not try to capitalize on his fame it doesn't mean we didn't know him. My family knew Elvis Presley's family far before he was famous. Gladys Presley, Elvis' mother has Native American and Black heritage that goes back to the beginning of the 1800s, and his father was of European heritage. Elvis and his uncle Vester used to tell stories about their families. When they were young, before Elvis' mother Gladys married Elvis' father Vernon, Vernon and his uncle Vester dated his mother Gladys, and her sister Clettes dated Vernon, Elvis' father. However, Elvis' mother Gladys did not like Vester's wild side so she broke up with him. Then Vernon went after Gladys and eloped. Elvis parents did not own slaves. In fact, they worked in the cotton fields with the slaves, and when they bought their own property and cropped their own land, they paid their Black friends who asked for work. So, Elvis' family taught him to love and help everyone regardless of race, and that is exactly what he did. Moreover, if you don't like that then you won't like this either: King Elvis Presley has a Black princess! Yes, there is a Black woman who is Elvis Presley's daughter, and Elvis Presley has always taken care of her. However, it was her family who never wanted the public to know about it. Now, kick that Plymouth Rock! 😏
God bless black America for their unparalleled contributions to this country. Black America is a beautiful thing and they gave us so much and forgave us for being awful to them. Elvis loved blackness and he credited as he should've and they loved him till the end.. The hate lost and love won. ❤️❤️❤️ We love you Elvis !
@@hueykhalidX I'm German, and as you may know we have our own terrible history! And we are so thankful that most of the people/ country's did forgive us for the things certain (not all) people did! I'm sure not all, but i hope the most! I said certain people, because i know that even 150 years ago there are people who did believe that all people are equal! Otherwise the American Civil War not would have been happened I guess! Correct me, if i'm wrong. I don't know if you believe in God. Forgiveness is one of the main themes in the Bible, especially in the NT. I guess you know it. I know that sometimes it's hard to forgive. I made my own painful experiences! Btw i'm don't believe in everything what's in the bible and i hate words like "blackness" or all these words that seperates people! Here in Germany it's called a "free mind believer". For example i'm not the person who thinks, that love can heal everything. It has to be, but it's not the case! Hope my translation is right. In case not you must think i'm completley insane! Maybe i am, but i believe in forgiveness! Would you tell me why you won't, or why you are not be able to forgive? I only want to understand, mabye because of my own history!
Elvis couldn't help that he came up in the nasty segregated times that he did. He wasn't racist even while being surrounded by that dark energy. He brought forth light, energy, kindness, love & mutual respect for all those he came in contact with. He didn't steal music, it was music he grew up listening to!! He had every right to record it. Heck, back then they were putting white images on covers of black artists music just to get it to sell!! I am a person of color and I have nothing but love & respect for Elvis. 🥰💯❤❤❤️🔥
Terrific comment. So what was Elvis' actual contribution to music? I agree with you. To ME, it was specifically love, timing, environment and distribution. Ok so Rock music is mainly made up of Country (mostly white artists), Gospel (50% white 50% black artists) and the Blues (mostly black artists). Lets add to that the legendary song writers (such as Leiber and Stoller). Thats where rock and roll sprang from. Elvis was uniquely born at a time and place, Tupelo (SHAKERAG) AND Memphis (BEALE STREET) when so much new music and dance were happening. Elvis was TRAINED BY BLACK MUSICIANS in black churches (and white churches) in the 1940s BEFORE most of the black legends like Little Richard or James Brown or Chuck Berry rocked the world. Rev W Herbert Brewster of the East Trigg Baptist Church asked Elvis to join when he was 13ish as soon as he moved to Memphis. They were jamming before and during the legendary black musicians got heard. AND as soon as ELVIS started to make money THEY ALL MADE MONEY! Little Richard talked about this: "He sung my Tootie Fruti & by him singing it, made it bigger & made ME bigger" And then he said: “I thank God for Elvis Presley. I thank the Lord for sending Elvis to open the door so I could walk down the road...”- Little Richard The NUMBER ONE talent who helped shape Elvis from a child is Reverend W HERBERT BREWSTER of East Trigg Baptist Church in Memphis. In the 1940s Elvis was jamming with black and white gospel choirs and quartets. Much of his soul comes from these sessions. Much of ROCK AND ROLL came from those 1940s sessions. Elvis WAS part of the change. He WAS a pioneer. Its not culture appropriation / culture vulture when you are a pioneer of a sound. Elvis never stole a song. He credited everyone. He jammed with those that came before him. He was friends with all the legends.. BB, Otis Blackwell, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino. You cant STEAL "COOL"... You cant steal "RHYTHM"... You cant steal "SOUL"... You cant STEAL "HOW TO DANCE"... You can't steal "HOW TO SAAANG"... You either HAVE THESE SKILLS, or you do NOT. Elvis was ABLE TO MERGE MUSIC AND CULTURE better than any one else alive at the time. So thats what made Elvis so unique in those days, and controversial because today people don't understand who the good guys and bad guys were and all the details of the day. Its hard to look back and see who exactly were the thieves and who was trying to HELP. Elvis didnt only help, that man tore down walls of racism for everyone. He stood up and did it a man's way. Without concern for his own health and safety, his career, and his quality of life. This got talked about by the great, late Reverend himself in this video.
