There is so much history behind Elvis’s struggle. His Dad spent a little time in prison for altering a check, his family was extremely poor. Ironically, Elvis formed his own style of music by what he was surrounded with as a kid, black R&B and gospel music in his church where dancing and moving was a part of worship. Elvis was truly a legend, there will never be another to compare to him! 👑
He said in the 68 comeback from the stage; the sitting down, not standing pieces, that rock really sprang from gospel and R&B. He spoke of this with the audience very candidly just b4 it switches to the 68 comeback “gospel show”, portion.
When I first heard this in 1969, I cried like a baby. Mac Davis wrote this for Elvis. I was 17 and not looking forward to my eighteenth birthday. Vietnam was raging and tearing the soul and the fabric of America apart. I was brought up in the projects, and I have seen this song play out more than once. Poverty breeds a sense of hopelessness which then turns to anger. I was almost beaten to death when I was six years old by a thirteen-year-old boy. He knocked out all my teeth and kicked me in the dirt like I was less than a human being.. Ya'll we have to love one another. Thank you for a great song that needs to hit the charts again today. I did go into the army and watched Vietnam tear our nation apart, and its soul is still wounded. This is your boy in Tennessee trying to spread the love of Jesus Christ. If we all lived for him and loved one another, hatred would stop, and there would be no crime.
Elvis sang this from his heart- he grew up in an extremely poor area and he saw all of this first hand. After this performance he went backstage and cried. Here we are in 2022 and nothing’s really changed, and I think Elvis knew that was going to be the case. I’m not sure the mother did the wrong thing here. Many of these women are doing the best they can, with multiple kids and possibly a missing or drunk husband, or she could be working to feed them. She can’t be everywhere at once.
Fun fact: When Elvis got the song from Mac Davis, it originally ended with “Another little baby child is born in the ghetto.” Mac said when Elvis recorded it, he added the last “And his mama cries,” on his own and made it even better! Elvis does not get enough (or any really) credit for being a brilliant producer!
Yes you're the first RU-vidr that totally gets it. I mean Elvis was born dirt poor they lived in a shack they didn't have running water they barely had any food so Elvis understood. Poverty is not a one skin shade thing it affects every skin shade that there is and every ethnicity. Thank you for talking about that subject. 💯👍✌️
Elvis didn't use gimmicks, he had pure God given talent that he shared with the world. He felt every note, every lyric and everything came from his heart.
Elvis grew up dirt poor in a black neighborhood. He can relate, he lived it. He lived in a shack and barely had food to eat. He was told not to record this song that it would ruin his career. But Elvis wouldn’t listen and insisted to record it. How wrong they were.
Elvis was also picked up on for caring about the black community. By the white community. He didn't care. He kept his honor and values for all people. He grew up very poor in the ghetto. Thanks for sharing. Katie 😊🌸
This song debut on June 27 1969. Elvis was so beloved by the black community and black entertainers. He was very poor and lived in the ghetto. Thanks for sharing. Katie 🌸☀️
1969 this song was released written by Mac Davis for Elvis, because Mac Davis knew if Elvis sang it, people would listen, and also there was a big risk career wise, nice follow up for EP after the 68 comeback special "If I can Dream" song written for Elvis shortly after the assassination of MLK
Mac Davis wrote In the Ghetto for Sammy Davis, Jr. He said he couldn't do it justice, as it wasn't his reality. He told Mac that Elvis could do it with authenticity. Elvis' people asked Mac for a song and that was what he gave them.
Elvis is one of a kind ,very humble , treated everybody with respect , and a great humanitarian,gave to fifty charities every year , now we got another one for you ,if I can dream in his 68 comeback special in his white suit that is one of his most powerful message songs he has ever sung
This song was released in 1969, so it is really prophetic for times today, yes? It makes me cry every time I hear it. I loved Elvis so much. So did my mom. We cried hard when he passed. I'm 5 years older than his daughter, Lisa Marie. Her passing was sad, too, recently, but she's with her daddy, now. God bless them both. RIP Elvis & Lisa Marie
We all cry with this song. It is so so sad but instead of crying we should all help those crying mothers and the children. What's the saying, it takes a community to raise a child? We'll that's why we should help in any way we can and not turn away. Thank you for reacting 💚
Me too, and I go crazy also for Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley too! All great artists and my generation. MJ was 5 years older, and Lisa Marie was 5 years younger. My grandmother Loved Elvis and Michael and our listening to them and watching them on TV with her, are some of my best memories. She and I sobbed our eyes out when Elvis died. We were so worried about Lisa Marie. Odd that when Michael Jackson died, my first thought was the same- I hope Lisa Marie will be ok. She loved them both so much. Now she is gone too.
