American Rapper FIRST time EVER hearing -ELVIS- In the Ghetto

[@BlackPegasusRaps]

I loved this track and love y’all comments even more. I always thought Elvis was fresh but damn,, i’m seeing him through new eyes! Epic and timeless 🙌🏽

[@jerig2820]

All the questions u have about this, the answers r written here. Elvis, was born and raised, in the ghetto

[@julialesleysheppard]

I love, when someone fresh , hears Elvis for the first time with an open mind. Watching their face, their unconscious expressions, their body language is like seeing an epiphany , a lightbulb moment in their lives, where all preconceptions and beliefs about Elvis Presley, are blown away. Your reaction is so honest and sincere, I hope you are inspired to dive into the phenomenon that is Elvis and learn for yourself why this man, in his 42 years of life, was such a legend in his own lifetime ( born in 1935 in poverty, loved his parents, graduated from his high school. Worked, as a cinema usher and a truck driver whilst training to be an electrician, loved music and football ,became a super star virtually overnight at 18 years old, stayed humble and polite throughout, served 2 years in the US Army in Germany, made 31 films, returned to live performances after 1968 to a new era of music, sang multiple genres of music and loved every one of his fans be they children, teens, mums, dads, celebrities etc etc. And we loved him and still do. He was a loyal man and his fans remain loyal to this day. More Elvis please, you have the ears of thousands of followers and the new generations of young Elvis fans. Wonderful 🙏👌💕🕺

[@garywheet9412]

Poor upbringing, Elvis became known as the king.Taken advantage of by manager of course, broke free, took care of mom, died early sadly. Much more is known.

[@Hope...M]

Elvis was born in the country dirt-poor. From what I hear his family moved to Memphis when government housing was helping. Kind of crazy. Don't think he wrote any tracks but he chose them specifically. Thanks BP ‼️

[@Elvista]

​@@Hope...MEP co-wrote many of his original songs with songwriters or his friends. He changed the arrangements for the songs he chose to cover as well. He was in total control of how his songs were sung and performed. A few examples of the well-known hits he co-wrote: Love Me Tender, Don't Be Cruel, Heartbreak Hotel, and If I can Dream. This info is not widely known for some reason. Love Me Tender is the only song he allowed his name to be credited - he preferred that the original songwriters and singers got full credit and benefits. Only thing he could not do was read and write musical notes.

[@sharis9095]

Elvis grew up poor, attended a black Baptist church and sang in the choir. If you notice in the song, Elvis never mentions race, because the hardships of being poor aren't about race. In the song he talks about the angry young man... not the thug or thief or the criminal. He gave respect for a neglected child who was never given a chance. Elvis once gave an poor elderly woman a wheelchair after hers was damaged/stolen?. (paraphrasing)... She thanked him and when they left one of the people with him said... I don't think she knew who you were... Elvis said, that's OK... she knew someone cared about her. There is a documentary called Elvis and the Black Community. It's quite eye opening because there are always the rumour that Elvis was racist... If the black people that knew him are to be believed I would suggest he was probably one of the least racist people in America at the time.

[@gerardarrillaga7450]

Exactly

[@frankhickey8089]

YES! Because Mississippi is actually the least racist state in the country..... but ya'll have been lied to.

[@SabsterB]

Yes! Amen to this entire comment... and a reaction to that documentary would be amazing.

[@susanvanderbilt358]

Grew up n him n he wasn’t racist.. read what he said in Texas when they didn’t want his backing singers going in.. the song he sang over MLK jnr.. he never sang it live ever again..he played n sang with black peeps too..

[@cindyerrington7099]

Back in the day, people where Elvis played didn't want his backup singers on stage because they were black, and he told them he wasn't playing there then. Needless to say, they changed their minds.

[@dahuffy]

His daughter, Lisa Marie also did a duet with him to this song after he died.

[@Mark-rl6eh]

Elvis was born & raised in the black ghettos of tupelo, Mississippi and later Memphis, TN. When he read the lyrics he could definitely relate and felt it needed to be spoken about to a wide audience. React to the video Elvis and the Black community and it will definitely surprise you of his involvement in the community and support of it 100%.

[@VENOMS_WRAITH]

Came here to say the same thing.

[@eileenbaran7040]

Amazing video and many are shocked how they spoke of Elvis

[@tupelohoney622]

Growing up next to Elvis's cousin and going for rides on Elvis's motorcycle when little, I can confirm Elvis was born imto poverty in a one room shack. He would often visit black churches, drawn by the music. He never forgot his roots and it played a major role in his generosity, which was legendary.

[@nancyzamarron1988]

Memphis have their own ghetto

[@evabrownlee2704]

And the ghetto is a Jewish term to describe the area where the Jewish people lived kind of like in between buildings like large alleys.