I agree. I heard they witnessed horrible acts ( grandma and him as a kid). They did not put it in the film but it’s the truth!!! I honestly think his younger years expanded alittle bit would make for a more exciting film. But it would be too political and poloarizing lol. If that makes sense? I’m just glad they gave back and showed a lot more of the real story. I never thought it would happen lol.
Relax on the comments lol. They were real relaxed folks. Also there some rough times. My dad says that I’m sugarcoating it. But we’re trying to be respectful to his family and my grandparents that recently passed away.
@@raycarter8070 definitely agree. Glad they put that in the film, or at least touched on it. That's cool about your grandmother being friends with him when she was little. I'm curious to ask if you are willing to share what her name was and what neighborhood she lived in that she was acquainted with Elvis? I mean whatever extra info you're willing to share. I think people need to know this stuff so it's always cool if somebody has extra rare info they can share, how she knew Elvis? what she thought of him? Etc
Elvis you died on my birthday and I think of you every year! It didn't matter to Elvis if you were Black or White! The World misses you Dear Sweet Soul!
@@GeorgeKiernan Single baddest thing to ever happen in the history of rock and roll. That was The King at the height of his powers, reclaiming the throne after a long time away. When I visited Graceland, I was walking through the clothing gallery and came across the '68 Comeback Special black leathers, and nothing else on the entire property stopped me dead in my tracks like they did. I thought I might kneel and genuflect. And man, those SHIRTS! Pretty damn natty for a Mississippi country boy.
@@fintanoclery2698 ...i didn't state that, either. I'm merely pointing out the fact that they do NOT speak for every single person in the "black" community!
No one should hate Elvis. He was a special soul who loved all. And anything music he touched turned into gold. I mean the man had a golden voice. If anyone hated Elvis, I would say, they were jealous of him, his looks and beautiful voice that touched people not only in America but all over the world, Elvis was appreciated.
The Blues Legend B.B. King wrote in his autobiography 'Blues All Around Me' - “Elvis didn’t steal any music from anyone. He just had his own interpretation of the music he’d grown up on. Same was true for me; the same’s true for everyone. I think Elvis had integrity.” Furthermore in regards to the racist claims, B.B King summed it up the best - “With Elvis, there was not a single drop of racism in that man. And when I say that, believe me I should know.” Other Rock’n’Roll legends also made the following quotes: “Describe Elvis Presley? He was the greatest who ever was, is or ever will be.” - Chuck Berry “Elvis was God-given, there's no other explanation. A Messiah comes around every few thousand years, and Elvis was it this time.” - Little Richard
Back in those days .. marrying a girl in her mid teens was somewhat acceptable. For some - it was considered "intelligent". .. because some old dude wanted a young , legally and religiously bound "caretaker". All in context to the times. There's no need to wed a child today - nobody is living in the middle of nowhere anymore.. and nobody has a life expectancy of 55 - 60 years old . Context.
Elvis and frank sinatra...had every opportunity to treat the black community poorly....but rose above the hate....and embraced the very ppl who helped them in their own youth and communtites....so important to understand....those r role models
I've never thought Elvis was racist or anything. Of course he was influenced by black music (blues, gospel) but there is nothing wrong with that. He drew inspiration from music that spoke to him and found his own style. It sucks that he was alive during such an awful time for race relations. I believe that he just wanted to make music.
He never said it was his music. He gave credit by saying it’s the music of the black community. The black musicians of his days didn’t see him as stealing, if they did why would BB King and Sammie consider him a friend? They saw a white man who grew up in the ghetto who was colour blind and that the soul and music flowed through him because he grew up amidst them. He opened people up to accept the same music he embraced. He truly loved and respected the music.
@@H00dN3rdz Is it Michael Jackson's "style" when you can see James Brown's inspiration in his dance moves? Or did his inspiration allow him to take what came before him and create his own unique style from it? If so, why would what Elvis did be any different? Elvis grew up around and was immersed in black culture. He sang in a choir in the black church he attended. Hung out on Beale street listening to black musicians, not because he had a devious plan to "copy" them. He did it because he loved their style of music and the passion and soul they put into their music. Did you expect him to imitate white singers like Frank Sinatra and Pat Boone after coming from that background? Elvis actually created a bridge to close the race gap in music. Once he opened the door, black artists were more accepted by mainstream society. It is sad and unfair that it had to take him to come along for that to happen but those were just the times. He never kept it a secret that he was inspired by gospel and rhythm and blues. How is what he did any different from what Eminem is doing today?
but that's the point... he didn't make music... he continued the time white honored practice of taking music that blacks "made" and putting a white face on it... and marketing it to a white audience... the fact that he did it a little better than pat boone means nothing...
@@jaye501 Are you familiar with Charlie Pride? One of the greatest Black country music singers? Do you think he "stole" white country music by singing like "white" country singers that came before him? I don't. I think he sang what he was influenced by and loved. Everything has to be about race and the perception that people were intentionally screwed over by Elvis. Elvis just sang what he loved. He had no conspiracy to steal anything. In fact, he made it easier for Black artists to reach white audiences once he broke the music segregation barrier. “By Elvis singing my Tutti Frutti, he only made it bigger, and made me bigger” - Little Richard That said, I respect your opinion. I have not walked in your shoes, so I see things differently.
"Elvis was the greatest of all time. I'm a Muslim who's black who stands up for what he believes. I don't have to say what I don't feel, I'm not false, I don't have to say this." Ali, 1985.