The colonel did not want him to sing this song as he felt it too controversial in those times but Elvis insisted. It went to number 1 in 8 countries and was certified Platinum in America and Great Britain 👌💕🕺
Elvis grew up poor and lived in a 2 room shotgun shack that his dad built. There were times when his family didn't even have running water, he grew up in a mostly black community in the ghetto of tupelo ms but he never forgot where he came from he was a very generous man and loved helping people even people he didn't even know. If you can do a reaction to the documentary to elvis the generous heart it will give you another insight of the generous man elvis was... Linda Thompson elvis gf in a interview said one day she heard on the news that a lady and her kids had a house fire and lost everything she said she told elvis about this lady who lost everything elvis right away said find out how we can reach her so she did well elvis set this lady up in a new apartment bought her furniture for her apt and also paid her rent for 6 months and he didn't even know this lady.. this is just one of many stories where elvis helped people he didn't even know.. he was such a generous caring loving Christian man who was very generous with his money and never forgot where he came from...
Elvis was raised in poverty in government housing in Memphis, so he understood poverty and because of that he not only gave music to people but in generosity gave his money too. Check out "If I Can Dream". A tribute to MLK in 1968. Thanks!
He actually grew up, until 14 years old, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His house was between the very poor white homes and the poverty stricken black houses! Then at 14, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee for work! YES!!! ELVIS knew what poverty and the ghettos were...he actually LIVED it everyday of his life! When he started singing, he just wanted to make enough money to buy his Mama a nicer home! He never forgot where he came from and his love for the black race! They were better to him than his own people. I suggest that you react to "If I Could Dream"! It is SPECTACULAR!!! Also watch the Documentaries, "ELVIS and the Black Community ...That Echo Will Never Die, parts one and two"! They will MAKE you see the true ELVIS PRESLEY!!! Thank you for a great reaction!
Elvis never forgot where he came from. And the relationship he prized above all others was that with his mother. You watch other performances of his, and Elvis is playful. But when he gets soulful, it's all business and from the heart.
50 years ago, my friend😔 Sad, isn’t it? Nice reaction; SUBSCRIBED!💜 My Mom was 9mths pregnant (w me😊) when she was arrested while marching w MLK in front of a TN restaurant that didn’t allow blacks to dine inside. This was her 2nd favorite Elvis song & we heard it often growing up. Her 1st- ‘If I Can Dream’ (a tribute to MLK- look for the 68 Special, white suit video), and 3rd- ‘Walk A Mile In My Shoes’ (look for live w/story video). All 3 songs were not only played often & early in our home lol- they were mantras, models by which my parents raised myself & my siblings. How incredibly blessed we were!❤️ The minidoc (14mins) ‘Elvis & The Black Community: That Echo Will Never Die’ is a MUST. You’ll learn much about Elvis as both a person and a performer. Much shorter but also worthy: Paul Harvey’s ‘The Rest of The Story: Elvis, Poor Boy & a Guitar’. The song’s writer Mac Davis originally took In The Ghetto to the late GREAT African-American triple threat talent Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy said- I’m sorry; I can’t sing this song. I don’t know how; I’ve never lived this way. But I know who has… take it to my friend Elvis Presley. It’s EXTRAORDINARILY sad so little seems to have changed😔 We are counting on your generation & beyond now!!!!💔❤️🩹❤️ Again- enjoyed your reaction; Thank You! Stay safe & love much💖
„Walk a mile in my shoes“ is one of my favorite song from Elvis. Love the poem he said before he is singing this song. Even „In the ghetto“ and „If I can dream“ as well. This three songs have all great lyrics. Then there are some songs we can hear his awesome voice. (An American Trilogy 1973, Hurt 1977, My Way 1973, How great Thou Art 1977, What now my Love 1973, „Bridge over troubled water“ 1970 is unique, Unchained Melody 1977…) He was singing more than 800 songs. Love them all… 😍🫶. I‘m a great Fan since 46 years, was in Memphis 5 times, ten times in Graceland and more than 20 times on his grave. I met his Friends George Klein and Jerry Schilling, was speaking with Priscilla, James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Glen Hardin. Was shaking the hand from Bill Baize… I was standing three nights at the International Hotel in LV, saw his Houses in Palm Springs, was in Vernons house behind Graceland… I love him so much. I‘m sad every day in my life, that I couldn‘t see him live performen. He is missing every day since 16.08.1977.
