ELVIS Was Good In The Hood! ELVIS PRESLEY & The Black Community (REACTION)

[@nevin7094]

Elvis was born and grew up in the ghetto. His mother picked cotton and took Elvis in a baby basket and as a small child with her into the fields as she worked. In fact, Elvis's family was the poorest family in the ghetto neighborhood they lived in. His father was sent to jail, and other people in the ghetto used to give Elvis's mother food to feed him.. It's where he started eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches They made meals out of whatever they were given. Elvis never forgot

[@lesliedavis7061]

Two things you never forget kindness and hate

[@sissybushnell7959]

They lived across the tracks from the ghetto and if his mother picked cotton it’s because her husbands family grew it

[@kimberlybalogh4395]

Love Elvis he was a Good Man & Humanitarian who tried to bring us together. Respect Honor Amazing ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kateh.2327]

@nevin7094 agree n tho he became the biggest star in the world he seemed to maintain his manners and humbleness...sure he could come across as a not so decent man but I believe he never forgot what his mom n dad taught him..I think had Gladys lived he wouldn't have been such a womanizer/ cheater...I feel he was always looking for that pure love his parents gave him so frankly can't even fault him for being somewhat of a dog when it came to women...

[@claudeshells5480]

People don't know that when Jackie Wilson had his stoke, it was Elvis who paid for his bills at the nursing home until his death.

[@Gordan19758]

That's true

[@kateh.2327]

@@claudeshells5480 he helped many people during the course of his life....he never lost his generosity nor his compassion for people....famous or not..

[@46reno]

My Sister knew Elvis. He made no secret about loving black music, and gave the artists credit. He helped Jackie Wilson get popular. Hung with BB King. Read the book written by his black cook. She was treated like family.

[@francus7227]

My ER charge nurse in Florida code blue Elvis as the charge nurse of Memphis University Hospital..... We used to say,"Barb killed Elvis." She saw only the drug addicted waste of a human being side of Elvis.

[@rasyay]

Elvis was born and raised in the hood around blacks from birth

[@KittyCat-tw8jf]

Elvis had a twin brother, Jesse, who died at birth. He had no other siblings.

[@billhensley4265]

Elvis belonged to the world , Known all around the world by one name . ELVIS ,,

[@dannyshelton3298]

Elvis is the top selling solo artist of all time.

[@lixetmendoxa9889]

And didn't even have to leave the US!!

[@Laxhoop]

Fun fact: Elvis sang the song “If I can dream” despite being explicitly told not to by his producer. The song was a tribute to the then recently deceased Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

[@Migglefitch]

Yes. That is correct. Man I miss the old days when humanity worked together.

[@yo-fv8ok]

Amazing song

[@myowndrum286]

Right you are. They wanted him to do a Christmas carol or hymn. He stood his ground. This was the last song of the evening. I remember this performance. I'm pretty sure this was on the Andy Williams Christmas Special. I was just 10 or 11, so I could be misremembering. Also, I had already discovered Janis Joplin and The Mama's and Papa's. I was in for a wickedly good teenager and young adult life! Haha!

[@docjeffrey9149]

It was one of the few times that Elvis went against the colonel after doing the performance Elvis said and I quote I'm never going to make a movie I don't believe in I'll never record a song I don't believe in ever again he was so upset after the performance that he said in his dressing room 4 hours afterwards by his self

[@michellewilson481]

Elvis fought hard to make it where he made it to. He did not play around. Yes he was poor when he was young growing up but he went out of the way to prove to his parents he could do better and he did. Like I said I know I was there.

[@jerryflick7187]

Elvis, when he read about a poor African-American lady who was crippled and couldn't afford a wheelchair. He and Priscilla go and buy this lady an Electric wheelchair ( best on market) and personally deliver it to her house. Elvis then proceeds to pick the lady up ( who had no legs ), place her in the wheelchair all the while tears were streaming down his face. That's the kind of man Elvis Presley was folks!

