Guys, the music on that version was added decades after his death. If you want to listen to a far, far FAR superior version, check out Elvis performing the song live in Honolulu in 1973. It completely smashes the one you've just listened to.
Anytime, way or place he sings this is powerful and amazing. But his live rendition from his '73 Aloha from Hawaii is by far the most breathtaking. Check it out.
Mickey Newbury put those three anthems together. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra infusing their music over Elvis is a hit or miss proposition. They missed here. RPO is too loud and busy. The original of Jan. 1973 (when Elvis had just turned 38) was spectacular. I vote for the original. It's much, much better --especially when you see him perform it originally.
I saw Elvis sing this live in 1973. I cannot explain how good this man and song was in concert! You really need to see his live version recorded during his live Aloha from Hawaii.
I agree! "The Gospel Side Of Elvis" was the first Elvis CD I bought before I even considered his Rock music! Listening to Black Gospel in Mississippi growing up was a massive influence on him come from the classic Gospel quartets. It's why the Stamps and Jordanaires commonly sang behind him.
I have a whole playlist on RU-vid of only Elvis gospel. I don’t have a playlist of his secular music at all even though I grew up listening to him before I knew he sung gospel.
@@karencolley-smidt864 I understand. For me, harmony is everything regardless of musical genre. But there is truly something in Gospel vocal groups like the Blind Boys Of Alabama and Mississippi and acapella in general, I find uplifting. I just feel better! The message in the music and tandem with the harmonies is just magical. Add Elvis' voice to the harmony and it is taken to another level!
Word of advice - ALWAYS watch Elvis live. He adds so much to already great music. I suggest a redo of this one live from Honolulu around 72-73. You won’t be sorry and your followers will appreciate it.
except for in the case of "Are You Lonesome Tonight". For some reason, every live performance that I've seen of him doing that song he starts clowning around and totally screws up what is otherwise a very moving song...to me, at least.
@@marybrant9586the Beatles were part of a satellite live in studio performance around the world in 1967, to more people to promote peace, The Beatles did All You Need Is Love, with The Stones and other English bands in studio singing the chorus! Every country had one of their acts perform on the show, ending with England and The Beatles
Elvis won 3 Grammys - all for gospel albums. There was a gospel song in every concert. Check out Peace in the Valley, How Great Thou Art, The Old Rugged Cross.
You literally can't overlook the Aloha from Hawaii version of this song. Live and awesome! Nothing can compare to this live. JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet performing back-up vocals. JD had the best base vocals ever. You haven't seen passion until you see them do this song live.
Seriously ... right now ... go watch him sing this Live from Hawaii. While you're still all wound-up on this song. You'll be glad you did! Plus you get to see the stage presence Elvis. I see those eyes welling up brother! Go with it!
Watching Elvis sing this live is amazing. And the trumpet solo is replaced by a flute which sounds much better in my opinion. Definitely worth a second reaction.
The orchestral version was created after Elvis was gone, in 2015. They took the tracks and orchestrated it, obviously with the blessing of the Presley estate. I think it's really great to be able to hear his voice in that setting. To see and hear the original live, check out American Trilogy live from Hawaii. That's a very powerful live performance.
I cry every time I hear this but the live version from his Hawaii concert is by far the most beautiful you will ever hear. Back in the day when TV stations cut off at midnight, our local station would play this every night.
I didn’t even realize they had another version on RU-vid besides the live one. As great as this version is, the live version is miles ahead. This version is missing the flute solo which is so awesome.
American Trilogy is a composition of three songs in memory of the Civil War. First is "Dixie" the unofficially anthem of the South, then "Battle Hymn of the Republic" which was the unofficial anthem of the North, along with "All My Trials" a Negro spiritual of the time. The best version is the live version from Elvis during the "Aloha From Hawaii" global concert.
As painful as the 1977 version is to watch, and I absolutely love the 1972 version oh, he still provides even more nuanced and power and operatic Showmanship to that 7 weeks before his death.
The Stamps Quartet. Wonderful. I'm so lucky to have lived when Elvis was/is King. When Elvis died, I was in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and every single non English speaking Saudi, Yemeni, Korean, Chinese, at my office, knew every single song and arrangement, when we had an office concert to honor him that day on a boom box. Everyone cried...they grew up with him too!
