ELVIS PRESLEY IN THE GHETTO REACTION - INTERESTING?? RAH REACTS

Whats good everyone, this is me reacting to ELVIS PRESLEY IN THE GHETTO Make sure to like, sub and share!
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[@ianraymondback]

Elvis grew up in the same ghetto as the black people that's why he's totally the right person to sing that song and you should listen to his song, walk a mile in my shoes.

[@Norwegian733]

Elvis grew up in a poor neighbourhood with mostly black folks and got his inspiration from there. The music inspiration came espcially from "black churches" he attended to and was singing with them. And he had every right to use the influence as he grew up with it. He lived it. People saying he "stole" black folks music is the true racists as the *only reason* they say that is because the colour of Elvis`skin. Btw, he changed and fused R&B with country and other stuff and made a totally new sound.

[@skm56bennett]

He was a ring leader in trying to prevent racism. He also grew up in a very very poor place, sang in the black churches. He's knows how the ghetto was/is. An awesome person as well as singer.

[@williamquinlan2193]

One of the neighborhoods Elvis's family had to move to when he was around 10 was populated by mostly black families. Elvis was the only white kid there and his main friend said the Presleys were looked down upon worse than anyone. The family of this friend treated Elvis well. Elvis never forgot. At the same time Elvis was aware of the difficulties African-Americans faced. During his movie years Elvis's co-workers remarked that Elvis said if it wasn't for black people he would've starved because they took him in for dinner when he had little. Because of that he said he'd rather do 10 times for a black man than once for a white. A costar of one of Elvis's movies, Nancy Sinatra, called Presley to congratulate him when his daughter was born. She said he sounded despondent and Nancy asked why. Elvis said it bothered him that his child would want for nothing but there was a disproportionate amount of black infants who had no such hope. To solve an issue in society everyone needs to help. Maybe Elvis thought the look of another face would make people aware. As he sang,"do we simply turn our heads and look the other way?"

[@RAHONLYFAM]

Thanks for watching!! Like/Sub I will be watching Elvis & The Black Community next!

[@CrashCourseFarm]

Rah . I love your honest response. Maybe Elvis wasn't the right person for this song, but he was the only person trying to highlight what was happening during this time. Check out this song ... it's in honor of MLK . kzbin.info/www/bejne/q17TgZKaeMqhgKM

[@huskerchickmissy]

Make sure you do Part 1 and 2 the second half is the best part.

[@TheSonya9199]

Elvis loved everyone, treated everyone with respect regardless of race.. when you continue down the Elvis Rabbit hole you will be hooked by not just his songs but by his treatment of people.. great reaction. Honesty is always best. God Bless

[@jeantracy8273]

Thank you for your honesty! Respect and openness is everything! You deserve your opinion always! Talking about this is everything! I will tell you my experience when it came out! I was very surprised also! He never sang anything like this! I did not know anything about his background either! Anyway, as a teenager I loved it because it talked about we as people should not look the other way and ignore it! I found out latter the story behind it...Mac Davis wrote about the cycle of poverty and tried to come up with a name. Also, no one wanted to sing this song because of the controversy it might cause! It was brought to Elvis because of his background of poverty...he new what it was like! His manager & RCA were against it. Elvis, usually listened to them...this was something he stuck his neck on! Finally stood up to Tom Parker (manager) and the big wigs at RCA! Believe me as a fan...this man is humble, loving...almost to a fault! I love that he stood up to these people that were always trying to hold him back. Anyway, he went for it...went to the studio and said I am singing this!! I have listened to Mac Davis talk about it on video. Thank you again!

[@stevepomeroy-rockin-pa-realtor]

Another piece of the puzzle is that he used to cross the tracks (without his parents knowing) and sing in black baptist churches as a young boy and straight through into high school same thing. So his culture was so different. His experiences even more unique. Living in a 2 room shack his father had to build was how he started out. Then he "UPGRADED" into the projects. Not much of an upgrade, they were dirt poor and he grew up in white and black ghettos. Just a very unique upbringing which gave him insight how different types of people lived. His surrounding were very racist in that period. Very dangerous. And he played the music on the streets back then, and brought the Church with him in his soul. Very unique character that tore barriers down and broke records that may never be broken again.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

really! what barriers did he break down?

[@marlon-jl4ge]

How about the circus, zappa fan

[@DarkSkies72]

They don’t call him “The King” for nothing. He’s still the best singer/artist of the 20th century. There will NEVER be another Elvis Presley, as a man or a singer. He truly was THE BEST. #RIPElvisPresley 🙏🏼

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

Elvis grew up in the projects. He knew what he was talking about. Elvis also cried for two days when he heard that MLK had been murdered.