[@lorrainegunn4111]

It could relate to any ethnicity, and any country, as in those days there were NO "safety nets", for a young girl, who got pregnant, may have been kicked out of the family home, or a child -- having a child in the 1060's, and even in the 1970's. The mothers and grandmothers hopefully stood up, to help raise the child in these circumstances. NO dads in sight. M.Davis was a cute guy in the day, and wrote a lot of Country Western music, his musicians were fron all over the country. The groups of the 1960's, and 1970's TRAVELED All over the country usually in a beat-up van, or bus, UNTIL they had a hit, often having the VENUE, and the Accommodations in a Ghetto area. You must know, that some of the best "true feeling" music came out of Street Corners in big cities -- and related to the reality of the life and times of the day.

[@betsyjonex9364]

Elvis was born in a black ghetto in Mississippi. He did not write the song. He was raised in terrible poverty. He went to a black church. Give Elvis a chance. Watch "Elvis Presley and the Black Community". You will see.

[@RodneyVerge]

Elvis was a gospel singer at heart

[@bella-xp7qd]

In the ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi, shortly before dawn, in a two-room house built by her husband, Vernon Presley, and her brother-in-law, Gladys Presley gives birth to twin sons. The first, Jessie Garon, is born stillborn. The second, Elvis Aaron, is born alive and healthy. Elvis would be their only child.Elvis’ parents cannot afford a bicycle that Elvis wants, so Gladys talks him into accepting a guitar instead. Elvis' first guitar costs $12.95 and is purchased at the Tupelo Hardware Company. He sang in black church. He would turn down gigs if his black members in the band weren't allowed or treated differently. SONG released 1969.

[@deansmith4752]

I cried as a boy hearing this, 50 years later the tears still flow

[@randyheitman4324]

Me too 😢

[@JeanandKenny]

Me too, it's one of those songs that I remember where I was when I first heard it. Still happening today, sad.

[@LlejaSwordsinger]

Never judge a book by it's cover. You need to watch Elvis and the black community, it's an eye opener.

[@LaSmoocherina]

I’ve seen that. It’s good.

[@eileenbaran7040]

Sadly the white community mostly in his area were unbelievably racist. Things sad were heartbreaking to a man raised in a poor mixed area

[@AmeeMorninglord]

I loved it!

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

how many black artists are interviewed in that video?

[@pam751]

Elvis was friends with black people, in the sixty's, and never cared what people thought or were sayin.

[@MatthiasAI]

crazy how a 50+ year old song can still be so relevant today.

[@julialesleysheppard]

Elvis recorded this in 1969, Sammy Davis Jr ,( a great friend of Elvis’s ) was asked by the writer, Mac Davis, to sing it but he declined saying that Elvis would do it more justice because he was born and brought up dirt poor and could relate to it. It was originally called “Vicious Circle” which, since it still reflects social problems in 2023, was most apt. It was certified platinum in America and the UK and went to No 1 in 6 other countries. His daughter, Lisa Marie made a recording of it singing posthumously with her father. Three Six Mafia did a rap version with Elvis in the background which is most haunting. Elvis’s manager did not want him to release this as it was a statement song, but Elvis defied him and did it because he cared. He quoted once, “ a priest told me if something is dangerous to say, then sing it!” Please check out more Elvis and you’ll understand why, 46 years after his death, he is still loved and considered the GOAT. 👌💕🕺🙏

[@viracocha03]

Facts.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

WRONG! Mac offered it to Sammi Davis, yes. The real story is, Sammi refused it sighting, wtf is a white guy doing giving a black guy a song to sing about the ghetto? and wtf does a white guy know what it is like to be black and be black and live in the ghetto? He then said give it to that white boy Elvis. Sammi and Elvis were not friends, they met several times and that's all.

[@HeavenlyPresley-Tonya]

That is NOT Facts --- Mac Davis Let Sammy Davis Jr Record it in 1970 AFTER ELVIS ---- HERE IS THE AUDIO / VIDEO --- kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5nUapaCpZKBeLM&ab_channel=lt050043

[@michaelfarmer966]

That would be Rev W. Herbert Brewster, Sr. of East Trigg Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

[@markmyers6472]

It is important to note that Mac Davis, the songwriter, is a country singer/songwriter from Lubbock Texas....

[@khaotical9699]

elvis released it in 69. elvis was a massive fan of integration, love and peace. in his 1968 comeback special, against station negativity and his label telling him no, he wrote and sang 'if i can dream' to establish his anguish and honor doctor martin luther king, jr and bobby kennedy, having both been assassinated earlier that year. this man grasped humanity and expressed it...