ALL such wonderful songs!!! That amazingly beautiful voice of his never wavered, even towards the end, as long as it was set to music. Trilogy & Bridge Over Troubled Water truly showcase his amazing range & ‘liquid velvet’ voice I think! For me, he takes it on ‘My Way’; once Elvis sang it, it was his song. I saw Sinatra live, but my husband was so incredibly blessed to see Elvis live. You too have certainly seen so so much!!!! I assume you’ve of course seen the new film as well!! Did you enjoy it?? When I learned of the project, I prayed the filmmakers would take Col Tom to task. Prayers answered!!! Oh- I also love Elvis on ‘Fever’, his live performance. Seeing him cut up & grin… he deserved more of that😓 Thnx for sharing all of your wonderful experiences!!!💖
I saw Elvis and i subbed . This is the first time i have seen you. Elvis was born into poverty and he never forgot where he came from. He was a very humble, generous man, who did not see color. thank you..
Vibe Reaction, I have listened to this song dozens of times, I NEVER thought of the ghetto being everywhere, I grew up very poor, your words opened my eyes too the fact Elvis was talking even to me. Thanks for your insight. The comback special song he did, If I can dream, he sung that with compassion and sorrow because of the assassination of MLK and Robert Kennedy. The loss of MLK hurt him.
I remember when this song came out. It was such a deeply moving song. He threw a spotlight on a topic that so many people were not aware of. This one song had a hugely profound impact on our society at the time. I recall being very impressed that Elvis had the courage to sing this.
My family being from Tennessee I grew up listening to Elvis. My husband used to say Elvis made more women wet than rain 🤣 . But for real his gospel music is so beautiful. Check out how great thou art
50+ years ago and still valid. Elvis didn't write this (Mac Davis did), but he fought his manager to record it. He felt the message needed to be heard.
Even Sammy Davis wouldnt touch this song in the race riot-filled 1960s. But Sammy told the songwriter Mac Davis that he knew a man that SHOULD sing this song because he understood THAT LIFE better than he did, Mr Elvis Presley. See Elvis was so popular that he became a meme, BUT THE MAN, no he was the exact opposite. NOONE was as brave as Elvis in this era. He went further in this song then Kennedy did and he got assassinated. MLK Got assassinated. JKF got Assassinated. Malcom X got assassinated. What did they have in common? CIVIL RIGHTS. So Elvis was a PRIME TARGET at this time. What did Elvis do? His label, RCA and a top RCA executive said they can't release it because of the then current racial and social tensions. Elvis heard it and said, "That's my next single, son" and walked away. Only Elvis was willing to risk his career to get that record on the air-waves. Only Elvis could have performed it and gotten the radio play when it came out in the late 1960's, during the Civil Rights Movement. He made it his platform. One of his major public statements on the issues of racism and poverty in America. Without uttering a single press release or public statement. Not a single political word or comment. Amazing power of song by a very brave and loving human being that never got, nor asked for credit. That's what you call A TRUE REBEL.
You are right no one but Elvis could sing a song like this and get the message across as he did. He knew about it because he lived it. He was a loving giving man with a heart of gold.
The greatest show on Earth - Elvis Presley the undisputed king 👑..and that voice,the high notes, just close your eyes and listen how he takes you to his own world. He his the best storyteler of all time.