BB KING: 'Let me tell you the definitive truth about Elvis Presley and racism', The King of the Blues, B.B. King said in 2010. 'With Elvis, there was not a single drop of racism in that man. And when I say that, believe me I should know'. -- BB KING JAMES BROWN: “I wasn’t just a fan, I was his brother. He said I was good and I said he was good; we never argued about that. Elvis was a hard worker, dedicated, and God loved him … I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother”. --- JAMES BROWN (During Elvis' private family wake, James was the LAST ONE TO LEAVE. 1 hour and 30 minutes later -- it took several of his security guards to help him out of the room. James was devastated -- they sang Gospel together to all hours of the night at each others' homes. James Brown was considered family by the Presley they were so close.) JACKIE WILSON: "A lot of people have accused Elvis of stealing the black man's music, when in fact, almost every black solo entertainer copied from Elvis." --- JACKIE WILSON (Elvis quietly paid for Jackie's medical expenses until the day he passed away in 1977. Before Jackie's stage accident he would carry a small signed photo of Elvis in his pants pocket. Every day, bar none.)
He stole the music.. Ppl who created it got nothing as he went on to become that.. to a point that, growing up There was a time I didn’t even know RnR was black ppl music.. I’m not saying he was racist or a bad person, but what I know for a fact is that; the standard of a black person for a good white person was very low.. the smallest kindness from a white person to them warranted this kind of praise. Especially when it was beneficial for them to do so.
@@scoffqub8209 nah, you’re wrong. I’m gonna take Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jackie Wilson’s words over yours, some internet troll herb. You a herb son.
One thing that's rarely mentioned is that Elvis made a lot of money in publishing royalties for black songwriters (and not only for the songs that he covered). There were several black songwriters who wrote songs specifically for him via his publishing company Hill & Range. These included Claude Demetrius, Winfield Scott, Rose Marie McCoy, Jessie Mae Robinson, Clyde Otis, Ivory Joe Hunter and of course Otis Blackwell. There were also several black musicians who recorded & performed with him - these included pianist Dudley Brooks, singer Kitty White, trumpeter Teddy Buckner, vocal groups The Jubilee Four, The Blossoms & The Sweet Inspirations, vocalist Cissy Houston (mother of Whitney Houston), sax player Andrew Love, drummers Al Jackson Jr (of Booker T & The MG's) and Jerome "Stump" Monroe. Elvis also performed early in his career in Memphis with jazz pianist Phineas Newborn Jr and his brother, guitarist Calvin Newborn.
My dad also chimed in that you also have to remember that he had a really tough upbringing very poor! Folks need to realize this. It wasn’t easy back then. Great comment.
Jackie Wilson and James Brown said the same while many others expressed things that would align with the sentiment. There was a time when only black artists were on the R&B charts except Elvis. He was regarded by many as 'one of their own'.
Elvis lived in the black community! If you have ever been to Graceland you would know that most of the people who work at Graceland and live around Graceland are black. He lived right smack dab in the middle of the black community.
I'm from Memphis and yes it's an all black community now but in those days it wasn't. It was an all white community and is still called white haven with only a very few whites. I live on whitesboro st which is still a quiet community.
@@brendagray4958 Elvis was born in Tupelo, Miss. He was born on the poor side of town, In a shotgun house. As a child he would go to the black side of town called "shakerag". He also would go to black churches, because the music had more soul, he said that himself. Mohamed Ali and Elvis was close friends, Elvis had a boxing robe made in the early 70s for him. He would hide out at Ali's training camp In Pennsylvania to get away to himself. I live in South Georgia, even once worked for Elvis's 8th cousin. Long live the King, TCB
I just recently saw the movie "Elvis". It really changed my opinion of him as a man and artist. I grew up thinking he was racist and didn't appreciate his roots. It's terrible how Col Parker took advantage of him throughout his career. Parker was like Elvis's. Rasputin. He died so young and miserable because he was controlled and overworked by that man. Elvis is truly loved and one of the greatest. May he continue to Rest in Peace.
I'm gonna set the record straight, I was born in 1940 so elvis cane out in my teen years like most of my favorite artists. The 50s was a very different time (a better time) when everyone had respect for each other (even if you hated them). Elvis did not "steal" any songs. Back than if you wanted to cover someone's song you could. He never once said he wrote those songs. Back than you could cover a song and no one would judge you. Elvis was a good man and a good musician. RIP ELVIS
@@Music73777 LATE 50s I should have cleared up, by 1958 most states had banned jim crow, especially in the north. Elvis was from Tennessee, they banned jim crow in the mid 50s. They were the first southern state to do so.
@@darthsoros787, what do you think about the old men calling my people the N word in this video? I didn't read your comment on their racist ass but yet you comment on something you heard and yet you said anything about them and you watched and heard those words come out of their mouths, Elvis was a beautiful and sweet person to many of my people. And you're not a blind liberal fucker.Then maybe you are. RIP ELVIS🙏❤
Elvis Presley had a God given talent that he shared with the world it's a shame he was taking out quick but his upbringing to his death he never changed he only got messed up with those drugs but he was always the same man I pray he's in heaven
Just saw this short documentary on Elvis. Growing up I watched his movies and liked his voice, but later I-realized how much black artists had a great effect on him and his sound. I don’t call him the King of Rock and Roll, but his talent and color helped the doors swing open easier, than other talented black artists.
You can take away every materialistic product away from a person. But you could never take their Soul. Elvis Presley was all Soul. He was the Real Deal. Long live the King of Rock N Roll.
