REAL STUFF! Elvis Presley | In The Ghetto | REACTION!

[@HarryReed-g5n]

Elvis was born and raised in the poorest part of Tupelo, Mississippi. He was immersed in the black and country culture of his time. He lived in the projects of Memphis, Tennessee until he became famous.

[@paulburrell7058]

So true, so true

[@tonyblair8797]

Yep. Never forgot his roots.

[@lorisutton5267]

Elvis felt every word he was singing , he was a little boy who grew up in the ghetto and he never forgot where he came from or how to treat others like his mama and Daddy raised him to be a good man and that is exactly why he is so Relevant today, 47yrs later and look at the impact he is still having on the world. Great reaction and thank you. TCB 1935

[@belinda35_77]

elvis was born into extreme poverty he came from nothing though he didn't write this he did have the courage to stand on that stage and bring awareness to it at a time when he was being discouraged/pressured from speaking on social unrest this is not long after mlk jr was assassinated and the civil rights movement was in progress elvis was a very loving man who cared deeply for his fellow man he spent his life in service of others and giving to the less fortunate please checkout "can't stop loving you" live 1972 its the other side of elvis showing his playful & fun nature thank you so much for bringing him to your ch happy elvis week 2024 to all my elvis friends!

[@sherylmcclure400]

Mac Davis ,wrote it ,but Elvis lived it ,grew up the poorest of the poor ,with black families ,he did not see color ,but Elvis never forgot where he came from keep going down that Elvis rabbit hole ,you won't be disappointed

[@theapavlou3030]

He saw colour, he saw the struggle and stood with Black artists and Black society which got him hatred on all sides. It took a white man to break the doors in for black artists, he did much more than anyone else at the time to open up new revenue streams for black songwriters

[@BetsyJonex-f6v]

The man that wrote the song wanted black artist Sammy Davis jr, to record it and Sammy said, I didn't grow up in a ghetto, but Elvis Presley did, so Mac Davis gave it to Elvis, and it was a smash. thanks. Be blessed, ps another great one is "Walk A Mile in My Shoes" Vegas 1970

[@hillsboroughguy]

Thank you for reacting to Elvis. Please react to "If I can Dream" which was his tribute to MLK and RFK

[@tlo3571]

Elvis had three very distinct music periods. 1950s: This is the period that rock and roll comes into the main stream. He was a major contributor to that. Suggested songs: Hound Dog or Don’t Be Cruel from the Ed Sullivan show. There are, also, some good clips from the Milton Berle Show. The choreographed number from the movie Jailhouse Rock. The song is the same as the title of the movie. Four movies were made during this time period. 1960s-1968. Elvis did not tour during this time. He concentrated on making movies. Songs: Bossa Nova, Come on Everybody. 27 movies were made in this time period. 1968: A pivotal moment in his musical career. Elvis does a tv Special. Originally entitled Elvis. Now it is commonly called the Comeback Special as it catapulted Elvis back into public eye. Anything from this special is great. 1969- 1977: Elvis goes back on tour and does two residencies per year in Las Vegas. He does a tv special telecast via satellite from Hawaii. Songs: My Way, Just Pretend, American Triology, Suspicious Minds, Burning Love. Always react to a live performance. He was an exceptional entertainer. Live performances will show this. Elvis recorded over 700 songs, so there is plenty to choose from. Some better than others. Elvis died August 16, 1977 at the age of 42. I subscribed due to the fact you are reacting to Elvis.

[@ruthanncrandall3978]

Elvis knew about the ghetto because he lived in the ghetto in Tupelo Mississippi.

[@deloresbennett2658]

Great reaction, check out elvis and the black community the echo well never die

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

why ? do the 3 0r 4 black artists that met Elvis, do they speak for the black community, or, are the 3 or 4 black artists the black community? pick one

[@weronikachylinska85]

​@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425there's always someone that wants to use faux racism. Pathetic. BLM are dead now

[@thejoketrader]

There is only one king.

[@tommycullen2850]

Elvis was born in the ghetto so he knows first hand when he sings this song what it's all about

[@Debikayz]

I’m so glad that you young folks are getting into our olde music and hearing the talent from decades ago. I’m 68 & have loved Elvis since I was a little kid. Beautiful soulful man

[@kerrypapworth1526]

Have you reacted to Elvis and the black community? This man was beyond great. 💕🇦🇺

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

tell me why he should?

[@lange6542]

The best erve ❤❤❤

[@cherylsemones6458]

Subbed for more Elvis... Please continue to go down the Elvis rabbit hole you will never be disappointed.

[@Bklynreau]

thank u!

