First Time Hearing Elvis In The Ghetto Reaction - IF ONLY MORE ARTISTS EMULATED ELVIS' MESSAGING! 

Please don’t overlook the fact that, for him to put out that message during that time, he was pretty bold.

Elvis grew up in a black ghetto in Mississippi. At 14 he moved to Memphis in government housing. He was so poor. He was always an advocate for the black community. His manager didn't want him to do this song he did anyway. He had been there. He was a gospel singer on the beginning. Thanks .

He was an advocate for the black community.

If his looks and voice weren't enough Elvis commanded the stage at every moment.

55 years later and this song is still relevant.

This one hits emotionally, Elvis grew up poor. His father, Vernon, worked a series of odd jobs, and in 1938 was sentenced to three years in prison for forging a $4 check. (He spent less than a year behind bars.) In 1948, the Presleys moved from Tupelo to Memphis in search of better opportunities. There, Elvis attended Humes High School, where he failed a music class and was considered quiet and an outsider. He graduated in 1953, becoming the first member of his immediate family to earn a high school diploma. After graduation, he worked at a machinist shop and drove a truck before launching his music career with the July 1954 recording of “That’s All Right.” Source: History Channel

Mac Davis tried to pedal this song to a few singers after he wrote it, but nobody would touch it. He offered it to Elvis and it was a hit. Elvis was the only one that wasn't afraid of it. Lol

Col. Parker didn't want him to do this song because of the controversy it might cause!ELVIS did it anyway! He loved everybody and wanted peace in this country! Love for each other no matter what color etc.! Another reason he is The King!

And the rest is history

"Walk a Mile in My Shoes" is another song Elvis sang with a social message.

I really appreciate your thoughtful reactions. Elvis, like all of us, had his weaknesses but lack of generosity wasn't one of them, sometimes to a fault. Elvis didn't just sing about it, he helped people who were directly in the middle of it. He grew up in a poor black community and he gave back to it. He was also generous with other causes, like the St. Jude foundation as well as on an individual basis. I really think his earnestness is what is most captivating about this performance. He isn't hamming it up so much as conveying an important message.

If you love this one, you'll enjoy "Kentucky Rain" too!

This was the 70's and it's still happening today😢 Elvis was raised in the Ghetto so he truly understands.

"In The Ghetto" was a big hit for Elvis in 1969. It was written by the late great Mac Davis. It deals with the poverty & sadness of life growing up in the ghetto.

For a fun reaction you can watch Suspicious Minds and vocally with a strong story that would This Time You Gave Me A Mountain.

Mac Davis wrote this song. He was a singer, songwriter, actor and part-time comedian. He wrote some great songs, that require the listener to think about the topics.

This song was originally going to be called 'The Vicious Circle'.

The truth❤

ELVIS LIVE VIA HAWAII AWESOME

50 years later, nothing has changed.

This song came out in 1970. And he was speaking truth and it’s sad that we are seeing this happening 53 years later. I love Elvis an artist gone way too soon, but never forgotten. I was only 5 years old when he died. I remembered it clearly. I grew up listening to Elvis. Was and always be an iconic person/ artist.

Thanks so much for your reaction to Elvis (Jan. 8, 1935-Aug. 16, 1977). Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a 2 room shack of a house his dad built with money he borrowed from his boss. That's how dirt poor they were. He was one half of identical twins; the other boy - Jesse Garon - was stillborn. They were so poor, that Jesse Garon was buried in a shoebox in an unmarked grave. At Graceland they have a plaque with his name on it in his memory. Elvis always got along with the black community and learned a lot about music from his friends of color. Also, according to the one drop rule, Elvis would not be considered white, since he has Cherokee ancestors on both the Smith (his mother) and the Presley (his father) sides of the family. His paternal grandfather, Jesse Dunning Presley, was not happy that his two sons, Elvis' father Vernon and his brother Vester, married two sisters, Gladys and Clettes who were known to have Cherokee blood in their family tree. J.D. Presley was quite the racist a-hole, often drunk and a philandering husband to Minnie Mae (they were actually separated long before they finally divorced in 1954) who was always competing with his sons Vester and Vernon and who was known to abuse his kids when drunk. J.D. was was publicly against race mixing and was in denial about the Cherokee blood in his own family tree. It was more publicly known that the Smith family had Native blood in their family tree, so when both his sons fell for 2 Smith sisters and Vernon, on top of that, was still a minor at 17 when he eloped with Gladys who was 4 years older than him, Jesse was totally pissed off. As a child, Elvis already had many friends in the black community at the time his family was one of 4 "white" families that lived in the predominantly black neighborhood The Hill, just across from Shake Rag. His childhood friend Sam Bell said that some of the (black) kids in that neighborhood had lighter skin than Elvis (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LrFCyNMvZWk.html). One of Elvis' bodyguards once said that he thought it was a miracle Elvis got into Humes High School in Memphis, because it was "lily white". Elvis wanted to be more open about his Native ancestry, but his manager "colonel" Tom Parker (real name Andreas van Kuijk) was against it because he was afraid it might cost Elvis fans (and himself money). They did have Elvis play characters in his movies though where he had Native American blood (Flaming Star, G.I. Blues, Stay Away Joe). Once Elvis had his own (apprentice) job learning to be an electrician, he saved up his money and bought his clothes in the same style that many of his friends of color wore. He was called a (forgive me, just stating facts here) "n-lover" and got beaten up several times too. Later, when he was an established star, he would not perform at places where the members of color of his back-up band/orchestra weren't allowed.