Amen to that one. Elvis was far more real that a lot of these fake musicians out there today that are money, and power hungry to the point they are all addicted to drugs and want to suicide and act like they know nothing about real love or family, just money, more money and getting richer and richer and flaunting their power around. So sad and a shame. Some don't even really have an respect for those who aren't famous. But like they say, when a person gets too big, God can cut you down to size.
Billboard seems to have deliberately taken Elvis off the R&B chart at some point (he had lots of R&B hits before that) and deliberately never put the Beatles on the R&B chart when they did sell to black people. It would be like them taking Lil Nas X off the country chart recently, which made so sense (and was racist, really). So they don't seem to know what they're doing at all sometimes with categories and races of individuals. "She Loves You" was originally released in the U.S. on Vee-Jay, a black-owned label.
@@dominiquejones3805 There are a lot of people who see Black People as people! Everyone I know does! Bless your heart. I apologize if you have ever been treated like you were less than anyone else. We are all precious in the sight of the Lord. We are made in His Image!
Growing up, I always thought and heard that Elvis was a racist but seeing all these famous black artists speak of him in such high regard had he wondering.
Muhammad Ali loved him (the last time Elvis appeared on a stage was at a random bar because Muhammad dared him to), James Brown loved him, John Lee Hooker loved him. The myth that he was racist was invented by a white-owned tabloid in 1957. Part of the problem with their story that he said it in Boston is he'd never been to Boston. His piano player on e.g. "All Shook Up" Dudley Brooks was black and defended him at the time, black-owned _Jet_ magazine defended him at the time, old friends from Memphis who were black, etc. At one of his birthday parties late in life he invited only three friends and one was black, that's just who he was his whole life. When Sherman Andrus joined an otherwise white gospel group he made a scrapbook about it and gave it to Andrus as a gift. He said he thought the King Of Rock And Roll was Fats Domino. He told reporters at '50s press conferences that black people invented rock and roll and he didn't at all. People even make up stories arbitrarily such as the idea that songwriter Otis Blackwell must not have liked Elvis; interviewed late in life he said he had no problem with Elvis and liked all that songwriting money he made.
People need to stop assuming a person is racist! Stop listening to people don’t know shit about him! He didn’t have racist bone in his body he loved all people treated them most respect!
Everything’s racist these days. It’s lost all meaning and is mostly used by people on the Left to try and win an argument. No point talking to people like that.
I like that serious old preacher's take on Elvis. He knew the kid was touched by the hand of God and would got on to do great things. Elvis has been slandered plenty by creeps trying to undermine his image and memory. The guy was no saint and maybe that's part of his appeal. He was a real dude of humble origins who shook the world and paid a heavy price for his fame and riches. And of all the top performers in the music business, Elvis seemed to have the strongest faith in a Higher power. Elvis and Johnny Cash and maybe a handful of others.
Love your post. What you say is true. "Slander" becomes the game they play when you've got "real talent". They will try to dig up any old dirt on you they can, make up any old lies that they can get people to tell and have people believe them to try to ruin your chances. God knows the truth. People who do that don't realize they "show their true colors right there". They are showing their lack of faith in themselves, their insecurity, their fears, their jealousness, their envy. They've played the same game with me but their games will not stop me from doing what I do best, which they can't do, not the way that I can.
i’m african american and i LOVE elvis, i don’t care what nobody say that man was not a racist. elvis literally grew up with black people and respected us & our culture more than anything, it’s crazy how those rumors still are around today.
People say he stole his music from black people but what people don’t realize is that Elvis was the first to say so. He has been on record saying his music was something black people have been doing for ever in his home town of Tupelo.
No. Elvis stole nothing. His initial sound at sun studio in Memphis was PROGRESSIVE. the fusion. The fresh and unique fusion of white country and bluegrass with black blues. That's REVELATORY! ONLY low IQ racists say he stole.
i really enjoyed this video and it brought tears to my eyes when the rappers included in the getto music so pleased he made it to the title king because of sales of records you can't steal something from somebody if you are doing the same thing as your neighbors and thats where he grew up
Elvis loved black music which reaches deep deep into your soul. Loved his singing, it took me to a place i cannot really describe but i tell you its a great place.
which honestly makes me wonder how and why this idea of "Elvis: culture thief" got started. like, I could easily people that *wanted* more tension between black and white people to fuel (unfortunately, I could also see people being jealous etc. and therefore making unfounded claims).
@@xxxaragon let me ask you this, tell me if it is an unfounded claim. After a hat ride show Elvis was plooking a girl, the condom beaks, Elvis shts himself, asks his mates for help, they don't know what to do, so Elvis being the great southern gentleman that he was raised to be, drives the girl to the emergency room, leaves her there gets in his car and drives off. is this an unfounded claim?
Everybody black I knew loved him, including me...nothing bad to say about him...my sister used to make me sick going crazy about him, "would you please calm down girl!" Lol, besides that he was and is "the King" without dispute.
I like what that one guy said about how Elvis didn't rip off black people. I've heard someone say that he ripped off black people's music which isn't true. Like he said once something's been exposed it's up to anybody to add or take away from it.
Elvis grew up surrounded by black music. That would be like saying you stole "The Hokey Pokey" from whoever you learned it from. I wonder who Elvis stole "Peace in the Valley" from?
@@thatwitch3004 YOUR HERO MJ was a lucky man. He benefited in small part from the fruits of Elvis Presley's labor. Elvis broke racist walls down by lending so much of his platform to black music and the rights and recognition of black artists. To say he did not is lack of research, or lack of ethics, or both.