[@vintvarner16]

And he was so ashamed it happened in Memphis, he thought that this only reaffirmined the negative vibe in the South because of racism

[@ashleyfletcher5044]

He never said a color. And I’m white and grew up in the ghetto or also in poverty. Don’t get me wrong I’m not coming from an ill place. And Elvis was one of a kind, he wasn’t going to do this show nor many others due to the places not wanting his back up singers to accompany him. One of those women were Whitney Houston’s mother. If you want to dig into Elvis watch Elvis in the black community. His home was in the Tupelo a very poor place. Two rooms, dirt floors his father built it for $150. Even when he made it big he bought Graceland and it was 2 blocks away from one of Memphis poorest neighborhoods. Didn’t forget his roots. Please again watch Elvis in the black community. Thanks for the reaction

[@RJsStudio131]

Whitney’s mother Cissy had left the band before this show. She only sang with him in August 1969

[@shaunrussell5877]

I'm a massive elvis fan and being white never actually looked at this song that way. Totally agree with your opinion friend 👍. But Elvis was as poor as hell as a child. His dad went to prison because he tried to cash a forged 5 dollar pay check. He owed so much to the black community and knew what being dirt poor was hopefully him singing this song may have helped a few people in a shit position. In the 70s when he was touring he booked rooms for him and his band. The hotel told him he could have the rooms but the black members of his band couldn't stay. So he basically told them to fuck themselves and went elsewhere. Man was a legend so much more to him than people think. Love and respect from England

[@lorisutton5267]

Hey, you need to know what you're talking about when you react to a video. Elvis grew up in shagtown in Memphis and was the first entertainer break the racial barriers ever. He treated everyone with the same respect" his backup singers were the sweet inspirations, an all black female group who loved him always, watch the Elvis reaction in the black community and then I'll listen to your comments, don't mess with Elvis!!!!!!

[@1980bwc]

You tell this man he needs to know what he is talking about, but you need to take your own advice. "Shagtown" in Memphis??? No such place. He lived in a place called Shake Rag, and that wasnt in Memphis. It was in Tupelo, Mississippi. He didnt move to Memphis until he was 14, and there is, nor ever has there been any place called "Shagtown" there.

[@jfterrell]

@@1980bwc 12

[@joannedungan8381]

He did his job because he made you feel a way. Music should make you feel something be it good or bad. Elvis was a master of interpretation of a song.

[@guyturbide6348]

🇨🇦✌ I am a 61 year old French Canadian First Tanks for your honesty and open your self to us Yep Elvis wasn't born and raised with a silver spoon And didn't have a easy life He made him self The King by hard works Of course he was not perfect he was human Pain and rain was part of is life But by a outsider you can't not tell He died trying to kill that pain R.I.P MY FAVORITE SONG BY ELVIS 1 American trilogy 2 The wonders of you 3 you gave me a mountain 4 Cold Kentucky Rain 5 6 7 ... And more for you to explore Keep your open mind and desire for discovering new song for you Great music has no color No frontier and it's timeless Keep the good work ✌

[@JIMMYDIANO]

Yes, Elvis And The Black Community. Gives you a sense of the man. I think you will be touched by it. Love you man.

[@mikem957]

Definitely. That mini documentary is eye opening to the real Elvis.

[@jimdavis8864]

Elvis spent his last days memorizing MLK jr speeches. He was FAR from being a racist.

[@Dorakaz1]

His backup singers were black , even the lady that was cooking for him was black. If someone is interested to understand what Elvis was, he can search and then he will realize that Elvis didn't see colours.

[@haro82]

It's cool you gave it another shot. I think it was great he did this song. He was so big at the time that no other artist could have gotten that message out to as many people as elvis at that time.

[@wvob6752]

Interesting? Mac Davis a country singer wrote this song. Whitney Houston's mother was one of his female backup singers.

[@RJsStudio131]

Cissy Houston had left the band the year before this performance. She only sang with in Aug 1969 engagement.

[@mikem957]

Cissy Houston was Elvis' backup singer. Not Mac Davis'.

[@lisaray9944]

EP Goat .... Elvis and the Black Community the echo will never die .... will help you Understand a little more about Elvis for sure ... love your honesty and knowing your truth ....

[@Gooneress]

At the time, Sammy Davis Jr was offered In The Ghetto but he turned it down and although I love Sammy, I just don't think his voice would've given this song the gravitas and emotion that it has thanks to Elvis. But even Elvis hesitated about recording In The Ghetto at first but once he committed, he gave it 100%, going through 23 takes before he felt he had it right. Imagine you're back in 1969 and one of the biggest stars on the planet - a star who'd recorded a good deal of crappy movie songs in the 1960s like Yoga Is As Yoga Does - comes out with a socially conscious song about the horrendous cycle of poverty and crime. It must have been mind-blowing. Really appreciate your decision to revisit the song and give it another look. This is a sign that you are open-minded and willing to look at things from all sides. A very enlightening reaction. Thanks.