[@supasoulproductions]

The song was written by Mac Davis. Elvis recorded it because he came from the poor side of town in Mississippi and related to the message. I highly recommend checking out a documentary called Elvis and the Black Community.

[@bryanguilford5807]

Interesting, thanks

[@davidricks7128]

Elvis Presley & The Black Community - That Echo Will Never Die kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpWUoYutZqmgqaM

[@juliesmith5211]

Mac Davis has sang this song also and did a incredible job!!! Mac is the uncle of one of my best friend! He passed away Sept 2020..

[@luofyink]

yes must watch. and wouldn't have been a Whitney Houston, without Elvis

[@memorywhitton5527]

That's something I would love to see, I'm 60yrs old so where do I go to be able to see.

[@badplay156]

If Elvis did no other song, this one by itself would enshrine him as an important performer.

[@RubyGB]

Poverty is NOT just a ghetto thing or a color issue - there is poverty everywhere. As a 70 yr old white woman in the South, I picked cotton and vegetables as a child to supplement our family. In our teens, classmates spent summers picking tobacco in NC (I couldn't as I am allergic) so I stayed in the fields. When Elvis was born in Tupelo MS (in the shotgun house his father built with borrowed money) he was actually the 2nd born of twins. His older brother, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn and the Presley family were so poor that Jesse had to be buried in a shoebox in an unmarked grave near a great-uncle & great-aunt. Before his death Elvis placed a memorial marker for his brother, but the location was only a guess.

[@NC-Mama-Bear]

My mother picked cotton as a child for 10¢ a day in the 1930s, came home, and gave the dime to her father. They were that poor. I earned my first money picking bell peppers all day on my cousin's farm in the late 60s. $20 for two weeks.

[@ChefBarb58]

SAME WITH MY MOM IN THE SOUTH. HAD TO LEAVE SCHOOL IN FOURTH GRADE TO WORK ON THE FARM AND WHEN SHE WENT TO SCHOOL IT WAS 5 MILES AWAY. I'M NOT SAYING SLAVERY WAS RIGHT BY NO MEANS. ALL RACES TOOK ON THE LABOUR AS RICH GOT RICHER. THATS WHY M.L.K. AND KENNEDY ' WERE KILLED BECAUSE THEY SUPPORTED EQUALITY FOR ALL. WE ALWAYS LOOKED AT DEMOCRATS TO TO HELP BECAUSE THE REPUBLICANS ARE FOR THE BIG GUYS. SORRY ITS THE TRUTH. ASK YOUR MOMMA BETTER YET ASK SOMEONE POOR.❤❤❤

[@frankhickey8089]

Was the money borrowed or did he forge a check?

[@SabsterB]

When we started the first day of 8th grade (Western North Carolina) they gathered us in the auditorium to make sure we knew to appreciate each other bc after 8th grade, about a third of our class (no more than 40 or 50) wouldn't be moving on to high school. This was due to the fact that kids will had families that owned farms (mostly tobacco) were only required to attend school through the 8th grade and would be leaving to help their families on the farms, which most of them already did before and after school and in the summer. If you could walk, then you could pick (agewise). There were also families in the county that had no electricity or running running water in their homes until I graduated high school in the early 90's. I guess piss poorness happens mostly everywhere.

[@jenniferbush41]

My mom's side of the family came from Rutherford County in NC. She's 76 (don't tell her I told you that!) & her mother's cousin had a farm that she would help work. She picked cotton as well. She also hasn't eaten sausage since because she watched it being made. But, her father worked in the mills, & later built stuff, so it wasn't something she did everyday.

[@musicmaker4jesus566]

Elvis was from Mississippi. I was born there, & have family from there. People from there are like none others. REAL!

[@sherylmcclure400]

Mac Davis wrote the song ,but no one was brave enough to record it ,but Elvis knew what it was like to grow up poor ,grew up in a shot gun house ,grew up with black people ,in Tupelo Miss ,then Memphis Tenn ,now his manager did not want Elvis to sing message songs ,but Elvis stayed truth to his roots ,and did it any way ,and the thing about Elvis was he was humble ,treated everyone the same ,and a great humanitarian

[@mamakittyluvsjesus]

Mac was great . Loved his funny song its hard to be humble

[@veronicacoldiron7393]

In 1969, when this song came out, the Watts riots were still fairly fresh on people's minds, having happened in 1965. This song spoke to the need of people to step in and help break the cycles that brought about the necessity of oppressed people to fight just to live, to love and help one another. This is one of my favorites of Elvis, and the social commentary within it truly makes it even better.

[@DarrellFanning-bx7xz]

Elvis actually grew up dirt poor and loved everyone, he had a special love for the black community

[@dianaprobst3157]

The backstory was Elvis cared. The black community was good to him and he gave back.