I'm a black man and as a small kid up in Lawrence Massachusetts I met Elvis Presley he was fixing a cement wall for an old man that lived in a house where his wife lived and that house I used to see John Saxon going to later on Sally Fields Valerie Bertinelli all lived in that same house I believe the old man was the old man that was in the movie with Elvis He told me who Elvis was
Elvis was badly mistreated and exploited by that evil man, The Colonel. He took advantage of his youth and naivety and ultimately ended up with 50% of all of Elvis' earnings. The Colonel worked him to death. Elvis seemed like an absolutely beautiful human being, very flawed, like all of us, but he had a mission while on this earth and did his best at achieving it. May The King RIP forever. I have learned so much about him these past few days. He deserves everyone's respect, Black, White, all of us.
Elvis had true natural genuine soul. and he was just an over all good person. as well as a hell of a performer. music lives on, i am 43 but i have always been a fan of elvis, i heard him on the radio as i had access to music and music was around me since i was literally a baby, i had my own radio since i was 3 , i bought records and tapes with my allowance , plus asked for albums as gifts for birthdays and such growing up when i was a kid and throughout my teen years. good music knows no age, i had access to all radio stations growing up and more. he did so many great albums and concerts, not only was he a talented musician and although elvis had his personal problems like making choices to indulge in alcohol and such later becoming addicted, Elvis was an incredibly kind humble person, he helped people, he loved people, he even gave his army pay to fellow servicemen who were struggling financially, he brought new mowers for the base when grounds maintenance crew was having trouble with old rickety mowers they were using on base when he was in the army.
Because some Southerners objected very loudly to whites doing black-style music. But that wasn't as common as some people think: countless white Southerners bought blues records by Jimmie Rodgers, for instance.
Ummmm correction elvis is still the best selling solo artist for a reason he recently made a huge jump on best selling music artists from 212.6 million to 223.1 million if it was only southerners i gurentee he wouldnt be best selling solo artist
Elvis had his own soulful style that crossed all genres and races due to his poor upbringing In Mississippi Churches and his love for all music of his time. Truth is, the best black music - especially southern gospel, rhythm and blues, all has soul which so many of us love! He brought attention to soul music and refused to allow other people influence his stage presents. He was not racist ❤️
His own white people hated him at 1 point but he carried on regardless after watching this I'm no longer looking at Elvis as a racist, credit where credit is due
More people need to watch this there are a lot of people specifically in the younger generation that calls him a racist which isn’t true at all he wasn’t a racist.
I grew up white in the South Omaha projects in the sixties and seventies and now I hear about all the tension that went on back then between blacks and whites. Which puzzles me because we were one of maybe two white families in a city of black in the projects and I don't ever remember being treated unfairly or anyone being racist against me other than normal kids s***. And I wasn't a big fan of Elvis when I was younger but As I Grew Older I became one and now I am in just complete awe of the man. And this video was very educational and taught me a lot. I'm 61 years old and I'm still not too old to learn something every day. This is a feel-good video
"Elvis was an integrator, a blessing. They wouldn't let Black music through. Elvis opened the door for Black music" - Little Richard The Godfather of Rock N Roll the GA PEACH has spoken.........you are welcome Chuck D
oh yeah and im supposed to believe Vanilla Ice and Eminem did the same for Hip-Hop right?? how about you guys stop callin white ppl kings of black music plz
This is very heartwarming to know about Elvis .Respect to the king in ur life hopefully you will witness special people that are tagged @ birth to do things that others will not be able to , it’s called being gifted with such talents that puts you in a different space from other human beings I can always remember Eddie Murphy bragging about ELVIS in his stand up comedy routine on how he admired the king it’s just so cool to know that this blue eyed brother epitomized soul and just good plain old fashioned goodness in conjunction with all that gifted talent LIVE ON FOR EVER ELVIS YOU WERE THE GREATEST TO EVER DO IT!!!!RESPECT TO THE KING!!’
Amongst the countless wonderful tributes, stories and fascinating anecdotes that can be found about Elvis on here these on this one say more about the man. In a time when racial tensions in the US were in a bad way Elvis was far ahead of his time. I'm a white middle aged man from the UK but some of the closest people to me are black, I despise and loath racism and inequality in all it's repulsive forms with a vengeance and as such these comments say a lot
***** "stole" Whites in general took it up, and benefited from systemic racism. That systemic racism wasn't Elvis's idea or hope. Kitty White sang a duet with him in one of his '50s movies. Black musicians such as pianist Dudley Brooks and saxophonist Clifford Scott played on his records. He even recorded songs by Brooks, which is something he often did for friends to make them easy money.