[@christinebmorel5853]

Mac Davis, wrote it for Elvis, he Sang it with so much passion because he was born dirt poor in tupelo ms.and he never forgot his Roots and his parents.move to Memphis Tennessee and they were living in public housing when he was 14 years old and then he became famous and his best friends were black james Brown, Jackie Wilson,Sammie davis Jr, Mohammed Ali, Eddie murphy, called him their best friend.Rip GOAT, ❤💯⚡ TCBTLC ⚡☝🇵🇷🇺🇸 thanks for sharing God bless you, please be safe and careful stay healthy 😷🤒 and your family.🎸🎵🎼🎶

[@mahon0074]

My Top 5 Elvis Tracks- Promised Land, Way Down, Solitaire, Suspicious Minds, Mary In The Morning. This song, In The Ghetto, a timeless performance from the heart. Please react to the studio recording. E.P. - G.O.A.T.

[@edwarddoddy2130]

The fact that so many during that period could easily turn blind eyes on difficult times for people and he made it front and center for it not to go unnoticed, Regardless of how others felt about it.

[@stevemurray7020]

36 Maphia did a great re mix of this song using Elvis voice in parts of it. Havent seen anyone react to that version yet.

[@joannmachado3125]

I was raised in the Getto....They just call it a Reservation. Much ♥️ for the reaction✌️

[@Chris-kj7de]

I get what you're saying about feeling uncomfortable having Elvis singing this song. Yet, Elvis was the only one who was able to give this message to the white community over 50 years ago. He wanted to highlight the pain and suffering in the ghetto that was being ignored. After watching "Elvis Presley and the Black Community" I think you'll feel differently. Appreciate you keeping it real, bro.

[@justkim5719]

Thank you for your honesty. You put a message out yourself and explained it well. We all need to learn and understand, that’s what stops the ignorance. Again thank you for your honesty, much respect for that.

[@cindymartin8049]

When Elvis first came out, the Radio stations refused to play it, so he went where they would, so he lived in Chicago

[@donaldvidrine9868]

Elvis was raised in extreme poverty .If I could dream a tribute to MLK .There is a video about the black community.he sang Gospel songs in a black church and was very good friends with the pastor.Gospel song How Great Thou Are .you have me a mountain.crawfish song from movie King Creole.

[@jimellerman5686]

Thanks for your humbled reaction this time around. EP would have given you a thumbs up for this reaction.

[@ejtappan1802]

I truly appreciate your honest reaction on this! I think you have a right to feel awkward about certain things.. It might help it sit a little more easy with you if you keep in mind that in the late 60s and early 70s is when black Americans were seeking to get their voices heard. Trying to be able to end segregation. Trying not to get lynched just for existing. And a huge demographic of whites fought that change. But a much larger percentage of whites felt that colored people should know their place and stay there!! So it really was a huge deal for Elvis to put out this song. It was honestly the only way many whites would have even heard it. I don't think a black performer would have been allowed. Period. I would like to suggest you give the recorded version of this a listen. It is so much more heartfelt and haunting than this live video, which I have never liked. Just so you know, I was in 6th grade when this song came out. A lot of other songs about peace and equality came out back then, too. Honestly, I g

[@ejtappan1802]

Grew up in white suburbs and had no clue about what was really going on elsewhere. But songs like this one helped Crack open the door a little, and make me think and ask questions, and pay more attention. So, I hope all this helps you place this song into a context that feels a little more comfortable in your thoughts.

[@johnleonselvisreviews3811]

Great reaction video. 'In The Ghetto' on was a song with a completely different premise and one which was completely out of the 'Elvis comfort zone' in that it was a protest song dealing with social injustice and not an area Elvis would normally venture. In spite of these reservations, Elvis recorded it on 20 January 1969 in American Sound Studios and it was a worldwide hit and remains one of his most critically acclaimed recordings. It was included in the Elvis live show from the first Vegas show on 31 July 1969 and would be sung at virtually every show for the next year, which incorporated the six shows at the Houston Astrodome and the Jan/Feb 70 Vegas engagement. It would only be performed a further six times thereafter, this solo appearance during August 70, at five shows during the September 70 tour and finally in Vegas at the midnight show on 19 February 1971.

[@carolyn_sm7182]

He was speaking from his heart and from his life experiences. He grew up living in the poorest area of Memphis. He sang this song to try to explain what its like to those that might not know. His intentions were sincere and heartfelt.

[@WatchingFromWork6636]

Mac Davis wrote this song, no one (literally not one artist) dared sing it for the masses. Elvis said he’d sing it. He wasn’t the first choice, he was the right one through, I think we can all agree with that.

[@josephmastando358]

He was born and raised in Tupelo , Mississippi Lived a very poor life. His father went to prison for writing bad checks. Then he moved to Memphis and still lived in a very poor area. React to IF I CAN DREAM LIVE 1968 comeback special in the white suit

[@cindyphifer970]

My man Elvis beautiful inside and out

[@johnandrews3151]

In The Ghetto was written by Mac Davis, who also grew up dirt poor.