[@mariahoulihan9483]

my Father didn;t have his money, obviously. I was girl guide in England in the sixties. One week I went on a forest camp helping out girl guides from a special school in the London area for physically and mentally challenged youngsters. I was allocated one litte girl to push around in her pushchair and we struck up a friendship. that week taught me loads about patience and taking others into account above my own needs. She told me endless stories that her Father in the Army and guarded the Queen King at Buckingham Palace, i was 13. she was around 11, I think. On the last day my famill arrived in the car to atke me home as we were all saying our goodbyes to our friends from the special residential school in London. I had gone over to speak to my parents who rremained in the car. The little girl wanted to meet my Father. not my Mother.. she had been very interested to hear my Dad was an Airman in the Royal Air Force, wanted to know all about his uniform and his work and what he was like. Was he nice.. Washe kind. she came over and I wheeled her to the drivers door. She said.. Are you Maria's Daddy? He said.. yes, darling, I am. and they held hands for ages. She told him the story of her Father being a guard for the queen. After lots of chat we parted ways and she waived us off. My dad couldn;t drive far before he broke down in tears. she was physically and mentally affected by her disabilities. He said, I hope her Father sees her often. i said. No Dad, its all a fantasy, she is an orphan, all alone with no family. he sobbed his heart out and we all joined him. We felt powerless really but I am glad my Dad had such a gentle heart for children and disabled ones that he was affected by that encounter. I said. Dad, I think you made her Day because ever since I started to tell her about you this week she wanted to know more and more stories and she whispered to me.. you have a nice Daddy, when I wheeled her in her chair back to the others to get on their transport home. She said. You are very lucky. Honestly, that was 54 years ago this summer. Good man Elvis and good man my handsome dad. We were brought up to help others in any way we could, not stare out of morbid, rude curiosity. I am close to needing a chair myself these days but fighting it all the way.

[@gailcalderone5229]

Yes and when Elvis and his friends left....one said E I don't think she knew who you are... Elvis replied ( She doesn't need to know she only needs to know someone care's) Beautiful

[@martinconde9537]

Now here is another part of that story when leaving the home after they deliver the wheelchair. One of Elvis's bodyguards looked at him and said I don't think she knows who you are. He said it doesn't matter all that matters is she knows somebody cares. Now that he's a legend

[@cakepudding3220]

Was you there to see it? If not then don’t lie😂

[@gailcalderone5229]

@@cakepudding3220 Were u there not to see it??? It's time for u to make your pudding...

[@MrDorothy2004]

Elvis changed music history

[@agatharoxie4739]

You said " I'm sorry Elvis, I was uneducated". Just goes to show how the media or anyone can start a rumor to divide us all...don't believe anything unless you've done the research for yourself, especially when it come to the character of another soul. Thanks for all the reactions, love watching!

[@jakewhitmore6046]

Exactly but all the clowns keep saying he took and stole everything from black people and musicians and didn’t do nothing for them. Those are the people that just talk and you shouldn’t be friends with

[@true1evanique]

@@jakewhitmore6046 Unenlightened souls make the most noise. Elvis and other artists that performed "black" music of that time, were agents in bringing that music to masses of people.

[@theduckfromthejoke152]

Uuh... I'm sorry too... dayum

[@davidloomis5840]

He was being sarcastic..just a douchebag.

[@DE-sf9sr]

As is said "never let facts get in the way of a good story"

[@equalityforall4175]

Elvis Loved Black people and so do I .

[@Krob039]

Elvis was born poor, but his mom loved gospel and he started singing for his mother in church.

[@TanyaField]

My Mama was from Tupelo, MS too and was always proud to share her home town with Elvis!

[@trishdaniel6196]

James Brown and Elvis was VERY GOOD Friends, and admired each others talents... James Brown was so moved by Elvis' death that he requested, and was allowed, time alone with Elvis as he lay in his coffin at Graceland. James Brown was also the first entertainer to arrive at Elvis' funeral. James Brown said of Elvis, "I wasn't just a fan, I was his brother.

[@wandachapman5838]

Elvis was raised in poverty. He and his parents moved to Memphis when he was about 13. They lived in Lauderdale Courts housing project. He knew what the ghetto was because he lived it.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

must have been hard for his mother picking cotton with Elvis on her back.