Elvis doesn't just sing a song ... he feels it from the bottom of his soul ! TCB forever !

HE IS......... THE G.O.A.T. !!!!!!!! THE KING FOREVER !!!!!!!

He sang this to a Las Vegas audience full of celebrities. He was trying to pass on a message.

Elvis is certainly the King and was very entertaining. Mac Davis wrote this song for anyon e that would sing it. Elvis Manager didn't want him to sing it but Elvis went ahead and sang it. Elvis never wrote a song himself. Also Elvis always used his Favorite back up singers and sometimes they would get to the Venue and they wouldn't let his Back up singers in. Elvis always said fine then none of us will sing here and he would leave.

Funny you should mention the cycle of life. When Mac Davis wrote this song, the original title was The Vicious Cycle.

Hi there , I love this reaction to singing this song from Elvis , who as everyone is saying grew up dirt poor in a shotgun house , ni electricity or running water , he always remembered where he came from and always gave back so so much , remained humble till the end , I've got a great suggestion for you cute couple , react to Elvis singing Just Pretend , and Walk a mile in my shoes, I think you will love them both , Elvis never let's you down and oh have you reacted to Elvis singing Bridge over Troubled Water , so so powerful , thanks for the great reaction and also staying with Elvis and giving him a chance to show you Why, after 46trs years later , he's still if not More popular than when he was still with us , number one selling Solo artist of all time. TCB 1935

We love Elvis. He was so good. He was kind, generous on top of his God given talent. He used his talent. Thank goodness

If an artist wants to address a sensitive issue, no better way to do it than with a powerful presentation, such as Elvis was MORE than talented enough to do. Thanks for your reaction.

This remarkable man was beyond great 💕

One of Elvis' friends and also singer, Mac Davis wrote this song. As others have stated here, Elvis grew up poor in his hometown of Tupelo, Miss. His parents, Gladys and Vernon plus Elvis lived in government project in Tupelo. Some doesn't know that Elvis could have been a twin because his twin brother, Jesse was stillborn at birth. HIs family had Jesse's remains untombed and re buried near his brother at Graceland with his parents and now Lisa Marie. Then after a stint in prison, Vernon moved his family to Memphis for far better opportunities. Elvis worked as delivery driver to help out his family. One day, Elvis wanted to record a song for his mother as a gift at Sun Records. Back then, anyone could record there for a fee. Owner of Sun Records, Sam Phillips was out of town when Elvis recorded his song. Producer, who oversees the recording saved Elvis' recording until Sam returned from his trip. Sam heard the song. Sam wanted to find Elvis soon as possible. Rest is history after that chance encounter as Elvis wanted to something for his mother.

He made the message in this song come so true its so sad

As much as i love to see Elvis live i believe the studio version is better. Mac Davis wrote and sang alot of great songs. I was only 18 when Elvis died but huge die hard fan of his. I have everything he ever recorded or filmed. I am 64 now and still love to see him get new fans.

Very nice reaction. This man is amazing and still loved worldwide. Never to be forgotten. Phenomenal voice. More Elvis please. 👍⚡🥇🎶🎧🇿🇦

Elvis was THE KING !👑!

Did you notice at the beginning when he asked, "Do we simply turn our heads and look away" ...and he gently tilted his head forward and looked at the audience. A powerful gesture by him! Always love your reaction!

Every word in that song is true to this day. Elvis could interpret, and portray the real feeling of everything, even though he didn't write it. Believe it or not, Mac Davis wrote that.

💙ELVIS💙

Elvis was and will be...the King. He had a style, voice, and charisma that hasn't appeared since. I loved him dearly. I got my first record player when I was 11....on the condition that I never play an Elvis song on it. About 6 mo later, my mom helped me sneak "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" into the house. All bets were off.🤣 I saw most of his movies and owned much of his music. I cried when he died....and my mom (who got to see him twice) flew her flag at half-mast. The King is dead; long live the King.