[@shannonwhite3721]

Elvis sings a song called "Walk A Mile In My Shoes". It is spot on to what you're saying 💜

[@spanisheyes68]

The original song title is "Vicious Circle" it got changed to "In the Ghetto". Elvis always showed love and caring towards all his fellow men and women. He wanted people to open up their eyes and see the reality instead of turning their backs and ignoring it. He used his musical platform to get that message across to people. I can't think of another human being who could sing this song which was released in 1969 and still have people listening to it and discussing it in 2021, to me that's why he was the right person to sing this song and poverty doesn't have a colour poor is poor and Elvis was born dirt poor, he knew what it felt like to go without food. I would love you to check out Elvis singing If I Can Dream (white suit version) this is another message song, in which he sings "if I can dream of a better land where all my brothers walk hand in hand". Here is a clip of Mac Davis who wrote In the Ghetto explaining the inspiration behind the song..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXi2n4ech6-febs

[@kennethmcdonald9976]

I have to tell you that when Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississippi in 1935... the poor people (white and black) had it 100 times worse than poor people in 2021. Elvis was born in a 2 room shotgun shack, not a hospital. NO AC, running water, tv, modern appliances etc He was on the "wrong side of the tracks" which is today called a ghetto. Black and white who lived on the :wrong side of the tracks" near Shake Rag-poorest of the poor. He went to white and black churches and thats where he began singing. His mother and his religious beliefs taught him that all people were equal and he lived those teachings all of his life. Elvis family moved to Memphis in the late 1940s and they lived in rent controlled projects. He made his first record in 1954 "Thats Alright Mama" which in the late 1990s was voted the "Big bang of Rock and Roll" by 500 rock writers/critics. Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bo Diddily all had their first records out in 1955-a full year later. You mentioned that people could not know how you feel because "they would have to walk in your shoes to understand" well listen to the Elvis song "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" Other artists tried recording "In the Ghetto" and it went no where, but when Elvis recorded it against his managers wishes it became a huge hit. Elvis understood the song, and the feeling of being hopeless and poor....thinking you have no future. Elvis and the Black Community shows how the black artists felt about Elvis and how he felt about people of color.

[@lisaray9944]

Actually Sammy Davis Jr was asked to sing this song when Mac Davis wrote the song ... he said no he didn’t want to sing the song ..... he told Mac ask Elvis to sing it

[@gulumseruygun9428]

Thank you so much. l love this is song ♥️♥️👍

[@fidel2xl]

I'm Black as well, and actually love this song from Elvis. I've got no problem whatsoever with Elvis highlighting this issue. Also, just because highlighted this issue in a song, does not mean that multiple performers from other walks of life couldn't do the same as well...and yes, there were indeed other performers in the 1960s and 1970s etc who did highlight these types of issues. You have to understand that the music (especially the rock music) in the 1960s were very 'Socially Conscious' type of music --- many anti-war, peace-and-love, and Civil Rights type of music were made during that time, and it continued into the 1970s. (Btw, this was all before my time, but I know the history and the music of that era). Anyway, on another note, here's an interesting fact: One of the backup singers on stage with Elvis in that video, was Whitney Houston's mother.

[@Ftknox97]

I respect your opinion and most importantly I respect your conflicted emotions coming from this song. I wanted to share my opinion here because I'm not from a ghetto niether from the US, but this song really touches me as a human being. Whoever you are I think you can feel the pain even if you don't know where it's coming from, even if you can't really understand the feelings of people that went through all of this. In my case it has nothing to do with my own experience, but that line "are we too blind to see? Or do we turn our heads and look the other way", coming so early in the song hits who's watching from the other side like a train. The power of this song to me is that having a "white" guy saying this things in a society where most "white" people were living out of poverty and racism was widely spread makes people unable to ignore it. Elvis was criticized from the 50s for being a "white" man making "black music and manners" popular by the racist part of the country, but he loved music dancing and performing and kept going on. Aswell he loved people and so he choose to record this and perform it, because he knew people would be conflicted about it and start to talk, and talking it's the only way that people have to confront and eventually come together, which also was MLK dream that he supported (If I can dream) . That's my take.

[@mikecalderon5251]

I saw your first reaction. You're a big person for doing this. I love seeing this from you.

[@dorindas7330]

I appreciate your honesty and I don't think you are racist. There may have been more appropriate singers for this song, but none were willing to sing it. Elvis felt the message was too big not to sing it. You were willing to revisit this song and i think that is awesome. Feelings are neither right or wrong, they just are. Continue your journey 🤗

[@shirleycarr5387]

Could u react to elvis and the black community the echo will never die. Than u can get a better understanding of elvis.