[@glenntownsend2588]

Imagine how much courage it took for Elvis to be Elvis

[@theapavlou3030]

He always doubted himself and feared noone would remember him. That powerhouse in black leather with the most insanely soulful voice that stopped you dead in your tracks, thought we wouldn't remember him. All that swag and confidence, talent and the looks of a GOD... had doubts. Crazy. Long live the King.

[@GhenAurwin]

especially with that pelvis

[@Cooljack906]

Elvis didn't like being called The king. He said There's only one king and that's Jesus Christ 🙏. He was a wonderful soul that God gifted us with for a short time ❤️

[@Sunny_dayz.]

He was a pedophile and abusive

[@abcxyz123]

Jesus would've been at least a socialist in modern times. I doubt he'd support the idea of being head of a kingdom😂

[@jessiem276]

@@abcxyz123 What are you going on about??

[@abcxyz123]

@@jessiem276 pretty much saying Elvis' Jesus the king angle was funny. But self-deprecating!

[@kayjackson8922]

Yes, Ma'am!

[@janet8418]

It was the Blues in Elvis’ voice that made his rock and roll so famous. Elvis was Color blind. He loved all people. He grew up poor and once lived in the projects so could relate.

[@terrygarcia897]

He's in the blues hall of fame

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

ELVIS HAD SOUL, LOVED BLACKS, AND WAS PERSECUTED FOR IT!😎

[@cindymccomb4531]

I don’t know what you’re trying to say but I don’t know a white woman that didn’t love ours as a child and now I am 63.5 years old, we all loved Elvis every time one of his movies came out my mom and the other neighborhood ladies would ground us kids up and take us to the drive-in and we were all white!!!

[@paigecat9104]

As a child in Tupelo, Elvis best friend was a black boy and they both went to the movies and sat together in the "Colored Section". When he went over to this same friend's house his grandparents were raising him and Elvis said to his black grandmother yes, ma'am no ma'am she smiled so happy at his respect because white folk at that time wasn't required to be respectful to anyone black.

[@charlottecrow96]

Elvis Presley was raised mostly black people and he learned how to play the guitar and sing and dance from some elderly black gentlemen . If you made it on the ed sullivan show you were in the business but the first time elvis presley was showed on TV ed's Silvan would not let him be showed but from the waist up because of his dancing.

[@LoNeroMusic]

Elvis has sold more than one BILLION albums worldwide. I love Michael Jackson but no one can touch Elvis.

[@valerieultramaga]

If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary. If you're not an Elvis fan, there's no way to explain him. Elvis was a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon that we will never see again. ELVIS has covered over 720 songs and it's said up to 800 songs. Elvis was the total package, looks, charisma, sex appeal, stage presence, and a voice like velvet . He crossed many barriers in his day; he appealed to men and women.

[@r.martin4752]

Amen ❤

[@bringbackcommonsense528]

well said

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Elvis was the great white hope to get the pure white American "virgin" daughters out of the black clubs. Nothing more and nothing less.

[@carlamarlene2927]

My husband had to be dragged through Graceland before he came to the light

[@valerieultramaga]

@@carlamarlene2927 well, at least he saw the light! Lol

[@LindaChambers-gy2zl]

Elvis and Michael are both incomparable, but of a different generation.

[@glenntownsend2588]

Aloha from Hawaii Elvis concert was viewed world wide by over 1.5 billion people. That has not been surpassed by any 3 events put together in television history

[@Shiryone]

I also heard his lifelong cook ( also a black lady) talk about how kind he was and how he bought her a house. He had a good heart.

[@dacryptkeeper6836]

"In the Ghetto" was written by Mac Davis! He originally wanted Sammy Davis, Jr. to perform the song, but Sammy said, What do I know about the ghetto? You need to take this song to Elvis!"

[@hillsboroughguy]

Thank you for reacting to Elvis. He was raised in a ghetto and was a wonderful person. It took a lot of guts for Elvis to take a stance back then and no other white artist even dared to do it. Elvis put his career at risk, but he did not care because he knew was right for all people.