In 1973, Elvis was beamed around the world live in a concert from Hawaii for everyone to behold. This song remains the crowning jewel from this worldwide that show. To appreciate its full power and glory, you MUST see the live performance. My mother shares a birthday with Elvis Presley. She was 6 years younger than him and was one of the many black teenage girls who loved him from beginner of his career until the day he died. She grew up in church. Loved his gospel singing more than his hit recordings. Elvis himself is quoted to say that he was most proud of his gospel records. They were the only music he won a Grammy for. Elvis was blessed enough to have 4 stages to his career.His early days as a sensation the 195o's, his movie career after his time in the military, the 1968 comeback which saw him return to live performances with a more mature sound and music that peaked with this concert in Hawaii, and then the slow decline and fall of the King. The day he died shook the world. Not since the Kennedy assassination had we felt such a unified loss. But we had his music, movies, pictures, love, and stories to give us a small measure of comfort. The King was gone but will never be forgotten. Long live the King !! Do yourselves a favor and watch the Live from Hawaii performance of this song. It brings the full power and majesty of his soul to bear. Elvis, you are loved, and you are missed. Thank you, thank you very much. Amen.
Thank you for playing this. I agree about what you said about how Elvis was a true American who loved his country. He was from the South and seemed to be singing with pride. I agree that the best version of this song is from his concert in Hawaii. I remember watching this as a kid on TV. They actually had it live on TV. Before the concert it showed him flying in to Honolulu, getting off the plane and people wrapping leis around his neck, fans screaming, it was incredible. That was 50 years ago and I still remember it all. You have to see Elvis' face and emotion when he sings this song. I have not heard this version before. It's nothing compared to Live from Hawaii. The strength of his voice in the live concert blows this one away.
Hi , Jay and Amber. If you loved this version of American Trilogy by Elvis , you really need to check out the Aloha From Hawaii live version 1973. I promise you won't regret it.
There are some, very few, artists that simply transcend to levels that are so unique that they can never be repeated, Elvis is one such, greatness defined and fortunately recorded for all the generations to come. We were blessed to have witnessed such moments as this in our lifetimes. ✌️
Watching him perform it live is just simply amazing! Especially towards the end, when the sweat is dripping off his face. One of his finest performances ever!
Finally!!! One of his all time best! But yes, the live Aloha one is the definitely the best version 😊 "Unchained Melody" will have you in tears....his last performance before his death and it's incredible what that man was able to belt out when he was so close to the end. "What Now My Love" is another one that'll knock you off your feet...the list goes on and on.
Do love the live version from his Aloha from Hawaii!! This is stunning, but to watch him perform it!! Oh Mercy!! Please watch that and react.... I think you’ll love it and have even more respect for Elvis! Also, his Gospel songs are absolutely amazing!! His voice is beyond compare!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This song was first released in 1972, recorded live at Madison Square Garden in NYC. I agree with the person who said the best version was from his Hawaii special; I remember seeing that show on TV when it happened in 1973 I think. From his early Rockabilly days, to ballads, to Gospel he was the King! So sad that his manager used and abused him, leading to his early death. If you haven’t seen the Elvis movie from last year, you should definitely check it out!
What a voice elvis truly loved gospel singing you can tell how passionate he was that's why he had won 3 Grammy for gospel he sang this mostly in the 70s
American Trilogy live from Honolulu, the Aloha Concert 1973 is the best performance of this song. You must watch Elvis perform live whenever possible. I understand the copy rights thing makes it difficult sometimes, but we have all seen this performed live on many other channels. ( Try making it transparent or use a raindrops or firefly background. That's what others have done.) This Trilogy is 3 songs in one and pays homage to the Civil War: Dixieland is for the South and Glory Hallelujah is for the North ( it's a hymn they sang when marching). The final song, Alll My Trials, is a spiritual song the slaves sang. Elvis's roots were in Gospel music and he included one gospel song in each concert. Gospel music was his first love. After each concert ended, Elvis and his backup singers would go up to his suite and sing gospel songs for hours. There is no one else like Elvis. If like to suggest these songs: Tryin' to Get to You ( '68 Comeback Special). What Now My Love ( '73 Aloha Concert from the rehersal). The Wonder of You ( '70 la s Vegas). Bridge Over Troubled Waters ( '70 Vegas) Poke Salad Annie ('70 Vegas) Jailhouse Rock (video) Hound Dog ('56 Ed Sullivan) Cold Kentucky Rain ( album) Elvis and Frank Sinatra (video ) Love Me Tender/Witchcraft....This is right after Elvs came home from the Army and Sinatra had him on his show. They were fun together.
You should definitely check out when he performed this live from Hawaii in 1973; or the live version that is featured on the documentary movie This Is Elvis.
This song has a little bit of everything. It has country, gospel and rock. It's the perfect example of why Elvis is the ONLY entertainer to be inducted into the Gospel, Country and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame. He truly is incomparable. And... thank you for your reaction. In my 60+ years of life, I am learning a whole new appreciation for music.