I think we all can agree that two of the most proud black celebrities in history are James Brown and Muhammed Ali. Both had their suspicions of whites and rightfully so due to their experiences. James Brown said of Elvis, He wasn't just my friend he was my brother and They'll never be another like that Soul Brother and Me and Elvis are the only two American originals. James Brown and Elvis sang gospel music together at Graceland and he was the first one at Graceland when Elvis died and was given permission to sit with Elvis' body after the funeral. Ali said I don't respect anyone but Elvis was the kindest and most humble person you could ever know. Ali visited Graceland and Elvis backstage and Elvis made him a robe to wear for one of his fights and Elvis spent time at Ali's camp. Ernest Withers the great African American Civil Rights photographer said that his two sons who met Elvis told him that Elvis invited them to come to Graceland when ever they wanted and that when a reporter asked Elvis why he called Withers Sir when he's a "tar boy" Elvis responded in front of all the white journalists "Because he's a person" B/B/ King said there wasn't a racist bone in Elvis' body, believe me I'd know. Elvis and .B.B. hung out together on Beale St, Home of the Blues. Jackie Wilson said that many black male solo artists copied their stage mannerisms from Elvis. Elvis sat with Jackie Wilson while he was in his coma. Elvis refused to accept the massive Astrodome gig if his black girl group The Sweet Inspirations couldn't perform with him as well as receive all the star treatment he and the rest of the and received. Unfortunately the rumor of racism started in the 50s by a disgruntled black reporter who falsely claimed that Elvis said that negros are only good to shine his shoes and buy his records. The smaller magazine was owned by the prominent black magazine Jet who investigated the claim and found that Elvis was never even in Boston on the date the reporter claimed he held the interview and that the reporter never interviewed Elvis at all. Elvis even let Jet on to the set of the filming of Jailhouse Rock and told them that he never said that and if they asked anyone he knew they'd tell them that he would never say something like that. Jet confirmed it as an unfounded rumor. Sadly it was passed on through the decades to many in the black community
Elvis was different...i listened to lots of 1940s and 50s R&B and one thing that stands out about Elvis was his ability to make rock n roll, ballads, pop and country records...most artists at that time just focused one one sound and had no versatility like elvis
@@anthonybonner1230 Priscilla Presley was born May 24, 1945. Elvis married her May 1, 1967. Your phone, laptop or desktop has a calculator. If you use that you will find that 1967 - 1945 = 22, not 14. Since the marriage was 23 days before her birthday, she was 21.
You gotta thank Ed Sullivan for bringing Elvis on TV and praising Elvis as a fine young performer, and a decent young man.....THAT was a very crucial point in music history...
Elvis was not a racist, he went to black churches and learned how to sing w soul, and R&b w a tastes of blues, Elvis went to Beale st as a teenager, and absorbed the rhythmic atmosphere and especially..! 💥Well, when Beale st were all black owned, and he refused to perform at arenas that refused to allow his beloved African American background singers to perform. 😊Yep, The Koolest dude with soul, and alike MJ, there will never be another Elvis Aaron Presley...! 🤏😉💥🎸👌you know?!🕺💃💥🤸♀️🥰💥yep👏😆 👏🙄👏😌💥Amen👏🤣 🤷♂️🤷♀️😊💥one baad man!
Elvis was the greatest and there's always gonna be those that ONE that want to put him down and say he "stole" something..... Man don't you realize this man brought out music that would have not been heard he hadn't sung it!! He always gave credit where credit was due!! There will never be another Elvis and he didn't see color!!! An AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, LOVING AND GENEROUS HUMAN BEING!!!!!
Also I've seen some clips when they call him the king of rock and roll then he always gives tribute to the black artist that inspired him. He never felt comfortable being called a king or he would say point to the heavens and say I'm not the king.
@@OrdinaryJack1912 Exactly, I really get tired of people calling Elvis "the king", it shows you what they know about him and are just bandwagon jumpers using Elvis like a fashion accessory or as if he is a football club that is better than the rest it's really pathetic.
Elvis Presley the most brilliant artist of all time.He was talented,beautiful,loving person and when you listen to him you feel you are in heaven.Noone will ever come close to him,noone could ever compare with him.I simply adore you My king!
foxholemusic76 lol what type hypocrisy is that. You just posted a whole video with proof of Elvis copying from the black man just to tell us about Michael Doing it ? 🤦🏿♂️
@@foxholemusic76 Really in many ways...well name some ways Michael copied Elvis? don't forget who Elvis copied and they didn't get credit for it....and Elvis didn't mention that at all. If you can show me where he said that i be glad to see?
I would say he did invent it. To me, Rock n Roll is the amalgamation of white and black music. Elvis combined blues, Gospel, and R&B with country music. Before Elvis, the only kind of music with soul was black music. But he changed that. Obviously, we owe pretty much everything to African American culture because they invented pretty much every genre, but Elvis was the first to combine all the genres.
Point Dexter I’m talking about contemporary music. Blues, R&B, Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Rap, Reggae ... All of those genres were crafted by African American/Black artists.
Point Dexter You’re the definition of “pedantic”. Name the 10 greatest blues artists of all time. Which of them is not black? Name the 10 greatest jazz artists of all time. Which of them is not black? Name the 10 greatest Soul artists of all time. Which of them is not black? Name the 10 greatest R&B artists of all time. Which of them is not black? Name the 10 greatest Motown artists of all time. Which of them is not black? Name the 10 greatest Funk artists of all time. Which of them is not black? Name the 10 greatest Reggae artists of all time. Which of them is not black? Name the 10 greatest rappers of all time. Which of them is not black? Eminem. So there’s one. There ya go.
Point Dexter Wow. First, I never said all genres ever created were created by black people. I said most of them were. Next, I said that I was talking about contemporary music. I also said that Elvis blended black music with white music-white music being country. So you’re just naming stuff that has nothing to do with what I’m talking about. Next, Rock music that you’re talking about is basically blues. Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones is the blues. All of their influences were black. You’re once again just being pedantic. None of those jazz artists you named except for maybe Bill Evans is anywhere near the top 10 greatest. I listened a lot more genres than you, which corroborates exactly what I said: The vast majority of contemporary music was crafted by black artists.