[@JosephScott-ct9sw]

"no other white artist" Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, and other white bandleaders were hiring black musicians in the '40s. That's how Charlie Christian got famous, Goodman hired him.

[@abitofapickle6255]

​@@JosephScott-ct9sw Bob Dylan too

[@woodymeadows9363]

@@abitofapickle6255 Dylan came after Elvis.

[@bertsplci]

Elvis and MJ are incomparable. They are the GOATs in there own music type. Both are truly missed.

[@grahammalcolm7130]

Facts and I am an elvis fan for 40 years

[@hookedonreactions7649]

There’s a video comparing their dance moves and it’s rather interesting.

[@american244]

Lol no they just goats

[@emmahowells8334]

Absolutely.👌

[@nordello65]

No Elvis -- No MJackson

[@sandracredit2996]

Elvis Presley has sold over One BILLION records...He was one of the most caring and generous people that ever lived.

[@marybrant9586]

Elvis has sold over a billion. He's the highest selling solo artist ever....no one can touch him. He's still selling records

[@thesaintst1851]

So is MJ clown…🤦🏾‍♂️ Elvis 1.5 and MJ 1 billion.. that’s kinda close right? Go back to school 😂

[@Elvista]

2.5 billion and counting

[@Nana12172]

facts!

[@Lu-MingPan-b5w]

The Beatles sold way more and wrote their own songs. Elvis was mainly a cover singer.

[@natalygibson8367]

@@Lu-MingPan-b5wSOLO ARTIST

[@jayeginn5963]

Elvis Presley is still the best selling artist EVER in the history of popular music. Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a 2 room shack of a house his dad built with money he borrowed from his boss. That's how dirt poor they were. He was one half of identical twins; the other boy - Jesse Garon - was stillborn. They were so poor, that Jesse Garon was buried in a shoebox in an unmarked grave. At Graceland they have a plaque with his name on it in his memory. Elvis always got along with the black community and learned a lot about music from his friends of color. Also, according to the one drop rule, Elvis would not be considered white, since he has Cherokee ancestors on both the Smith (his mother) and the Presley (his father) sides of the family. His paternal grandfather, Jesse Dunning Presley, was not happy that his two sons, Elvis' father Vernon and his brother Vester, married two sisters, Gladys and Clettes who were known to have Cherokee blood in their family tree. J.D. Presley was quite the racist a-hole, often drunk and a philandering husband to Minnie Mae (they were actually separated long before they finally divorced in 1954) who was always competing with his sons Vester and Vernon and who was known to abuse his kids when drunk. J.D. was was publicly against race mixing and was in denial about the Cherokee blood in his own family tree. It was more publicly known that the Smith family had Native blood in their family tree, so when both his sons fell for 2 Smith sisters and Vernon, on top of that, was still a minor at 17 when he eloped with Gladys who was 4 years older than him, Jesse was totally pissed off. As a child, Elvis already had many friends in the black community at the time his family was one of 4 "white" families that lived in the predominantly black neighborhood The Hill, just across from Shake Rag. His childhood friend Sam Bell said that some of the (black) kids in that neighborhood had lighter skin than Elvis (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqOpdKyEgtuNjc0). One of Elvis' bodyguards once said that he thought it was a miracle Elvis got into Humes High School in Memphis, because it was "lily white". Elvis wanted to be more open about his Native ancestry, but his manager "colonel" Tom Parker (real name Andreas van Kuijk) was against it because he was afraid it might cost Elvis fans (and himself money). They did have Elvis play characters in his movies though where he had Native American blood (Flaming Star, G.I. Blues, Stay Away Joe). Once Elvis had his own (apprentice) job learning to be an electrician, he saved up his money and bought his clothes in the same style that many of his friends of color wore. He was called a (forgive me, just stating facts here) "n-lover" and got beaten up several times too. Later, when he was an established star, he would not perform at places where the members of color of his back-up band/orchestra weren't allowed.

[@isabelle317]

Great summary & read

[@corvussheperd8046]

"By the one drop rule", combined with evolutionary biology, nobody on earth would be considered "white". Not sure where we are going with this?