[@southernrebel3303]

@ Bklynreau great reaction fren. PLEASE react to Elvis live “If I Can Dream ‘68 comeback special” the live version Elvis is in the WHITE SUIT! It’s amazing fren! Thanks for the great reaction!!

[@neraksirrah]

The song was written by Mac Davis BUT Elvis added the haunting line "and his mama cried". Mac loved it, we loved it and the rest is history as it was one of ELVIS greatest hits. I'm a ELVIS fan then, now and forever !!!❤

[@conniegordon2465]

Thank you for that information about Elvis adding that line to the song. I never knew that.

[@cwlindsey2881]

Subbed for Elvis……⚡️👑

[@kimberlystankiewicz7961]

I'm a new subscriber and LOVE ELVIS. I suggest Elvis and the black community and Elvis A Generous Heart. ❤

[@lmsossi6501]

Mac Davis wrote the song but couldn't get anyone to record it at that time. Elvis heard it and immediately wanted to record it, despite being warned by his people that it was too controversial and could end his career. It obviously didn't, but it was a brave move by him to take that chance. What's unusual is that the song is so sympathetic to the angry young man, even when he turns to crime "in desperation." The song also condemns society for looking the other way and not addressing poverty. The song resonated with Elvis because he was desperately poor as a child and had lived in ghettos and housing projects. The tragedy of the song is that the police shooting the young man is still a problem today.

[@theapavlou3030]

Not quite. The song was offered to Sammy Davis jr who said, I can't sing this, my childhood was privileged but Elvis lived this. And the tragedy is the cycle then begins again when another baby child is born... still we turn run our backs

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@theapavlou3030 And now it is time to tell the true story. Mac offered this to Sammy. Sammy said wtf is a white man doing giving a black man a song to sing about the ghetto? wtf does a white man know what it is like 1, to be black and 2, be a black man living in the ghetto? he then said "give it to that white boy Elvis"

[@MICKEY4356]

It's like a Church service. 👑

[@AmberB-xz4bi]

Love the hat!! Go Chiefs!!

[@Bklynreau]

Thank u!!!

[@Nana12172]

68 comeback (black leather suit) trying to get to you. (Always react to his live performances when possible.. shows him as he completely was!! ❤❤❤

[@Kathryne0816]

Elvis Presley, despite being the premier entertainer in the world, was VERY socially conscious. Over the course of his 20 year career, he helped raise millions of dollars for charities (in today's money), and gave away tens of millions of dollars of his own money. He very publicly stood against racial discrimination at a time when it could have destroyed his career. This song is very representative - his manager and his record label both warned him against recording/releasing this song, and Elvis basically told them to STFU. To learn more about Elvis, you would benefit by watching "Elvis and the Black Community" parts 1 and 2. I hope you will look more deeply into this man's life and music - you will come to love Elvis as we do.

[@depper]

Oh I subbed just now cuz you DEFINITELY deserve a NEW SUB from me for getting to ELVIS P. EP fans are very loyal, and I think you'd LOVE doing a deep dive into Elvis. He is so misunderstood. Man was SO GENEROUS to the poor. I think you should take the HISTORIC APPROACH to Elvis Presley after you do IF I CAN DREAM. Elvis was a SOCIAL ICON and a MUSIC ICON. The YOUTH Revolution of the 50s and the CIVIL RIGHTS Revolution of the 60s happened on Elvis watch, and he was an Icon of both movements, heavily influential BEHIND THE SCENES and earned a lot of respect from people such as Muhammad Ali (A devout Muslim Ali became very very close friends with Elvis, a devout Christian - this was a big deal at the time), James Brown (James was SO DEVASTATED at Elvis' wake that he would not move from Elvis' coffin for over 3 1/2 hours and had to be physically helped out of the room by his security detail), Jackie Wilson (one of the great dancers of all time, he was so tight with Elvis that his son stated that his father Jackie carried a signed photo of EP in his wallet every day of his life. Also, when Jackie had his tragic stage accident, Elvis paid ALL of his medical bills. Elvis paid them off until the day he died.) Elvis was different, and we are still learning of Elvis' generosity and love of ALL people. The TWO BEST VIDEOS to learn why the black community during Elvis' lifetime really liked him when he was alive I linked below. This is very important history ... often left out of too many discussions about Elvis in today's black community (at least before the new movie) and sadly not the stuff that they teach in high school history books. The people THAT KNEW ELVIS PERSONALLY of course KNEW THE TRUTH about Elvis, and what made him SO DIFFERENT from other white musicians of the day, and different than white people in general. #1 Recommendation: Elvis and the Black Community. A great collaboration of interviews by legends and historic figures in the black community discussing Elvis. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpWUoYutZqmgqaM #2 Recommendation: Just as important to watch. An amazing HISTORICAL interview with one of Elvis' first close friends, a black gentleman by the name of SAM BELL. Sadly Sam died soon after this interview. You'll learn more watching this one video than ANY ONE HOUR HISTORY CLASS you ever attended. The beginning of the new ELVIS MOVIE came from this very interview about LIFE in one of the first mixed (predominantly black) communities in America. Black and white boys playing TOGETHER -- didn't happen down in the segregated South in the 1930s and 40s -- it was very dangerous to life and limb for kids or adults. You don't want to miss this if you want the actual truth: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqOpdKyEgtuNjc0&t=

[@davidmccall4776]

Elvis didn't write 'In the Ghetto,' but he was born there, so he's singing the story of his humble beginnings. And better yet, he never forgot where he came from. RIP EAP BTW, love your hat. Go Chiefs!

[@objectiveobserver4278]

Elvis was way ahead of his time. What he said was happening so long ago is still.happening today. Sad. One would think we would know better now.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Elvis? you mean the songwriter.

[@fidel2xl]

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but one of the back-up singers on stage in the video is Whitney Houston's mother.

[@michellejackson6679]

Mac Davis wrote this song.. but in resonated with Elvis because he basically grew up in the Ghetto of Memphis.. his Daddy went to jail when he was like 2 yrs old for writing bad checks , I think, just to put food on the table. and his Mama had to rely on charity from the church after that. Elvis had an amazing voice but what made him better is that he felt what he was singing. Anyone with a good voice can sing a song.. but it's next level when you feel the song.

[@depper]

LEGENDARY SONG when NOONE was speaking on these issues, most especially white people. Even Sammy Davis wouldn't 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. Elvis was born in a one room SHACK ("shotgun home") with NO RUNNING WATER and NO ELECTRICITY. Elvis played and prayed with black children and families. His mother made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for his friends who were primarily black. Elvis called his friends' black parents and grandparents MR. and MRS. --- White folks down South never did that. Elvis was FAMILY in the black community he grew up in Tupelo Mississippi and Memphis Tennessee. See Elvis became so popular in later years that he became meme material, BUT THE MAN, no he was the exact opposite of those memes. One of the most historically important human beings that ever lived. NO entertainer was as brave as Elvis in this era. MLK got assassinated. John AND Robert Kennedy 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 "IN THE GHETTO" because of the then current racial and social tensions. Elvis' manager said not to touch social issues. Mac played it for Elvis and an RCA exec and Elvis turned to the RCA exec afterwards 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. So this was one of his major public statements on the issues of racism and poverty in America. But it wasn't his only statement. Elvis HIRED black musicians and PAID THEM well. AND, when they had trouble entering music venues because they were black Elvis intervened on their behalf. Elvis DEMANDED not only that the Sweet Inspirations must play with him at the venues but that venue owners and associates must treat them WITH THE SAME DIGNITY AND RESPECT that they treated HIM. This went a long way to ending the segregated black only entrances and bans that was a reality down south that black people were forced by law to adhere to. 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. NEXT RECOMMENDATION: Perhaps Elvis' BIGGEST & MOST ENDEARING statement on race, war, and human dignity and indignity. Elvis, a CIVIL RIGHTS PROPONENT, tributing Dr Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy who were both assassinated in public. A few months after the assassination, Elvis hits the airwaves to "speak" to a mourning nation: IF I CAN DREAM: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q17TgZKaeMqhgKM

[@CherylHughes-ts9jz]

Jailhouse Rock 🎉 Trying to Get to You 🎉 Don't Be Cruel 🎉

[@linnaeahansen4973]

subbed for flere Elvis reaktioner. ❤ En hilsen fra Denmark

[@tonyblair8797]

The City of Houston asked Elvis not to bring the black lady backup singers for the upcoming concert. Elvis told them that if they didn't come, then he won't come. Well, it was a successful concert and glady paraded the ladies.

[@annleffew3857]

IF I CAN DREAM WAS SO GREAT IT WAS HIS TRIBUTE TO MLK HE WAS SO UPSET WHEN HE WAS MURDERED AND U CAN FEEL HIS PAIN IN THAT SONG AND IF U REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF PERSON HE WAS PLEASE REACT TO THIS SONG AND THE ELVIS AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY U WILL SEE WHAT HE WAS ABOUT THANKS FOR REACTING TO ELVIS I'M A HUGE FAN OF HIS!

[@Tommysimonsen]

He did not write this, but I still believe he felt it. Ghettos been around globally since 1516, it`s not just a few people there understand.