I’ve always been a fan of Elvis Presley and never felt he was racist. I think it’s a compliment if he pulled from the black race or incorporated our style in his performances. Came here because trying to understand why Chuck D called him racist in Fight The Power. I understand in a way where he’s coming from as black artist music was definitely stolen during Elvis”s time. Difference with him though, he respected black artist. I mean look at his back ground singers. Nice to hear other respected black legends speak on his behalf. He had an affect on people that’s rarely seen. I think only Michael Jackson and Elvis had that kind of power and affect over fans. Luckily I had the opportunity to see MJ in concert and there was an atmosphere like none I’ve ever witnessed before. May they both RIP😊💕
@upclose22 - Good comment. Chuck D later did a 180 turn towards respect for Elvis years ago after he had a chance to talk with some old-school R&B blues and Soul artists from Elvis era. They all pretty much spoke up for Elvis and practically defended him. Chuck has spoke about this himself in past interview. He learned from people like BB King, Little Richard, James Brown, Ike Turner, Bobby Blue Bland, Funk Legend Rufus Thomas, and some others that Elvis came by his musical roots honestly and always gave a lot of credit in his interviews where it was do. He caught a lot of hate from bigoted white folks for this too. BB himself talked a lot about the "Integrity" Elvis had and the "Guts" he also had for publicly defending and praising black artists and black music at a very racism segregated time in America Chuck later went on to say - "Elvis was a bad ass white boy that came up through the streets and was legit. It's not like he cheated to get there. And he had a respect for black artists and black people at a time in America when many white people did not". - I've always given Chuck props for coming clean with it. Very interesting point that you made about Michael Jackson also and his impact. Always interesting to me that Blues Legend Bo Diddley (another from Elvis era) had something to say similar about that.. I don't have exact quote in front of me but I have a book at home with interviews from many blues artists and his quote is in there from Bo saying something about the respect he had for Elvis and that only Michael Jackson ...and perhaps Prince ...were the only two other artists he thought that came close to having the positive impact on music that Elvis did. Quite a compliment coming from Bo, his putting all three of them and good company with each other
Marty Lacker made a comment on this video 8 yrs ago everybody needs to read it he was Elvises close friend he knew who he was as a man.Elvis was liked by every nationality out there an that is why he is still so well known.
I think Elvis was just a good human being with no hate in his heart. That is quite rare. There was no one like Elvis. He will always be the king. He had the complete package, looks and a voice that moved you. He was truly gifted. Growing up in europe I remember when they announced he died. My sisters and friends were crying. I had never seen anything like that before. They had never met Him or knew him yet they knew we all had lost that special someone who touched us. He captured the world with his music.
I have heard so many stories of where people were and what happened when he died. In one big city, it came over the radio and traffic stopped. In my huge city, in a day, a tribute was put together for Elvis at a large outside venue. 10,000 people showed up.
I've noticed ppl writing Elvis stole "Hound Dog" from Big Momma Thornton, did you know 2 white Jewish guys from New York wrote that song??? Leiber and Stoller also wrote quite a few other songs for Elvis..
Beyond that, Elvis heard Freddy Bell and the Bell Boys play 'Hound Dog' in Vegas and chose to record the song. His version sounds much more like Freddy Bell's than Big Momma's. 1950s rock-n-rollers both black and white all covered other people's songs and nobody cared one bit. Chuck Berry was the best rock-n-roll song writer of all time but even he did covers. There were a lot more great rock-n-roll songs when it didn't matter WHO wrote a song but only that it was good.
If Elvis was a racist he is a racist that gave Martin Luther king money and cried the day MLK died and bought his african American cook a fricken house
@@timpenfield5 And sang a tribute to MLK on TV later that year even though his money-first manager tried to talk him out of it ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-u-pP_dCenJA.html
Wow, after being influenced by a song as a teen, I completely misjudged this man and his character. This was genuinely impressive and insightful. I'm not going so far as to refer to him as "king" nor more than I could call Michael Jackson as such which is not to diminish the contributions or talents of either for both were undoubtedly mega stars whom deserved every accolade given and then some.
I have always been somewhat neutral on Elvis as a person. But when I listen to the accounts of Black people who actually knew him and worked with him, I have a newfound respect for him as a man. Elvis elevated black music from obscurity to the main stream and for that black entertainers owe him a debt of gratitude.
Elvis owed the black community. the black community owes Elvis nothing. Racist America used gatekeeping to block black artists and gave his mediocrity free reign to make millions.
i’m tied on the situation… especially since this is still such a prevalent issue still. why should i be subjected to just being “grateful” for something that shouldn’t have been an issue in the first place? if all it takes is for a white face to do this same thing as a person of color to “elevate” it, then what’s the point of the person of color doing it in the first place? i get doing it out of love & the need to self express, but it’s still upsetting knowing the physical, mental & financial agony other great artists of color may have went through just for some glamorized white guy doing the same thing to have it deemed “worthy” to them & be paid more. i’m sure the other artists didn’t have any animosity towards him but i’m sure it was natural to feel a little upset & unappreciated because it still is.