[@heartwork8318]

Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississippi. They were dirt poor. He really was ahead of his time! Great reaction! ✌🏻🫶🏻

[@donnagreen3626]

If I can dream.

[@NerdOnTheSpectrum]

Elvis was an advocate for racial equality. He wouldn’t play a venue if his backup singers, who were black, weren’t allowed to sing. Elvis grew up listening to black music. People call him a culture vulture or racist but even Little Richard admitted that Elvis helped those of color become more popular in main stream music. Eminem and Elvis are very similar in how they grew up and the culture they were molded by.

[@SabsterB]

This was one of my favorite stories about him... he also knew he had the BEST singers as well. There was no way he would've left them behind, not for ANYTHING.

[@LittleLou-vk9fm]

Elvis' talent wasn't his songwriting, rather his unique ability to interpret a song like nobody else, and make it his own.

[@annatorres9640]

In the Ghetto was released 1969 and Mac Davis, a singer songwriter and television personality who wrote hit songs for several country music stars after his breakout song, In the Ghetto, “ was recorded for Elvis Presley, Elvis was born very poor and had a twin brother who died during childbirth, So he lived in poverty until he became famous. His dad was arrested for writing a bad check and in jail, when Elvis was 8 years he and his mom lived the black community in Tupelo, Mississippi of low-income community. That is where Elvis was inspired by black artists and singers. He purposely sang black music because he knew they were not allowed to sing or play music. On July 18, 1953, Elvis first went to the Memphis Recording Service at Sun Record Company, now commonly known as Sun Studio. He paid $3.98 to record the first of two double-sided demo acetate, “My Happiness and That’s When Your Heartaches Begin. But his first hit song was That’s All Right in 1955. That was the beginning of his career until his last concert June 26, 1977. He passed August 16, 1977 of heart failure.

[@julianginniver5785]

He recorded this in 1969 and the sad and scary thing is this is still so relevant today!

[@jerrymiller2891]

Never been the biggest elvis fan but there no denying he sings amazing. Imagine being back in the day. The man is long gone and hes still a superstar. I loved his movies too

[@tupelohoney622]

I lived next to Elvis's cousin when I was born. When I was 4-5 years old, Elvis would drive down to Tupelo to visit his relatives, often on a motorcycle or a convertible. I didn't understand fame, I just knew he was a sweet guy that would take me riding and buy me treats. My mother was always apprehensive about the motorcycle. I can still hear Elvis saying, "Mrs. Iris, I'll protect her with my life, but I can't say no." Unfortunately, after I was grown and moved away, our former neighbor, Mr. Harold Ray Presley, was sheriff of Lee County and killed in a shoot out with a kidnapper.

[@poguemom3]

My mom was a young working woman in Memphis, Tennessee and was almost run over by Elvis on his motorcycle when she was crossing the street one day going to work. She said he was so sweet and apologetic about it. My parents were huge fans of him. They named me Lisa and I’m pretty sure it was after Lisa Marie.

[@1aleckman1]

Mac Davis actually wrote this song and Elvis wanted it. He made it a huge hit. Great reactions! Elvis felt every song he sang because he lived through it himself. Have a great day!

[@jjbud3124]

Elvis didn't STEAL black music. It was HIS music. It was the music he grew up with and opened the door for this kind of music to be played on the radio. Artists went nowhere without radio play for their music.

[@american_cosmic]

Yep. Elvis didn't steal anything. Led Zeppelin? Might have a case for theft there... they stole entire songs and refused to credit the original black musicians that wrote them.

[@ericsahagun5344]

The song In the ghetto was released in 1969 by Elvis Presley If there's one thing that she don't need is another hungry mouth to feed in the ghetto! Mac Davis wrote the song and presented it to Elvis and Elvis loved it Elvis was raised in tupelo Mississippi and he liked to hang out in the black section because he loved listening to blues and gospel music and Elvis fell in love with the black singers and musicians of that era and that side of town Elvis was awkward kid and he felt accepted more by the black community than he felt accepted by his own peers! YES, ELVIS WAS FROM THE "GHETTO" BLACK PEGASUS! You noted the background singers the sweet inspiration they were all black ladies except for what Elvis called the token white girl Kathy Westmoreland, Elvis got booked at the Astrodome in Texas I believe in the mayor told Elvis to leave his black backup singers at home and not to bring them! Elvis said to the mayor You don't want my ladies You don't want me cuz I won't play in your damn Stadium ... Not only did they beg Elvis to play Elvis paraded in open limousines His sweet inspirations and is token white girl lol And it was one of the Best Concerts They Ever Performed!

[@PunkRocker1976]

Elvis grew up poor and used to attend the local church where he didn’t look like everyone else. His love of family especially his mama and his love of gospel music shine through on this. He was a southern white dude but no cowboy type. He was a rebel (in the good sense of the word) who doesn’t fit stereotypes. He only sang where his heart was.