Elvis Presley has had so many great songs and he's only one of a handful of great artists who dared to include songs that sometimes had a message to it and also would sing gospel songs at his concerts, how many others would do that. He's also been elected into numerous hall of Fames, anyway a few songs to check out You'll never walk alone, A bridge over troubled waters, How great thou art, My way.....many more!

An often overlooked classic,, Elvis Presley "Clean Up Your Own Backyard"

A truly emotional song so sad to think the words are still valid today to think he sang this in 1969.ovee 50 years ago he was so ahead of his time great reaction thank you both 😊

Great reaction, we want Elvis, we want Elvis!

The great songwriter singer Mac Davis wrote this song. Mac had a hit on his own as well: "Baby, Don't get Hooked on Me". RIP Elvis and Mac. xx

Elivis - Handsome, Rich, World Famous, and still - a Very Decent Person... Long Live "THE KING"...! -70SomethingGuy

Lisa Marie Presley sings in The Ghetto with her Father also.. It's also Beautiful... I am your new subscriber from the Netherlands thank you so much for listening Elvis Presley Maybe in the future you can visit Graceland you can Feel his Spirit there❤

you are right in that he is singing about the circle of life and it IS a circle BUT it is a VICIOUS circle of life in the ghetto.

Great song written by Mac Davis and sung by the King!!

Written by Mac Davis and Elvis added some extra lyrics but never took credit for it. Elvis said he would never sing music just for the sake of singing it when he was done with his movie career. He sang soulful songs and made beautiful music after the 68 Comeback Special. He had three different periods in his career and each defined him wonderfully. He died August 16, 1977. May he RIP 😢

This song was written by Mack Davis and Elvis was the only one who had the balls to record it.

Mac Davis wrote In The Ghetto and allowed Elvis to cover it so more people would hear the message.

A fun song with message ( and video) is CLEAN UP YOUR OWN BACKYARD from 1969. Beautiful reaction! Thank you!💚🌞

Written by Mac Davis one of many that Elvis recorded

👍

The song was initially called The Viscous Circle. You can see why. It’s sadly still relevant today. The original recording is, I think, even more vocally powerful although it’s always great to see Elvis perform!

@Bars % Barbells- Absolutely love In The Ghetto. It's one of my fav Elvis songs. IMO he is the greatest of all time. What Now My Love live in 1973 is another great Elvis song to react to.

This song makes me cry every time 😢❤

You all need to react to Elvis and Lisa Marie singing this it was amazing

We should be better. It's amazing that we aren't. Let's get our heads in the right space.

Great reaction. Mac Davis wrote this song. Mac said he bought a new car with his first royalty check from record sales of “In the Ghetto.” Elvis did the song justice and made the song his own. BTW, Mac Davis passed away in 2020 and is buried in his jeans in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas. RIP Elvis. RIP Mac.

This song was very emotional for him to perform.. he came from rags..

Hey y'all.... I just subscribed to your channel I really like your comments. I just saw Your video of Elvis singing if I can dream. Elvis was very upset when John Kennedy was assassinated, then Bobby and Martin Luther King. He didn't like the way the world was changing. He wanted to lift people up and hopefully make change in the world. Another video that you need to see if you haven't already is American trilogy. It is my favorite from the concert that he did from Hawaii. E Prater

May I suggest Why me Lord? Or How great thou art (blue suit), or any of the songs with Lisa Marie dubbed in, e.g. Where no one stands alone, Din’t cry Daddy….

Elvis grew up in poverty so could sing this song with emotion

Still reaching people today… that’s exactly what Elvis would have wanted

👑✌️

When my family used to drive to ontario we used to listen to this song

The song was originally written by Mac Davis country singer in 1969. Mac Davis also has his own songbook of many many beautiful songs.

I really am enjoying your Elvis reactions. Good points from all angles on this song and about using his platform but also he and that incredible TCB band and his backing vocalists were just amazing. And I think it's important to realize that he not only demonstrated how he felt about people of color and people that are economically disadvantaged through the songs that he chose to do, and how he did them and empathized with them, but also it is reflected in his actions. Not long before this show, but after the 1968 Comeback Special, he was forming and developing his band of that time, and he did all his own arranging of the material as well, and then they were starting to tour a lot and one of the biggest gigs coming up was at the then-new Astrodome sometime in 1969, I believe. And then he was told that he could leave the black girls home. He apparently got so angry he was throwing stuff around the room. He finally got back to them and gave them an ultimatum and said that if he couldn't have everybody in his band there then he wasn't going to play the Astrodome, even though that would have been a huge loss for him right as he was really gaining lots and lots of momentum again. And so they agreed, and then he doubled down on it and put the black women in an open convertible and all the spotlights were on them and they had a cute young blond dude driving them, laugh. He felt very emotionally about all this but on top of it, he was just so damn cool.