They don't read anyones comments. You seem like a true Elvis fan so I'll tell you the best most caring reactor for Elvis is "Seph Plays". He started at the beginning of Elvis's journey and cares what his fan base thinks. He has made an Elvis Ranking list of his songs. He started in 1953 and has gotten to 1963. He started reacting to Elvis songs after randomly hearing " Kentucky Rain". He fell in love with his voice and after that he began from the beginning of Elvis's career, 1953 over a year ago and is now worked his way up to 1963. Before all of this he had never seen, other than a picture or 2 of Elvis or heard him sing and so his reactions are him hearing these for the first time. He is so obsessed with Elvis now and he is his favorite male singer of all time. His followers cannot wait until he gets to the 68 comeback special all the way through to 1977. He was up to the year 1961 when he had been reacting to Elvis for one year and decided to do a one year anniversary special so with his with his fans request he jumped 9 years ahead to 1970 an reacted to "Bridge Over Troubled Water". It was very emotional for him and he cried, it was a quite a shocking experience for him. Imagine yourself going along watching and listening to Elvis from 53 to 61 and then basically time travel 9 years ahead to 70. It is so inspiring to watch. He interacts with his fan base and is such a kind person. For starters, I would watch him react to celebrating his one year anniversary of his journey when he makes an exception from listening to Elvis's songs in chronological order and jumps 9 years ahead to "Bridge over Troubled Water" live Vegas 1970. And then go back and listen to all of his reactions. He is very perceptive and good. He is in the UK, so his accent is fun to listen to as well.
Elvis started doing this song later in his career in Vegas. A big stage production number. The other family members are right. The Live from Honolulu (live by satellite, a big deal back then ) version is awesome. They didn't call him the King for nothing. The man could sing! ☮💛🎶
Please...please give the people what they want!!! This is a MUST SEE LIVE!! 1973 ALOHA HAWAII. Anytime u watch Elvis, it has to be live!! He was the greatest entertainer to Ever live!!!!!! ❤
As an Aussie, the patriotism means nothing to me. But I still appreciate his amazing voice and the amount of emotion he puts into it. He was an extraordinary artist, and a beautiful man by all accounts. Gone too soon.
Elvis can sing every genre powerful and emotion! He is the king for a reason. He is most powerful in his gospel songs. As many have indicated his 1973 Live from Honolulu and his 1969 comeback special are worth checking out.
Sorry not Sorry, I loved the orchestra and I've got a feeling Elvis would have been thrilled. I saw Elvis in 1970 and I believe he sang it at that concert.
I believe Elvis’s only won 3 Grammys and they were all for Gospel recordings.! It’s amazing considering they amount of hits and Gold records he had that that was it.
What always made Elvis appealing after the voice was (1) he never forgot where he came from, (2) How he was aware of the racial issues of the time and tried to better it with his back up singers and people he got to know and care for, and his (3) range as a artist vocally and his 2 or 3 films he was a far better actor in then most would of been in his place. Man was very layered and complex both vocally and as a human being.
Three of the most important historical American songs mashed up. Watch the video when he sang it during his Aloha from Hawaii television concert in 1973, which was broadcast live and simultaneously to over 160 nations. Over a billion people watched that concert. My wife and I watched it as it was happening. Belay that, the entire concert is on RU-vid, may I suggest, you watch that concert with a bowl of popcorn and your precious little girls on family night. This song, the American Trilogy means something to me, I don't know why, but I cry every time I hear Elvis sing it. I first got watery eyes that night we watched him sing it at this Aloha concert. Maybe its the meanings in history of these important songs. Maybe its being a veteran and old and having lived some history. Maybe its the anger and simultaneous sadness of an 11 year old boy's first trip to the south of 1959 when he came upon the White only and Black only signs and not understanding why they existed. Maybe its all of these things, but this song sits heavy. In our own way each of us struggles for freedom as we each interpret it . Jesus died on the cross to be a sacrifice to free those who except his offer, from the struggles of their sin.
As everyone else has mentioned, I HIGHLY suggested you watch the full 1973 concert, Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii on video. It's absolutely amazing, and you can see what a great showman Elvis was, as well as a remarkable talent. Fun fact: Elvis never toured internationally. His manager, "Colonel Tom Parker," (his real name was Andreas van Kuijk), was a Dutch national who was in the USA illegally. He had enormous control over Elvis, and always toured with him. If they had left the USA, Parker knew chances were slim he'd be able to get back in. So Elvis only ever did USA tours. Parker was Elvis's manager throughout his entire career. Oh, also, the amazing backup vocals were J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. They were Elvis's male backup singers for the last six years of Elvis's life. They were remarkable. The group performed a concert at the church my family attended in Portland, Oregon not long after Elvis died. My mom was SO ANGRY because she was a HUGE Elvis and, obviously, Stamps Quartet fan, and the evening of the concert we had a snow and ice storm and couldn't get to the church. OMG, I think that was the angriest I'd ever seen my mom. She still talked about it 30 years later!