[@frankhickey8089]

Ditto

[@MikirraGaming]

I sang this song as a solo in 9th grade girls choir. In about 1980. It still touches me to this day.

[@toodlescae]

Elvis was born in a 2 room shack with no running water and grew up in the poor, mostly black part of Tupelo, Mississippi until he was 14. Then he and his parents moved to subsidized housing in the ghetto area of Memphis, Tennessee. He attended black churches andistened to all kinds of music. There are "ghettos" in more than just Chicago. Back then it applied to what was called "poor town" or "the wrong side of the tracks" in earlier years that existed in a lot of cities and towns. All different colors of people lived in those places. It just so happened that Mac knew a kid growing up that lived in one of those areas and his life later inspired this song. Elvis chose to sing it because he related to it due to where *he* grew up.

[@judysmith6563]

Elvis is the King of Rock now and forever

[@KennyFisher-io4dm]

Jesus is the ROCK, and Elvis sang it too!

[@erikduggins228]

His label did not want him to record this song. He recorded it anyway and we're all glad he did.

[@susanthompson8962]

Elvis was born Jan. 8, 1935. He was born in Tupelo, Ms. In the ghetto; he was dirt poor. Later he moved to Memphis, Tn; he loved everyone and never saw color. He was very giving as he got older and started his career. "If I Can Dream" was dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr, after he was assassinated. Elvis knew MLK, he was well liked.

[@johnraygun9868]

Too many people believe things their parents heard and didn’t research then passed on to their children. That’s a huge issue in our society, making assumptions. I was raised in Compton CA digging through peoples trash for toys and after graduation I shipped out into the army, did 21 years until combat injuries made me retire, I also was placed on 100% disability so I moved my family to Southern Oregon so my children don’t have to grow up like I did, now I have a retirement check, disability and a full time job yet I hear people say “nice truck you must have bought with your white privilege check” because they make assumptions. Luckily I have my beautiful Black/Latina wife of 20 years who shuts people down quick because I won’t say shit unless it’s something affecting my wife and children, say what you want about me, I know who I am but family is another situation completely. We all need to research multiple sources and not assume anything about each other❤ god bless all of us and hope you have a great day, much love and respect

[@frankhickey8089]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Sir.

[@johnraygun9868]

@@frankhickey8089 ty Sir, appreciate you!

[@emmef7970]

Well said, great advice. Common sense that isn’t so common anymore. As a military brat, thank you for your service and your family’s sacrifices. You sound like a great father and role model for your children and you sure hit the lottery with your lovely wife! God bless you all. Have a happy 4th from SD, CA. 🇺🇸

[@winifredbroyles8979]

I loved Elvis, I love you! I’m going to be 72 and I am so proud of you for doing what you’re doing. Elvis was born poor, in Tupelo, Miss.

[@judithboggs2196]

I graduated in 1970 in Illinois. There was so much going on in the ghettos, plural. We were all horrified, terrified by the violence, the poverty, the hunger and anger from so many of the inner cities. It was rampant, just like today. No one knew much about it's realities, except those who lived there. Elvis took this song, being a product of mississippi impoverishment and prejudice himself, and made the whole world see what he knew first hand. Snd we all cried with that mother. I was never the same afterwards. I knew i would never see those slums I had driven past without remembering, somewhere, in those filth laden streets, a child was being born. Somewhere, on those same streets, that child was being raped, murdered, robbed, or turning to drugs just to survive. Awareness changes hearts. Education changes minds. But compassion and helping hands give life. Dear God, give us your heart of love and compassion for the least of these, your children, our neighbors, friends...family. In Jesus' name.

[@evabrownlee2704]

Your nice do you still live there?

[@susansoutherland8060]

He didn’t not write his songs

[@evabrownlee2704]

@@susansoutherland8060 true except old shep

[@sandralybrand9425]

Mac Davis wrote the song but said he couldn't do it justice because he didn't grow up that way. He knew Elvis grew up in poverty and would do it justice, because he understood it! He was right! ❤️

[@patriciaberta2603]

Elvis Presley grew up in abject poverty in the south. He lived in a predominantly black area of Tupelo Mississippi. He went to black churches, and that’s where he learned to love gospel music. He has done whole albums of nothing but gospel music.

[@evabrownlee2704]

Exactly

[@gravytrain416]

I've always loved this song. I was born on January 8, 1977, Elvis' last birthday. He died that same year, August 16, 1977 on my mother's birthday. Twenty years later to the day, my dad died, August 16, 1997. My mother is a huge Elvis fan. She especially loved his gospel music. Thanks for sharing your reaction. I never really delved into the background of this particular song, but I've always loved it.