[@kathyharze4308]

He was the only singer who would do it Sammy Davies Jr was offered it but he said he no and recommended Elvis in the song he doesn't mention colour he meant all ghettos around the world carry on learning about Elvis you will be surprised and your eyes will be opened even more to the Goat thank you 😷✌

[@phylisbreckenridge639]

He grew up poor and as a kid he sang in a black church. I 74 and still love him and he knows what he's talking about keep listening.

[@MouseGuardian]

I appreciate your fresh, perspective, man! Loved to hear your thoughts on all this! Anyways, here's my comment I usually drop to these reactions: Elvis said he wanted to sing more socially aware songs and he would never sing a song or act in another movie he didn’t believe in. Mac Davies had written the song with his black childhood friend in mind, his father's workfriend's kid, who lived in the poor part of town, and he didn’t understand, as a child, why it had to be like that. Mac Davies said this was when the word ghetto was beginning to be a thing and a word that described that. He showed it to Elvis and Elvis said Yes! This is my song! Elvis also was told, when he was going to some cities, "leave the colored girls behind"(Whitney Houston’s mom and her band). He said, "well, then I’m not comming". They had to change their minds of course. As a kid he went to black churches to hear and sing the gospel. I hate the racist rumor that some people seem to cling on to...

[@kevinr8431]

Wow, you actually have a reaction! Awesome. I watched you for the first time - so many other channels just play a song and then say “see you next week”. Great reaction. Elvis sang what he felt, he was heartfelt and loved people and had a generous heart so he sang the song as he felt it. He wanted to help people through his music. I understand how you feel and like you said, he did grow up poor - so I guess he could relate. The song must have spoke something to him to record it.

[@janstein3857]

I am glad he did it! He was ahead of his time!

[@carlajohnson9182]

I respect your opinion i was raised to not see color but to love people for who they are an both black an white people live in the ghetto an Elvis was one of the people that grew up in the ghetto an he never forgot where he came from an always gave back through out his career an even the rap group (Three six mafia) use this song an remixed it an even used Elvis singing in it, if you watch Elvis an the black community you will see it in there

[@grahammalcolm7130]

The original title was The Vicious circle so it was about the poor white or black . Mac Davis wrote it . You must watch Elvis and the black community its an eye opener. Lots of black artists could have sang it but no one could have the same impact as he did

[@jonathanaldecoa1099]

Great video reactions brother!!! Peace here, from LA❤️🕺

[@RJsStudio131]

Enjoyed your reaction.

[@vintagehouliganc8997]

It is because you arn't looking at his heart but only his color.... his greatest inspirations came from the black community,,, from gospel to the blues.. Memphis was his training ground and he had many black friends both personally and professionally. He broke down barriers so everyone could pass through. He was blinging before bling was a thing... What you may be missing is this song was not written by him. Elvis didn't write music. Mac Davis did. Elvis personally picked this song because it spoke to him and his love for all of humanity. I believe his "handlers" didn't think it was a good idea for him to produce this record... apparently he felt it was important and it was a message that he personally wanted to relay to the world because thats who heard it... the entire world. Accept it at face value... as it is sung... not as the color of the man singing. It is unfortunate that your eyes see his color. Colors should never be placed in boxes with only certain people being able to understand certain things because someone isn't the right color. Musically, nothing should be off limits if you are touched by something. This world is full of people who are compassionate to the trials of others, regardless of color... and are deeply and permanently affected. As a young boy, he saw poverty of black people and white people... he lived it. His father did time for stealing to support his family. I hope you really do learn more about this legend. Better yet, visit Graceland in Memphis.

[@sallyramirez5980]

Ur feelings are valid. I completely understand where U are coming from. Much love hon ✌

[@ricknbacker5626]

The one constant thread (from Elvis's upbringing in the 1930''s and 1940's on up to todays poor areas) is poverty. Whether it's called the ghetto, the slums, the projects, the tracks, its still the same. The cycle of poverty and the conditions inherent to it .Your continued self evaluation will serve you well RR. It is healthy and the sign of an open mind. Very laudable characteristics. Your trepidation about Elvis singing these words is not remotely racist. It comes from a deep held cultural point of view, I think that is completely understandable. God luck to you and your channel, RNB

[@tammybiddle7115]

Kudos to you for doing your research.

[@lynneclarke4866]

I'm glad you have given this song another chance and if it has made you want to do more research on Elvis I would say please do. More understanding of Elvis would really help. I look forward to seeing more reactions of him. Elvis and the black community is a good place for you to start.