I Have Been An Obsessed Elvis Fan Since The Sixties ! Elvis Is The Greatest Entertainer To Have Walked This Earth ! The Voice ! The Humanitarian! The Revolutionary !The King !
How fun to get to see you guys discover this treasure. But you would be doing yourself an enormous this favor if you don't very quickly go check out his iconic live performance of this at his 1973 Honolulu show in front of a large audience but also beamed across the globe to about a fifth of the world's population at the time. I'm literally talking in the billions of people. It is considered one of the great live performances of that era.
Gives me chillbumps! He could sing anything! This is really good live too if you ever want to look up a live version of him singing it. He does the best rendition of Dixie I've ever heard. I love him!
He was a superstar and such an awesome human , God takes the truly good ones so young! How blessed we are to be able to share him with the heavens. Thank you for the reaction ❤.
I haven't been on here as much because I've been working so much overtime, but I'm so delighted that you guys finally got to this. I followed your musical Journey from the beginning, including when it was only J. I haven't even started yet but I'm beside myself with excitement that you finally get to witness this, laugh. Love y'all.
Elvis is not just the KING...he was almost like a "GOD" to all who understand that his message was clear- life is empty without faith,commitment and love of family, country and GOD. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! LONG LIVE THE KING!
Elvis' legendary CHURCH VOICE ricocheted off the walls of that arena while being broadcast to ALMOST TWO BILLION PEOPLE via satellite. More people watched Elvis perform there that night than saw MANs FIRST WALK ON THE MOON. A white man, proud of his Southern roots BUT a rebel against slavery and bigotry performing THIS medley in a NEW STATE (Hawaii) with white and black performers on stage was a complete rebellion with a purpose. And that purpose was to bring people together. Legends were assassinated for doing FAR LESS in the 1960s. Elvis was a voice that we need TODAY. His backstory growing up in a black hunger-stricken neighborhood DURING SEGREGATION & THE GREAT DEPRESSION in dirt poverty, with no running water or electricity was hardcore AF. His twin brother died at birth and had to be BURIED IN A SHOEBOX. A shoebox. Elvis KNEW the streets, the ghetto and not having a pot to pee in. He was a REBEL. But he spoke exclusively through his music AND his backstage and off-set generous actions. Fought for black musicians to be paid and respected, fought to have black artists enter in the front of buildings not black-only entrances, supported black-owned businesses, largely responsible for ending polio on American soil supported the vaccine on Tv, and donating the money to build the most famous children's hospital in the world, ST JUDES CHILDRENS HOSPITAL which has saved MILLIONS of children lives.
Folks his 1973 live version from aloha is one of the most viral videos on the internet. Its over-the-top spectacular you have to play it I guarantee you'll love it. Blessings
He loved God and Country, served it honorably, and was proud to be from where he came from. We live in an imperfect union, but I love all 50 states. If this country goes down there’s no place to run.
This is an after his death remake of this song with the symphony added to it. Much better to watch him sing it live in concert ! Shows off his talent and emotions much better. The Hawaii concert performance of this song is great
Just wanted to mention that he didn’t write in the ghetto. It was written by an artist called Mac Davis. He tells a great story about What inspired him to write it. It’s memories of a friendship from his childhood. Elvis has an amazing voice, but other artists wrote the songs. I don’t know about all of the songs, but he had the best song writers.
Yes, back in the day it was common for artists to become big because they were great interpreters of other people's songs. Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, etc etc . then we have people like Bob Dylan who was a great songwriter but as a singer? I just won't say anything lol
Songs like this used to bring a tear to my eye. Now that I've learned what other countries have accomplished that we haven't, I cry for a different reason.
This song was the finale of the laser show at Stone Mountain just outside of Atlanta years ago. Not sure if they still use it, but it was a perfect fit for the show, where the lasers animated the soldiers carved into the side of the mountain. One Elvis song you definitely need to check out is “I Can’t Help Falling In Love”, an amazing song that really highlights his talented voice. Amber, you will melt hearing this song.
When anyone listens to this song that is in the know, they're pulling up the Aloha: Live from Hawaii performance in 1973. It's one if the most memorable live performances you'll ever see. It blows this version out of the water. It's one of the rare occasions where the live performance sounds better than the album version. This version is missing many elements of what makes this song so great. Specifically the flute solo. You'll have to check it out to know what I'm talking about. It was played with french horn in this recording.