[@yellahamma66]

You'll REALLY appreciate Elvis more if you study his life. Ghetto, born & raised. Great reaction ❤

[@stephanieparker9494]

Yes Elvis was born in poverty! He does have a mom and dad. He served in the military when he lost his mom in his early 20’s. He speak about real topics and he is loved by many for this exact reason! Watch Elvis and the black community. You will understand everything! Your first impression of him is not really accurate but I love that you want to know about the back story! Great reaction again!😊

Elvis grew up in the poor quarters of Mississipi and as a young man he spent a lot of his time in the black community listening to the blues and got inspiration.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

must have been hard for his mother carrying him on her back whilst picking cotton

[@1loeg]

Elvis was born and raised in the ghetto. He really did relate to the lyrics of this song and asked if he could sing it. There's a story of him getting a message to leave his backup singers home for a concert as they where all people of colour. He was very upset and would not do the performance without them. It ended with them coming along. And the person ho wrote that message was punished in some capacity. Theres and interview with one of the backup singers about this. As i understand it he was a generous man who paid back to the community. I'm a 40 year old woman from Denmark. We don't have ghettos in the same way as you do in the US. We do have poor neighborhoods. But nothing that even slightly compares. This song moves me deeply although I've never even seen the worst of the worst. It's my favorite Elvis song. I cried my eyes out the first time I heard it. And it can still make me cry to this day.

[@spirit-cologne7453]

It makes me always so sad, that Elvis was and ist until today so often misunderstood and underrated as an artist. He was such a big icon in music history, that no other musician was so often most times badly) copied and carricated, that nearly nothing of his real greatness has survived. There are over 700 songs in his catalogue and he filled every one of it with his unique voice and the depth of his soul. Like every artist he changed with his age and his voice became richer and his technique better. But his strong gospel influence was always shining through. Evis was raised in bitter poorness and never forgot where he came from. He always cared about the people that were poor, ill or disabled. His early rock'n roll songs were his most popular ones but in my opinion not his best. You should have a look at the songs of the late 60s and the 70s. And if you want to see who he was, you have definetly to see him LIVE! For heavens sake there is still a lot of video live recordings from his 68 comeback special, the 1970 Las Vegas stuff from the documentary "That's the way it is", the 1972 "Elvis on tour" , the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii" live concert (the first worldwide broadcastet concert with an worldwide audience of over 1 billon people) and the 1977 CBS television special. I promise you, you will be blown away...

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Elvis was not a musician he was an entertainer.

[@spirit-cologne7453]

@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 can you please stop trolling, i answered you several times in other reactions, i don't know what's your problem, are you envious? I'm not interested in your unqualified comments and i guess nobody else is.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@spirit-cologne7453 you might find this a baffling question, but who is trolling who? hard question right? now answer the question, if you can't then it is clear that the question is far too intellectual for you. perhaps you stick to trying to baffle kittens.

[@FannyVonFluff]

​@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425He was a vocal musician.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@FannyVonFluff wtf is a vocal musician? this should be an interesting read.

[@ericsahagun5344]

No it no propaganda no agenda Mac Davis was a well-grounded individual He was a sincere man in a sincere writer and you and I are lucky to have him here on this earth writing some fantastic songs I know of all the songs that were listed except the very last one but they were all excellent songs MEMORIES, DON'T CRY DADDY AND IN THE GHETTO ... TO NAME A FEW!

[@tawnidawson2880]

Great reaction! Yes, Elvis lived in a poor part of town in Tupelo, Mississippi, which could be considered a ghetto. It was predominantly black, but this is where his influences with his music started. He grew up poor, but didn't want or need that he could recall. The documentary would be excellent to watch to learn about these things. He was a great man.❤

[@patrician7445]

Whenever you can get a live performance of an Elvis song, that's the one to choose to get the full impact. Elvis put everything he had into all his music and his personality shines through in his live performances. You're doing great reactions! Thanks!

[@nghajvklml]

This is my favorite Elvis song. I agree it still has a very strong message even today.

[@traceybaucom5755]

Love love love this song. Always have. I lived outside of Memphis and Elvis was very generous and giving. Once my sister was in the hospital for a surgery, he would sometimes be admitted for whatever reason and had a whole floor assigned to him. He sent flowers to everyone in the hospital. She came home with roses from him.

[@pamspead9090]

I really appreciate that you know it is not about a particular ethnic group but about poverty!! Thank You

[@tinakelley7018]

Elvis was the best.

[@davidterry6155]

He was born in Tupelo, MS. Don’t forget Graceland is in Memphis TN. Memphis is typically on those top 10 Ghetto cities list

[@michaelfrost4584]

You young people need to learn about history, especially about Elvis. R.I.P The King.