[@timgray3790]

He grew up in the ghetto. He admired MLK. He went to black churches. He’s best friends we’re black. Back in this time the ghetto was simply a place where poor people lived. I don’t know the negative connotations of the word ghetto even today. I grew up in the ghetto in Detroit and I’m white and then moved to eastern Kentucky. You want to see poor, go there. And there are negative words used about them as well. Hillbillies. But it’s the same. Generations trapped in a cycle of being poor and government safety nets. Elvis sings this and “if I can dream” from the heart and from personal experience. It’s his life with this song. “If I can dream” he had written to honor MLK because he was a strong supporter and admirer of him. But yeah, check out the documentaries. At first the only radio stations that played his music was black stations. One of his backup singers was Whitney Houston’s mom and she admired him. Chick Berry said Elvis was the greatest and there was one greater before, during, and never will be one greater after him. But again as far as ghetto, back then it was where poor people, white and black lived. Poor in money, rich in spirit. Then as in today though, kids think happiness lies in money. That’s where the desperation Elvis speaks of comes from. Per ratio, I bet there are more sad rich people than poor people. You also need to understand history. The times then were a hundred times worse than today, especially in the south. But for some reason it’s gotten worse in large liberal cities. Strange but true. Anyway, much love and hope you dig in deeper to not only Elvis but also the overall picture of where MLK has brought this nation. Are we there yet? No but it’s no where even close to the 1960’s. And that is the place Elvis is coming from and for a white man then to sing a song like this then, he put not only his career on the line but also his life.

[@angm4184]

I just came across your channel today while listening to RATM. Elvis recorded a lot of gospel music he was very soulful! I am enjoying your reactions!

[@terrygarcia897]

Man just being honest is ok with all of us. Keep on rocking. TX

[@robertmatsuo741]

the child's color is never mentioned in the song. Mac Davis wrote the song probably referring to the ghetto where he lived. i think if anybody else recorded the song at that time it wouldn't have been as powerful.

[@pauljansen1137]

good evening from Amsterdam Rah!! if you are doing Elvis...perhaps "Suspicious Minds" is an option?

[@RAHONLYFAM]

Check out "rah reacts suspicious minds "

[@pauljansen1137]

@@RAHONLYFAM you did? I don't see that one in your playlist....

[@RAHONLYFAM]

@@pauljansen1137 definitely search it it will pop up

[@pauljansen1137]

@@RAHONLYFAM found it...thanks my man!!

[@RAHONLYFAM]

@@pauljansen1137 no doubt bro

[@Pink13F]

He can understand because he was raised and a black community to end poverty do you understand that part when you take out the color and look at Humanity Elvis new and he loved black people as much as he loved White and his mama was very dear to him so this is a very deep song for him cuz he can relate not because of the color of our skins because of how we grew up in the way we grew up everything is not so just black and white it's complicated because I'm a mixed girl who grew up in a black neighborhood and I can understand exactly what this man is talking about and he has a passion and love that no one would ever understand that's why he can express it in a way and maybe some of us can appreciate that but I can

[@Rdeetz43]

Not sure if it was considered a ghetto, but Elvis was born in a 2 room shack. There was no running water or electricity, and the only heat was from a wood burning stove. This song was released in 1969 not long after the Watts riots. Pretty courageous of him to not only release this as a single, but regularly perform it during his live shows.

[@froggergypsy4596]

Dont apologize for not knowing. I do know how it feels im leaving it at that. But as we get older we understand the world better cause we see so much more in life. You dont need to explain yourself.

[@theman6204]

Hey bud great reaction, there's a great 12 part mini series of how Elvis got his start you can binge watch on KZbin, it's called Good Rockin Tonight. It was produced by Priscilla Presley and the guy who portrays Elvis looks just like him. One of the best documentary mini series. Enjoy.

[@jayviviano109]

@Rah - Much respect. I get that. It makes sense. There's some artists that have done serious songs that made me question if they were the one that should have been the voice behind the message or if they came from a place of connection to what they were singing that I could appreciate. One thing I will say that you may find of interest is Elvis himself actually was thinking about people like you during this recording session. One of the people that was involved in all of that said Not only was there some white folks trying to talk Elvis out of doing this song, but on the other side of that, Elvis and a couple other people actually discussed the concern that there may be some from those communities that would question him being the one pushing this message. So I mean what you're saying, yeah, makes perfect sense, and Elvis would have felt you on this. A lot of people are not aware there was much deliberation and Elvis put a lot of thought into recording this or even if he should be the one recording it. As much as this song touched him and he connected with it strongly and believed in it, he had the concerns coming from both sides - (people not wanting him to do it , and others questioning him doing it). Finally it came down to the equivalent of him just going where his heart led him & letting the chips fall where they may.... hoping people just heard the message and could relate. but big UPS to you and I respect you for trying to explain.

[@angelatheriault8855]

Fair enough!