Elvis had a twin brother who died in childbirth. His family was so poor they had to bury him in a shoebox. I heard this song in 1969 at 12 yrs old and cried everytime..still do at 66 yrs old. 😭 You are so right about breaking the cycle. ✌💫
This is a very deep song and a song that Elvis connected with as he himself was raised in a ghetto. I love your thoughtful reactions Ray. Your thoughts on the music and talents of the various artists you react to connect with this growing community you have planted and nurtured. THANK YOU for taking the time and energy to let us get to know you and appreciate your gifts, talents and abilities!! Cynthia
Hi Ray, just subbed after seeing you react to Elvis, this Man changed the course of History in so many ways. He grew up in the Ghetto and never forgot where he came from, ELVIS always said I treat others the way I want to be treated, and that staid with him till the day he left us. The man has the voice of an angel, Charisma like no one else or since and the looks of a Greek God, not to mention that he was so charming and humble st the same time. This was when auto tune was not available, What you hear coming out of his mouth is Pure Magic, and I promise you that if you stay on the Elvis journey, you Will see everything that everyone is talking about, when it comes to the Greatest showman of all Time,, A few choices, If I can Dream, white suit, Just Pretend, Walk a mile in my shoes, another great message from ELVIS, and you have to hear his Gospel music, so freaking powerful, , American Trilogy and Thus time Lord you gave me a mountain, I could go on and on, but I see that all of us ELVIS fans have kinds filled you in , so please stay on the Elvis journey,by the way another great Elvis performance is call Suspicious Minds, from Las Vegas in 1970, you want know when it's done, you think he's finished and he keeps on surprising you. Thanks for the great reaction to Elvis, TCB 1935🕺🕺🕺⚡⚡⚡⚡👑👑👑👑🎵🎵🎵🎵👃👃👃
@@sheliaspringer7389 Hu Shelia, thanks for sharing your thoughts on our beautiful man, I just love and feel so proud when the younger generation discover the magic of the Greatest Showman The World has ever Known, we all have to keep the flame 🔥 alive forever and always TCB 1935🕺🕺🕺⚡⚡⚡👑👑👑🎵🎵🎵🎵🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏🙏
Ray... I applaud your courage, Brother. The meanin' of this song is as relative today as in the Seventies when I was a cop in North Philly. Nothin' has changed. Bless You and keep the message goin'. Maybe before my ol' butt is in the past tense I'll see it happen. By th' way, the first Elvis song I heard was "All Shook Up". Had it on a 45.
So what was Elvis' actual contribution to music? 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 is the only musician inducted into the Gospel, Blues and Country and Rock Halls of Fame. Elvis was different, and his perspective was different than most white people of his day, especially among other whites in the South. Elvis grew up in the poorest parts of the South during the Great Depression and Segregation. And he understood the very lowest depths of poverty. Only 4 white families on his block, he lived and played with black children while living in a 1 room shotgun shack without running water or electricity. His father built the home with a borrowed $150, then lost it because they couldn't afford to pay it back. How poor was Elvis? His twin brother Jesse Garon Presley was still born about 30 minutes before Elvis... and the Presleys were so poor that they couldn't afford a coffin, so Jesse had to be buried in a shoebox. 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 musicians in white churches) in the 1940s BEFORE most of the 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 13, after Elvis and his family moved to Memphis. They were jamming before and during the legendary black musicians got heard. He was able to merge music genres and black and white culture better than anyone and created the sound and stage performance of Rock and Roll. 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, ensuring all songwriters were listed next to every song on each album. No exceptions. He jammed with those that came before him. He was friends with all the legends.. B.B. King, Otis Blackwell, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Roy Hamilton and many more. 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 I you do NOT. Elvis was ABLE TO MERGE MUSIC AND CULTURE better than any one else alive at the time. So that is 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 gets talked about by the great, late Reverend himself. Elvis and the Black Community. A great collaboration of interviews by legends and historic figures in the black community discussing Elvis. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xd1pXw1DmsA.html&t=
I usually have alot to say on the subject but after that I have nothing except excellent summary of what made this legend the most important thing that ever happened to music. Vicki
Great Reaction. This song came out in 69’ and we still can’t get it right. “If I can dream” is definitely worth a listen from the 68’ comeback special (white suit version). The song is a tribute to MLK AND RFK after their assignation. It was after this song that Elvis decided he would never again do a movie or song he didn’t believe in. In the Ghetto came out a year later.
Elvis was born in tupelo Mississippi with the dirt floor and a brother. He was raised dirt poor in the cotton fields. He learned how to sing at the black churches. Look it up. The greatest entertainer that ever lived, and if you listen to his music they didn't have auto-tune back then that's his voice it's not like all these singers nowadays the cheat.
Elvis is very versatile and he's probably at his best when he's doing gospel which he won awards for. But he has fun stuff, he has rock stuff, he has pop stuff, he has dance stuff he has sad stuff, but it's always amazing. For another one in the serious Direction like this one, as others have said, check out if I Can Dream from his 1968 Comeback special, white suit red tie version. It's a tribute to Martin Luther King and also to Bobby Kennedy and just the extreme pain and strife that the nation was going through at that point. I believe it's one of his best performances, and believe me he's got a whole bunch of them.
If you would like to listen to the song that Elvis dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr. You need to listen to "If I can Dream" from the 68 come back special.
I still can’t believe this song is just as relevant today as in the late sixties, when it was released. Very powerful song. This live performance, in Las Vegas, is my favorite. Those back up singers were awesome.