[@stevefoulston]

"In the Ghetto" (originally titled "The Vicious Circle") is a 1969 song recorded by Elvis Presley and written by Mac Davis. The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a historic museum site in Tupelo, Mississippi. A museum site includes Presley's shotgun house birthplace, a museum, a chapel, and the Assembly of God Church building where the Presley family worshiped. Elvis' parents, Vernon and Gladys, experienced financial hardship and had to move from the home when Elvis was a few years old for lack of payment. Vernon and Gladys worked various jobs while in Tupelo and moved several times during the thirteen years they resided in Mississippi. He grow up in poverty with coloured folk went to their church. Peace out.

[@susanpeterson9947]

This song was released in 1969, the year I graduated from high school. That’s coming up on 55 years, and yes, it’s still going on…and this song still makes my cry every time I hear it. 💙

[@rhondamoreiko3275]

In The Ghetto” was penned by Mac Davis. The songwriter pulled from his own experiences to help write the 1969 hit. When he was a kid, he often wondered why some of his friends lived in “bad” parts of town.

[@MsRhodeman]

When Mac Davis came to him about this song he was so touched with it because it reached out to his empathetic heart of how he grew up... I'm sure I'm not the first one in this feed to tell you this but he was born in a ghetto in 1935 in a dirt-poor to room house in tupelo Mississippi... Once you start researching and watching videos and documentaries on Elvis you will find out for yourself what a warm and loving human being he was and how much he loved people....

[@JamesJohnson-ig6of]

And Yes bro, there is a 1970 live performance of ELVIS singing "In The Ghetto". The "Live" in Concert versions bring the fan closer to the performance and audience.

[@Suzette-gb7uj]

I still cry, every time I hear it. It’s the lyrics, but it’s also Elvis’ beautiful voice, and the emotion you hear in that spectacular voice.

[@Ph4n_t0m]

Elvis was "the king" for a reason - I'm astounded at the quality of this recording too - Well done BP and thank you for getting all the audio levels right, this is a treat. as ever, had a good time with you BP, thank you

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

a title given to him by white America.

[@Ph4n_t0m]

​@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 indeed

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@Ph4n_t0m 😉

[@beegee1960]

@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425That is a silly statement. No one gives such a title. It evolves.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@beegee1960 how did it evolve? this should be an interesting read.

[@cherylfisk7698]

1969 was the release date for "In the Ghetto". Remember (or learn or realize), Elvis was born and raised in the ghettos.

[@patticampana9458]

Sweetie, there are a lot of people that live in poverty, not just people of color. You are amazing! Keep them coming!

[@rhondahammons35]

“Walk A Mile In My Shoes” is another good one!

[@WhiteStallionPropertiesLLC]

Yes, Elvis did come from the ghetto the poorest state in America, Mississippi. He did not even own a telephone. When the recording studio called they called his Jewish neighbor to relay a message for him to come to the studio. He was very very poor growing up thank God for his beautiful voice brought him out of poverty, became one of the biggest selling music artist in history.

[@pennyyoung3166]

Love Elvis such a generous soul two documentaries the echo will never die did you know Whitney Houston’s mother was backup singer for Elvis

[@katherinebosse5706]

Mac Davis was an incredible writer..his lyrics were always current and beautiful. Went to see him once, in Lake Tahoe, and it was the best show I’ve ever seen. And that was many years ago. He wrote a song called “I believe in Music” and a lyric has stayed with me my whole life. “Music is a Universal Language, and Love is the Key” Is that not incredible?? ❤

[@janjan12646]

How timeless is this song ❤

[@wtgardner6914]

This song was written by Mac Davis. He was a singer and actor in his own right, but I think the song really touched something in Elvis and he wanted to record it.

[@mothermaclean]

He grew up in poverty when he made it he braught graceland and he braught his family in and helpped them. He was very close to his mother

[@gaylejideofor6198]

1969 "In the Ghetto" (originally titled "The Vicious Circle") is a 1969 song written by Mac Davis and recorded by Elvis Presley.

[@mariakawiti4508]

I was 15yrs old when I first heard Elvis's 'In The Ghetto'. As Jehovah's Witness back then, Elders in the congregation forbid us to watch, listen, 'Idolize' Elvis and other 'unhealthy' Artists'...Us teen's had transistor radios and we would take walks away from our homes, meet up and listen to Elvis Presley, Gladys Knight and The Pips and other hot artists, where our parents wouldn't know where to find us..we'd dance too. EX JW for 30yrs now, took my three sons with me, my husband stayed JW and divorced me for leaving..."The Faith!!!" I didn't believe nor tolerate abuse either. I have no regrets and my sons are grateful I saved them from being bullied being Darker Skinned, 'Black' they were called, "Your mother is a "Golliwog!!!" I didn't know what a Golliwog was till I saw one in a toy shop one day and I thought "She, Golliwog was so beautiful and I bought her!!" Maori from New Zealand!!!