+Jala T It seems like your biggest problem comes with caring about what white people think about black people in America. Why are you so concerned? Black people are treated the way they are because that’s the way it is. Elvis never had to go out of his way to get public appeal points for black musical artists in America but he did. Now that it’s done, try appreciating his character for what it was rather than focusing on what the colour of his skin represents in the grand scheme of things
@@brandonlamb9067 this is an easy thing to overlook when it’s not your problem.. it has less to do with what, “white people think about black people in america-” and more about how unappreciated and disrespected we are as a whole to the majority. yet, our music, our slang, our fashion, the dances we create & etc can be thoroughly embraced and popularized by people who meet european beauty standards. meanwhile deemed ghetto and immoral when it’s done by us, solely because of our complexion; which is still a prevalent issue, and why i think it’s okay for anyone, poc especially, to feel tied on the matter. take artists now like ariana grande or billie eilish. i like their music, they’re both popular artist who’re seen as “allies” to the black community, but they have both been called out by people around them & fans for using blaccents or trying to look more ethnic. i don’t think this makes them racist, and i don’t think people are truly aware of what they’re doing all the time, but it still doesn’t make it right. and even you saying, “he didn’t have to-“… says a lot. there’s people like you who feel artist shouldn’t have to be self aware when really, they are people just like everyone else. if i can use your culture to further my success then why shouldn’t i speak up for it? and then let’s hypothetically say he went without giving credit and then it came out later. is it now, “so what, it happened in the past, he’s given us hits!” or would have stealing and not giving credit actually changed how the majority perceives him? would his predominantly white fan base even bat an eye? how could they if no one even cares now? artists get ripped off every day, don’t get me wrong, but to know that it can be acknowledged and brushed off because you don’t appeal to the majority’s preference or problem is baffling. and this isn’t a black and white issue. even i as a black person am learning how to acknowledge and be more of a voice for native american issues against ignorant americans who can claim native blood yet overlook their problems and actively contribute to the racism they face.
@@jalaaaah Too long to read. You started off answering my question and then you went way off the rails. Two things to say: 1. There is no such thing as "we don't get appreciated for our cultural achievements" because you are not one of the black people that contributed to the overall cultural scene of black American inventors, artists, etc. The people that actually had a part in making "black" culture? That's theirs and theirs alone. Not yours. You don't get to claim it. You say "black" as though being black is ultimately what defines being great at something. If that's true, where's your INDIVIDUAL black cultural achievements? Where's your six championship rings with the Chicago Bulls? Where's your Illmatic album and Thriller album? Where's your 25 title defences of the world heavyweight championship? Fair question, no? 2. Yes, you DO care about what white people think about you. If you didn't, you wouldn't care about being acknowledged for things you or other black people have done in society. You would only ask that the white people profiting off of your creations would send you the money they earned off of them. The single group of people that care more about how whites think about and treat them more than any other group of people in the world are black Americans. Not all, but most. I'm from Canada but all I've ever heard about black people in America is complaining about how white people won't treat them as one of their own. "The white man did this. The white man did that. Always putting us down. Always persecuting us. Always treating us like we're lesser than they are." Your kind clearly do care about how white Americans think and behave around you. Don't believe me? Ask a white person to go up to a group of black people and be like, "What's up, my n**ga?" They'd care so much they'd get upset enough to the point where many of them would actually be willing to cause physical violence to them and possibly land them in a hospital bed. In conclusion; stop blaming all white people for what only very few of them are actually guilty of doing. Go up to a white person and treat them like individuals and they will treat you like one back. For goodness sake. The only reason you're even reading this right now and aren't still in chains is because white people shed their blood and killed their own kind in the Civil War just for a chance to have black people they've never shared a conversation with before experience freedom. If you're going to respond please answer what I've said in this comment and not just go off again about things less than 1% of the white American population is responsible for
Very nice. He liked how the music made him feel and shared it with all of us. I so enjoy just watching the expression on his face when he sings or listens to gospel. He lites up.
A lot of Elvis background singers were Black which made his music even more soulful. Elvis did not appear to be racist. He acknowledged that Black music, Gospel was what shaped him in so many words. I heard this out of his own mouth on a youtube video, I forgot the title of the video.
Correct. If anything, his actions throughout the years (although not as well known as perhaps should be) he appeared to show he not only was not racist, but, if anything, he loathed racism. He called out some of his fellow Caucasians on their bigotry throughout the years, and also even beat up a racist in 1960's (white man named Troy Ivy was yelling racial slurs in front of EP. Elvis told him to shut it. Troy didn't shut it, so EL shut it for him. I'm being on the real here. This is stuff that amazingly has been ignored, almost hidden throughout the years, but really should be more known.
Elvis was born in the ghetto. There will never be another he is America’s King. The only female that can be next to him is Whitney Houston. He was humble, gorgeous, a legend, Icon and can never be replaced ever.
Elvis Presley's influence on Americans and American culture aided desegregation and civil rights during his period of influence and helped create “youth culture.” Presley facilitated desegregation through his music genre and selection.
Elvis wasn't only a GREAT Artist, he was more importantly a GREAT GREAT man who showed everyone respect, dignity and humility... Just a Rippin bloke... RIP
"Only a white man back then could have bridged the divide between the races." What nonsense. Nat Cole had the biggest national pop hit of the entire _year_ 1951.
Well, he is loved by those with any intelligence. Including hundreds of singers and celebs. To this day...46 years after he's gone. A huge hotel next to Graceland now and a 200,000 sq ft complex across the street housing one million artifacts. McCartney was there a few years ago. He owns the bass from the 50's of Bill Black. On You Tube singing Heartbreak Hotel.