[@sandramoore]

The song was written by country-pop singer and songwriter Mac Davis. Mac said his dad invited one of his black friends from work to come over and bring his son. The kids were about the same age and played together and struck up a friendship. I suspect it was a "white neighborhood" where Davis lived. As an adult Mac wrote the song. He first offered the song to Sammy Davis, Jr. (the black member of the rat pack). Sammy said he never lived that lifestyle. He said let Elvis sing it... he lived it.

[@WoodsWoman822]

🌿⚘️🌿⚘️🌿⚘️🌿⚘️🌿⚘️🌿⚘️🌿 Elvis Presley's "IF I CAN DREAM" kzbin.info/www/bejne/q17TgZKaeMqhgKMsi=8lxL-UbDFgk7A_ycx From his 68 Comeback Special, this was Elvis's Heartfelt and Powerful Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Jr, after his Assasination in Memphis Tennessee where Elvis Lived. It is Based on the message of MLK's "I Have A Dream" Speech, and was written for him with this in mind. It also honored the Memory of Robert F Kennedy, who was also Assasinated during the same time period. This was a Turbulent Time in America, 🇺🇸 with the Civil Rights Movement, Protests and Riots against Vietnam War and it seemed as if the Country was being torn apart and Elvis wanted to bring a Message of Hope and Unity to the Nation. "If I Can Dream" is at it's heart, a Human Rights Song.❤

[@tlo3571]

I remember that time well. I,also, remember sitting in front of the tv when he sang it.

[@lmoakes40]

Mac Davis wrote this song, but Elvis recorded it because Mac couldn't get a producer to touch it. Mac originally titled the song "the cycle." Sadly, this song is still true and relevant today.

[@chrisrobertson778]

Pay more attention to his expression and body language, he wasn’t singing a song he was delivering a heart felt message. Note that the shout at the end of the song was note musical it was a shout of anguish

[@brookehornback1896]

He is actually from the getto in Tupelo Mississippi.

[@wallflowerj6013]

Great reaction tyvm. I subbed

[@Bklynreau]

Thanks for the sub!

[@RubyGB]

Mac Davis wrote the song and took it to Sammy Davis Jr to record. Sammy told him that he couldn't do the song justice because he lived a totally different youth (he grew up performing in vaudeville). Sammy told Mac Davis to take the song to Elvis (who was friends with Sammy) because Elvis would do the song justice having grown up in poverty and the ghetto, had never forgotten where he came from, and understood the problem.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

And now it is time to tell the true story. Mac offered this to Sammy. Sammy said wtf is a white man doing giving a black man a song to sing about the ghetto? wtf does a white man know what it is like 1, to be black and 2, be a black man living in the ghetto? he then said "give it to that white boy Elvis"

[@mikesba]

Elvis was born and raised in poor neighborhoods that were predominantly black in Tupelo, Mississippi & Memphis, Tennessee. These were mostly black but included 10% to 20% white. This was in the 1930’s & 1940’s. Violence was not a significant problem; it was poverty. He interacted with blacks his age with race not being an issue. He sang Gospel in a Black Baptist church in Memphis. Search for “Elvis Presley and the Black Community - that echo will never die”.

[@davidfelton9953]

management around Elvis did'nt want him to record or release this...Elvis wanted to and pushed for it...

[@richardrocha1096]

Originally titled the vicious circle

[@jmiddleton7961]

The backup singer was Whitney Houston momma, Sissy.

[@Maggimae2367]

He grew up very poor in Mississippi. He understood because he lived it.

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Interestingly, one of the background singers in this song was Whitney Houston's mom.

[@maliacosio8702]

One of his back up singers was Cissy Houston Whitney Houston's mother

[@SheilaDavis-ju6gx]

❤

[@DBroncoman7]

Not once are the babies race mentioned, that's because poverty knows no bounds. It's a cycle that never ends. Great review, much love.

[@lynnlefevre-x5e]

Mac David, who wrote this song in the 60’s, was a white boy from Lubbock Texas. He couldn’t have written this song without knowing it and feeling it. The kind of environment has many places with many people in it. I’m so sorry.

[@DebraMaloney-s6z]

Mac Davis wrote this song

[@kimeichelberger5539]

I love that at no point in the song was race mentioned or alluded to

[@tinadurrell2943]

This was 60's remember he stuck his neck out 60 years ago!

[@GlendaEllsworth]

Elvis didn't write this song A man named Mac Davis a singer from the 70s wrote it. Beautiful song

[@CherylHughes-ts9jz]

Elvis and Eminem both grew up poor in black neighborhoods, and both got dissed for singing black music. Always gotta be haters ☮️

[@LouisLarsen-z6o]

Elvis came from poverty 😮😮😢🎉

[@jhamler1]

It's (not) funny that Elvis stole from black artists in order to appease the record labels but at the same time actually grew up living the lyrics that were written for him. In this particular song, anyway.