[@ajiscool615]

Elvis was a truly blessed & troubled soul. Soooooooo good. Keep on Rocking! ☮️🎶✝️

[@chrislevine4569]

He grew up in a very poor section mostly populated by people that look like you. He was inspired by the music he heard growing up including gospel music. His father was present in his life but spent 8 months in prison for check fraud.

[@juliesmith5211]

@BlackPegasusraps One of best friends uncle wrote this… his name is Mac Davis!! He passed away in 2020 at the age of 78.. He was famous for singing It’s Hard To Be Humble, great song plus very funny!

[@mastersoomatai2101]

Yep. I was born poor too. I do alright now, but I can relate. This is still happening to people everywhere.

[@frankhickey8089]

Elvis is from Tupelo Mississippi. He is singing from the heart.

[@janetclaireSays]

Mac Davis wrote it, but Elvis really wanted to sing it and defied his manager to do it. And yes, Elvis was from the ghetto. Not Chicago - Tupelo, Mississippi.

[@vickiwright2262]

I know this song from when it first came out. I still cry every time I hear it how many years later.

[@rosecarr7956]

Elvis felt he was given success to help people. Whatever poor decisions he made in his personal life his heart was pure and generous, and he adored his fans. His voice, his true talent, his showmanship were awesome. Oh, and his devastating good looks doesn't hurt. ❤

[@Sissysuez]

As you read the comments you see Elvis new the ghetto all to well!!!

[@tapsa412]

There is no better than this man!!!♥️♥️♥️🇫🇮

[@marymontesa5157]

While not born in a ghetto, Elvis was born in abject poverty in Mississppi. His Gospel music is phenomenal! You're right about fatherless families. The Johnson administration created the current welfare system that has basically led to generational poverty and this vicious circle Elvis was singing about 50 YEARS ago. Today's society sees fathers as expendable and we''re beginning to move toward the same mindset as far as mothers.

[@86billionneurons]

August 16th 1977. I will never forget coming home from school (U.K) 8 years old and opening the back door to our garden and looking up to a window of our house, and my mum was looking out of the window crying, and I said, "What's the matter mum?" And she looked down at me with rivers of tears and said with a broken voice, "Elvis is died!" My mum loved him and always played Elvis's music on our record player. Only 42 years old, but an amazing legacy left behind.

[@rustyharvey4557]

50+ yrs later the cycle continues. I love Elvis. Thank you for your reacting to this song.

[@Butterflyandhearts95]

Yeah Mac Davis! I’m from Lubbock Texas. You should listen to Mac Davis’s It’s Hard To Be Humble.

[@claudettemalespina60]

Elvis was born and raised in the poorest part of Tennessee. He grew and attended Baptist Black church. His love for all people was spread through his generosity to those less fortunate. As he gave more behind the scenes than anyone knows. He was here to help heal humanity and they took him from us. The same way they took Michael Jackson, and Prince. The controllers of this planet don't want peace. We as humans have to stand together against it. Love to everyone. 💓💗💖🎶🎼🎶

[@conniefarmer3557]

Serious reaction. Thanks for being real. Elvis was as antiracisst as most of us are. Stay true.

[@aingealtara1479]

.. The song was written by Mac Davies, recorded by Elvis and released in 1969.. Elvis was born in a 2 room cabin build by his father in Tupelo, Mississippi 1935, and moved to Memphis when he was 13..

[@Tessie46255]

Yes, Elvis grew up in extreme poverty.

[@mmckenzie8085]

I was 12 when this was released. It was my favourite Elvis song growing up. It was such a sad song and one that made me think. So glad you reacted to it.

[@julianginniver5785]

you need to watch the video of the Elvis' comeback special where he sings the song, If I can Dream following the death of Martin Luther King Jr

[@pamelajohnson1931]

Love my Elvis Presley. I was 9 yrs old and blessed to get to see him April 18th 1972 in San Antonio Texas❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Danny_R_]

This is such a good song. Elvis is not necessarily what i listen too but iv had this song on my playlist.

[@angierucinski5694]

This song was originally called "The Circle". Back in the 1960s, artists toured the US so although Mac Davis was a white, country artist it's quite possible he visited Chicago at some point or maybe the word Chicago fit his lyrics rather than Lubbock? Either way, he penned a truly great song whose issues still haven't been addressed. Thank you for your reaction and for spotting The Circle. Love from London 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@jobydogwhisperer4163]

He was and is the best. I saw him many times and meet him in Hawaii. He just had the it factor. The 68 comeback special is my favorite. The songs are all great.