Written by Mac Davis. Elvis recorded several of Mac's songs, as did many other artists. Mac had several hits and many that crossed over as both country and pop hits. The novelty song "It's Hard To Be Humble" takes a poke at "stardom" in a fun way.

This was Elvis tryin' to get across racial disparities. He was talking about the Black Community, and his desire for equality and equal rights.

I was just a little kid during Elvis' prime. So, fans don't beat me up; but overall I was never a huge fan of Elvis. But even as a child, this has always been one of my favorite songs by him. It's just has such a haunting feel it has always grabbed me! Loved your reactions, it's true it's hard not to appreciate the beauty of the song,vocally and musically but the message is tough! 😊 Sam, lost your train of thought because a mosquito distracted you; I can laugh because I do that at least 3 times a day!! LOL 😉☺️❤

This song was written by Mac Davis. The only other song I know involves Mac Davis is " baby don't get hooked on me" it's a ballad type 70s song

Thank you for your insightful reaction and comments. You have a delightful and interesting channel and I love that you are discovering the width and breadth of Elvis' musical genius. Not only was his voice incomparable, but he was an unusually humble and caring man. I will be standing by for more.🥰❤️❤️

Bridge over Troubled Water 1970 Las Vegas……✌🏻🇺🇸

"Hurt" The 1977 live version, just a few months before his passing. I believe Elvis hit his highest notes ever that night.

Mac Davies Wrote the song, Elvis made it extra good, but it has a message that unfortunally many don't get

Good and I believe Tru and sad song like it 😢

Mac btw was a West Texas, Lubboc, white man, Elvis actually grew up in basically a ghetto in Mississippi and all his music was heavily influenced by the black community he grew up in

He is the King. And even many years after his death he is still considered the King. A young artist “Angelina Jordan” has covered about 4 to 6 of his songs. The latest one is Suspicious Minds. She did an amazing cover of this song. You need to react to her version. It’ll blow you away!!! Angelina is considered the new Queen of Jazz.

A great and powerful and meaningful song with a great meaning in this song and its a really great song ❤❤❤

First Elvis song I ever heard

We want more😊

" I can't help believing " is great. Like i mentioned " fever" thank you!

Great analysis and reaction and up there with the reactions of our black brothers, many who it hits hard as they have lived it, and seen it too many times.

I look for your elvis reaction all the time ! Great work ! More elvis please! I 😊❤

I love your reactions. And a plus brother forgive me man. But boy your wife is a really beautiful way to go brother. You be better keep her she's a doll

AMAZING BREAKDOWN...ALWAYS LOVE YOUR ELVIS REACTIONS! 🙏💯👌

I know this song for over 40 years, I'm just 50. But never listened to the musicians. For me as an non native English, I always listened to the lyrics. This was the first song as a teenager about 13, I could fully "inhale" on the lyrics. Like your channel, keep on.

It's a nice thought to think that more people today should have a message. Look at people who have tried. They are all labeled racist. I'm surprised people haven't called Elvis racist for this song and a few of his others.

I had the album with this song and it was, hands down, my favorite. #hangovergang forever 🤙🏽

You wanna do " Takin it to the streets " LIVE Outdoors concert by The Doobie Brothers in California ! Awesome.

As soon as I saw the opening screen I knew It was Elvis. "In the Ghetto" (originally titled "The Vicious Circle") is a 1969 song recorded by Elvis Presley and written by Mac Davis. It was a major hit released in 1969 as a part of Presley's comeback album. It's about a boy is born to a mother who already has more children than she can feed in a Chicago ghetto. The boy grows up hungry, learns how to steal and fight, purchases a gun and steals a car, tries to run, but is killed. Very poignant song. My fav song will always be "If I Can Dream".

...................... your next Elvis song to compliment this one is WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES

Elvis imortal

If you check out other things about Elvis you might want to watch the echo will never die documentary you will learn one of the back up singers is Whitney Houston’s mother also learn about struggles Elvis had another one generous heart all the money and cars jewelry he gave away

Thank You Mac Davis ..

You’ve absolutely got to check out Elvis’ (best) track “Burning Love”.

After watching this performance, may I suggest that you listen to the studio version, close your eyes while listening. It is much more powerful.