[@sharonporter7132]

Don't apologize for wanting to know more before you make a decision. That's smart. Most people your age don't know Elvis' background like we older people do. We were there as kids ourselves, when the disk jockeys broke his records because he sounded too black and swiveled his hips. They NEVER changed him even though he took a lot of heat for his career. And we fans stuck with him because we saw things differently that his older detractors.❤

[@rafehr1378]

Elvis was a veteran, "FREEDOM FIGHTER". He was told that he was welcome to stay at the hotel where he was going to perform, but his back-up singers, the crew would have to find another place to stay overnight. Elvis told management to "F" off. They stayed where he stayed, treated just like him. Doors he opened across America for Blacks or any color, "LEGEND". Things in the 1960s were Blacks can't EAT, DRINK, SLEEP, Be seen after "Sunset". This is what he fought. Look up James Brown's tribute to Elvis. Educate yourself about how long the fights been going on.

[@RJsStudio131]

That happened in Houston. I remember it being big news on how Elvis told them that they even were to ride in the Jeep him to the stage at the. Astrodome. Not sure if they did

[@rafehr1378]

@@RJsStudio131 They rode just like Elvis if I remember right.

[@RJsStudio131]

@@rafehr1378 yeah. I couldn’t remember whether they rode with him in the same Jeep or their own. Guess it was there own. Don’t think they could get them all in one Jeep. LOL. Just saw Elvis and the Black Community again and remember Myrna saying that they had a Blonde drive them. LOL Good for Elvis.

[@mikem957]

Elvis didn't have to do the song but he chose to as a way to bring attention to the subject and he used his platform to get it out. Elvis may have been white in skin, but was black in soul. Many black men who knew him said that about him.

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

Oh Elvis can talk about the ghetto. One doesn't have to be black to know the ghetto. Elvis lived in the projects. He was raised dirt poor. The song was written by Mac Davis for Elvis. Yeah man…thanks for keeping it real. No other way to be.

[@sallycook]

The song was offered to (black singer) Sammy Davis Jnr but he didn’t want to do it (not sure of his reason). Sammy was a close friend to Elvis and he suggested that Elvis should be the one to record it.

[@rong805]

The ghetto in Chicago is probably a step up from what he grew up in, in terms of living conditions, not so much the game violence aspect of it. He was born in Mississippi and was exposed to the black community by his friend Sam, and who was in a documentary and spoke about bringing Elvis around black areas of town as kids.

[@RAHKLASSIC]

quite interesting

[@ellavader4411]

Mac Davis wrote the song and Elvis was the only one who dared to record it. Elvis (and The Beatles) refused to perform for segregated audiences. The Beatles almost didn't perform to a sold-out crowd at Shea Stadium because promotors wanted it to be a segregated audience. Elvis did not accept any venues that would not allow his back-up singers.

[@thomaspgreen6302]

Tupelochannel has a interview with his childhood best friend Sam Bell, that and Mississippi Blues Trail Shake Rag community and Elvis, that explains how EP grew up. John Lee Hooker dedicated his song Tupelo to Elvis. I think he became friends with, offered to help out Johhny Bragg from the prisonaries. He never covered Walking in the rain.

[@historysmysteriesunveiled8043]

SPM ~ RUNAWAY - Side B / Screwed 🔩 #freethemex 🚁 #FreeSPM 🏚

[@elwray3506]

I think I have an idea where you´re coming from and I appreciate your honesty. That said, I have never lived in any type of ghetto, but from my imagination I suppose, they all feel the same for those on the inside. Poor and /or repressed people better have each others back (like Elvis did). No point in making a competition out of who´s off worst. Just my two cents. Keep going!

[@JeanneCulligan]

This song was offered to Sammy Davis Jr and he said he wasn't the person to deliver this but Elvis could.

[@brigittesaunders3943]

Can't remember who wrote the lyrics, but no performer would touch it. Even Elvis was being discourage from performing it. But as you see, he sang it anyway. He felt it should be sang. America was still smarting from the '67 race riots that happened in Detroit.

[@christinebmorel5853]

Mac Davis, wrote in the ghetto Elvis,sang it beautifully❤️ The GOAT 💯💋🙏 amen.

[@LadyShar]

Epgoat

[@carolynbifano]

This song was written by Mac Davis who's best childhood buddy lived in the Ghetto and when Elvis heard it he had to sing it. Elvis related to this song and added the "and his mama cried" piece to the song. Numerous artist turned down the song one being Sammie Davis Junior who did end up releasing it years after Elvis did.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Do you know why Sammy turned it down?

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Why only the question,where is the answer, zappa fan, hahahaha now dont disappoint me, 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Cuffsmaster]

I understand young man. IN his day he was the perfect one to deliver it because he was so famous.