Saw Elvis and subbed! Great reaction. Thank you!! You are the only reactor I heard say that no color was mentioned in this beautiful song! Elvis grew up very poor. 1 of 4 white families in a prominently black neighborhood in awful times of segregation. His neighbors helped his family!! Elvis wasnt brought up to see color, he respected EVERYONE!!! He was very humble and never forgot where he came from! Please check out Elvis..A Generous Heart & Elvis.. King of Kindness. There's a great video of when Elvis met Mohammed Ali. If I Can Dream in white suit. TCB ⚡😎
Elvis never mentioned color in this song, he knew what living in a ghetto was all about - he lived it. Elvis did not have a racist bone in his body, growing up in Tupelo & later Memphis he was shown love & kindness by people living in the ghetto & he never forgot those that helped him & his Mom & Dad. He would go back to the places he knew, he’d hang out with BB King at the gin joints to listen to early r&r & the blues music & he would give people money, guitars, & would buy houses or cars if he saw they needed help. He learned the gospel music of the churches he went to as a boy, he had deep faith and won many awards for his gospel albums. Elvis was proficient in karate & used those moves during his shows & also to stop & help guys being beat up - he would jump in to help 😎. The King of Rock & Roll, may he Rest in Peace 😇🎸💙
"If I Can Dream" from the '68 Comeback Special. Tribute to MLK/RFK. Wearing a white suit representing peace, with a red scarf representing blood from Vietnam. Written specifically for him to close out the show. Against the wishes of Colonel Tom Parker - his manager - who wanted him to sing "I'll be Home for Christmas." He wanted to make a musical statement, since he would never speak about his politics or world view in interviews. Recorded and released as a single, and performed live only once, and never performed again. IMO the most powerful vocal performance ever (by anyone). Be sure to listen to the VERY end, the 4 words he speaks after the song is over. It's not so much the words he's speaking. He's physically and emotionally spent at the end. After this performance, it's said that he went backstage, and collapsed into the fetal position, sobbing.
Fantastic breakdown and reaction! I love when folks realize that Elvis was more than big side burns and flashy suits. He was a compassionate human being who delivered messages through his music.❤️💖
Hi Ray, This is my first time sitting in with you! Thank you for allowing me to do that! I enjoyed the time I spent here with you, so I subscribed and left you a big like while I was here! Great reaction Ray! This song was almost titled "Viscous Cycle(or circle)" because that's what it is isn't it?
Hey big guy how are you. Just watching your reaction video to Elvis Presley In the Ghetto I want to tell you a little bit of something about Elvis Presley, the man didn't know prejudice he didn't know race Creed or color he knew human being he grew up in one of the poorest places in Tennessee broken down Shack his twin brother passed away at a young age but he sang in the choir in all black church I hate to say that word black because I don't like sounding prejudiced when I introduce somebody whether he's of A different race I don't say he's my black friend on my Puerto Rican friend I just say he's my friend that's how I was raised. But getting back to Elvis He was the sweetest human being on Earth he felt the pain of other people he felt the struggle of other people even when he was on top gave away pink Cadillacs gave away to the homeless he just was a giver that's what made him special that's what made him when we was he suffered through many addictions and that's an ultimately what took his life. 1978 August 12th I remember coming home and found my wife telling me this he passed away I couldn't believe it I cried for many a day. Thanks for reading and I'm glad that you got to be introduced to a man of his statue of his Humanity your friend Tommy
I’m so glad I discovered your channel. I was young in the 60s, Civil Rights movement years. Elvis and I go way back because I’m old. I can’t tell you how great it is to see you respond to his breathtakingly beautiful voice. Yes, he was gorgeous, commanded every room, arena, the whole world by satellite. It is impossible to choose one favorite song. But, when I’m asked by someone who doesn’t know his music, I tell them he had some that are more important because they show his heart, his character. In The Ghetto, If I Can Dream and American Trilogy. The first two are obvious. American Trilogy is a medley of songs from the Civil War: Dixie, the Battle Hymn of the Republic (glory Hallelujah), and All my Trials (a spiritual). He tells a powerful story by performing this song. Peace, and May his dream come true.
In the Ghetto/Released 1969. STILL RELEVANT. Every word. Elvis was a supporter of civil rights and he absolutely was delivering a message. The world could still be benefitting from this man's wisdom. Sadly he was taken advantage of and killed by his manager Tom Parker and personal doctor, Dr Nick. A life smoked out just as Michael Jackson's life was by manager/doctor. Both could have been saved with the proper care.