[@31carrier]

When I was young by Eric Burdon

[@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia]

I am white. You have a right to know that. But I do understand what is irritating about the word "ghetto" in the 21st century. The meaning has changed! It IS something of a slur today. "You are so ghetto." That's a put-down today. In 1969, "ghetto" meant "'hood." Exact meaning. And Elvis grew up in the 'hood before that term was used. That's what is irritating. It has a new meaning, and not a pleasant one. There's also, among black people and also their white close friends, another term. "He is so 'country.'" I remember someone saying that about a friend of mine after meeting him, and it kinda pissed me off, because I felt - I *knew* it wasn't true and it wasn't a nice thing to say about my friend. Both individuals are black. But the guy, my friend, was someone I knew for 5 years. The other person was someone I only knew for a little while. That happened in 2002. It may be also outdated by now. Not sure. The meaning of the word "ghetto" has changed. It's been 52 years since he recorded it. Thank you for your honest reaction. It's actually very important to know this. I plan on doing a music critique channel soon so I need every bit of information. Because I'm a post-peak (younger) Boomer and thus older than dirt. Just a fact. Many thanks!

[@daviddickinson6440]

One thing that stands out to me never once does he mention race and I feel it's partly because he grew up the same and all races have their so-called ghetto. We all instantly assume black but by him keeping race out of it so many more people the grew up in that situation can relate to the song. I so appreciate your honesty loved listening to you you are a good open-minded man

[@cindycarey5800]

The thing you need to understand is that Elvis delivers this message because white people from that age in time didn’t care what black people or poor whites from the ghetto or poor neighborhoods were going through. Elvis cared about the treatment of all people and he did this song to try and open the eyes of people because they go on with their lives and raise their children to not believe in that we are all human that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and that the only way things will change is if start to recognize that and start acting that way . Honestly yes I’m a white woman but I lived in the projects for close to 10 years and I lived and breathed all the situations that come from the projects. I saw first hand what goes on there and because I am white I’ve seen both sides of the track and believe me when I say I understand. I have a daughter who is mixed and let me say this to you . I have had white people my own family that have treated me like I was just a piece of shit Because I chose to be friends with black people they have told me I turned against my own race but the thing they fail to understand is that it was them that turned against me . The projects accepted me without question have fed me and have had my back when my “people “ looked the other way . I was accepted like family and treated as such with those from the projects. I know it wasn’t easy for an outsider like myself to be accepted without curiosity of what the hell I was doing there . Many thought I was an undercover which they soon learned that kind of bs isn’t for me . A lot of whites have gone to the projects and changed who they start using drugs etc but I remained who I am yet I gave everyone respect, helped when I could. Some of the best people I’ve ever met are from the projects and most I would jump in front of a bullet for because they are my extended family . Back to the point some times it takes a white person to stand up and speak to get the point across . You know for yourself when a black person speaks out most whites are thinking “ they are just whining “ or “bitching and complaining “ you have to come from the projects and really be apart of it to understand what life is really like . The friendships I’ve made will always be with me and I would still do whatever I can for them and they would for me also . It’s not about a person finances or where they live . It’s about the fact that we have to stop labeling and just start loving one another despite any and all differences . So I can understand where you coming from and I hope I helped with this sorry for it being so long 😂I didn’t want to leave anything else

[@davel7159]

Heartfelt and honest reaction! The really pathetic thing is its 52 years after this song came out and things not only haven't changed (especially in Chicago), they're worse!

[@juliefox1743]

I loved BOTH of your honest reactions. I think maybe why it feels weird is because he is singing this song to complacent white folks. Sammy Davis jr recommended that elvis sing it. He said that white folks couldnt handle a black singer delivering the message but they *might* accept it from elvis.

[@ornellabarbaro3861]

Oh my dear, Elvis can definately talk about the Ghetto. Most of the people today don't know how much he went through to break barriers. If not Elvis,who and when and where and how???? That's right, research is needed for anyone to understand why White Elvis was the man who broke the glass ceiling for others to follow.

[@AWinkandSmile]

Elvis’s dad went to jail for trying to cash a bad check and his mom took in wash yo try to take in money. He grew up in hard times. Now if you listened their was no mention of the characters color. Chicago had been a tough town with all kind of ghettos! Italian Irish etc. they all grew up in ghettos. They gangs were from all kinds of races. This song was out there and no one wanted to record it including black artist. He took this on and other songs with messages.

[@marilyngrayson3285]

We all bleed red in the end

[@AWinkandSmile]

Your first reaction was harsh and I get it if you got the feeling it was just a song he sang. A lot of performers, some black, chose to pass on this record because it was too serious and deep. If he didnt do it then who? if not then when? It was a message song that had to be heard. He had the commitment and courage to do it and the clout as an artist to get it done despite push back from the industry and criticisim from those that actually had reverse racism feeling he wasnt the one to do it. what matters is he did it and with all good intention. Remember a ghetto refereed to ethnic of all kinds were people lived among their own to feel more unified. sadly sometimes their own take advantage of that and thats not just one race but all races, nationalities etc. poor isnt just what some people have to deal with and effects people of all kinds. Time to unify and help each other. enough is enough.