@@amethystjones1038 My guess is you didn't know or don't believe Elvis was a supporter of civil rights. Elvis cared about that before he worked at SUN Recording Studio. He would attend black-only events and was welcomed by the black community, breaking the segregation laws in Memphis. They were talking about human rights/civil rights at these strategy sessions/gatherings. Elvis worked with local black radio stations and raised money for poor and hungry black children. Elvis wrote checks out to various black-owned organizations, businesses, hospitals, schools and civil rights organizations including the NAACP. Many of those checks are on display at Graceland. These are just proven facts Amethyst.
@@amethystjones1038 don't pay any attention to this person who is masquerading as Depper. The real Depper a.k.a. know as Leslie West died in 2020. He is a coward hiding behind some one else's identity.
Elvis lived in the ghetto growing up. His family was very poor. He never forgot his roots and became a very caring person who gave to people from all walks of life and never wanted to be acknowledge for his kindness. He was known to give his jewelry to children in the hospital and attending his concerts. He was one of the major contributors to the initial building of the St. Jude's Children Hospital. The song If I Can Dream was written special for Elvis due to his sadness from the murders of Martin Luther King , Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. His last song he sang at his 1968 Comeback Special was suppose to be a Christmas song but Elvis sang If I Can Dream instead. He was more than the King of Rock and Roll--he was a wonderful human being. He earned his status of being a Legend. I will go to my grave being an Elvis fan! Thanks for reacting to so many of Elvis songs.
I love your reactions.... I grew up listening to Elvis on the regular. My grandma was in love with Elvis, God rest her soul. We watched all his movies and shows together. I was 10 when he passed and I remember being so sad for my grandma. Now I'm learning more about his life and listening to his music again.... You have brought me back to those good times. Thank you!
His lip curled because that’s how he smiled. His father smiled like that. He shook his leg because he couldn’t stand still when he sung a song. Elvis was raised in object poverty in Memphis projects.
When God created my friend Elvis he was just showing off. Real Talk. Awesome reaction Ray. love to you and your family from the one and only Memphis Tn.
No one would record this Mac Davis song as it was too raw, especially during the race riots in the 1960s. A top RCA executive said we can't release it. Elvis heard it and said, "That's my next single, son" and walked away. The great Sammy Davis Jr famously turned it down. Only Elvis was willing to risk his career to get that record on the air-waves. Only Elvis could have performed it and gotten the radio play when it came out in the late 1960's, during the Civil Rights Movement. He made it his platform. One of his major public statements on the issues of racism and poverty. Without uttering a single press release or public statement. Not a single political word or comment. Amazing power of song by a very brave and loving human being.
It was out in 1970. Everybody told him not to release this song it would ruin his career. There are a couple of Elvis and the Black Community on here. They're very good.
Tom Parker and RCA did not want him to do the song as it was a big risk. Please do reaction on Elvis * If I can dream (Comeback Special 1968.) A tribute to MLK and Robert Kennedy. * Elvis and the Black community. * Suspicious minds ( Live in Las Vegas 1970) * Bridge over troubled waters( Live Las Vegas 1970) * How great Thou art. Live 1973 or live 1977 which was 7 weeks prior to his death. * Steamroller blues( 1973 Aloha Special) * One night with you (Comeback Special 1968) * American Trilogy (1973 Aloha Special)
Love Elvis! Your great! Would really love to see you do more Elvis! There are so many of his songs & performances that will blow your mind & make you feel emotions you dont expect!! First one that is a must is 1968 comeback special "If I Can Dream" WHITE SUIT VERSION! Also from the 1968 comeback special "One Night" (Second 'Sit-Down' Show-Live) AND "Trying To Get To You" (Second 'Sit-Down' Show-Live)
Amen man I was born in one of the toughest areas of NYC to immigrant parents...in the 60s and 70s the fighting in the streets was real... ELVIS.. What can I say.. He understood. He was born during the depression in Mississippi... His dad was in prison I believe.. He was generous to everyone. Gave Cadillacs to strangers and took good care of his mama. May I say. You nailed this with every comment... He was ahead of his time... Mac Davis wrote this who also was a big star back then.. But nobody was as big as Elvis.. Even the Beatles worshipped him. Elvis was also given a hard time in the beginning of his career because he sang what they called Black Music and Gospel music that he turned into Rock like some of the Greats of the Era did... Thank God for them... BEAUTIFUL music.. Comes from the soul...