[@williamguillIII]

He was also born with Blonde hair and dyed it black, because he thought black hair fit him better. Elvis is my cousin.

[@jayeginn5963]

@@williamguillIII How far removed was he your cousin? He ceased to be blond in his teenage years, when his hair slowly got darker. Charlie Hodge said that his natural hair color in the army was chestnut brown (which can be seen in his movie Follow That Dream).

[@williamguillIII]

@@jayeginn5963 2x

[@carolgutierrez7479]

I'm German married a Mexican my 2 favorite singers , Elvis and Sam Cook. Listen to them DAILY 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊

[@terrygarcia897]

I was raised on Sam Cooke.

[@lyallg7925]

Elvis and Sam … 2 of my favourites…. both with gospel roots.

[@wendyryder2708]

You have VERY good taste!

[@kimsullivan9020]

Elvis didn’t want it to be “us” and them”. He wanted for everyone to be inclusive. Hopefully one day we’ll get there🙏!!!

[@bodigames]

As long as left wing extremists exists this day won’t come. All the left wing do is talk about race all the time.

[@raylewis2121]

Michael wanted the same.

[@raylewis2121]

@@bodigames you’ve been suckered by right wing reactionaries and racists into wasting your vote. MLK and Malcolm X would be ashamed. How many white Republican Super Bowl Parties have you been invited to? They laughin at you Bruh

[@PapeySapote]

@scroteymcboogerballs4699you’re a damn liar son

[@PapeySapote]

@@raylewis2121what is a white Republican super bowl party? 😂 stop

[@tcb7369]

Elvis didn't see color he saw brothers and sisters. Forever the King 👑

[@berniecioffoletti3398]

I hear that one!

[@shirleyywilson2719]

That's right people, Elvis faced major discrimination back in the day..message

[@kentjensen4504]

The guy apologizing to Elvis made me smile. Another great upload, guys.

[@paulasmith3179]

Elvis lived in a two room house it did not have running water. His father was sent to prison for six months when he a child. He lived in a area where there were only four white houses the rest were black, these were his friends. He did not see skin color and he never forgot where he came from. Thank you for taking the time to learn about the real Elvis.

[@michellewilson481]

This is not true. I was raised in Memphis right down the road from his beautiful mansion. Been inside it 4 times. He had it pretty good actually.

[@yeswe3939]

@@michellewilson481 THAT house was the one he bought for his mama AFTER he hit it big. He grew up in a two room shack without electricity, in a predominantly black neighborhood, in TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI!

[@calumbrown1388]

@@michellewilson481 after he got famous, before that he came from literally nothing...

[@paulasmith3179]

@@michellewilson481 Elvis bought his mansion named Graceland when he was a super star. The mansion is not where he grew up. He was born in Tupeo Missippi

[@BrianEscobar26]

@@michellewilson481 damn you stupid 🤣

[@Mary-bk2wj]

Elvis is in the Guinness Book of Records for selling more records than any other artist (solo or band), with 1.5+ billion worldwide.

[@getreal4real169]

I’ve always loved Elvis. His voice, swag and personality can’t be topped.

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

He was also the king of bling.

[@louisestevenson5102]

He was super well mannered

[@Lu-MingPan-b5w]

He was a pedophile, though.

[@skinnybuddha74]

Fun fact: The woman who told the story about the Superdome in Texas was Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston's mother. Her group, the Sweet Inspirations, sang with Elvis for years. They also sang with Aretha Franklin for many years.

[@Michelles222]

Sorry dear...that was not Cissy...it was one of the other girls in the Sweet Inspirations. Truly.

[@gorse9030]

@@Michelles222 Yep and someone on this thread commented on incorrect Elvis rumours - ironic the continued misinformation on or about him is never ending..

[@maryannturton9830]

Wow,that was Cissy Houston! She's gorgeous!

[@vickihughes5751]

@@maryannturton9830 That is not Cissy Houston.

[@marion_R]

Cissy sang a few weeks, I think in 1969, with Elvis and she loved it because it was good fun and good pay. I think she was 5 weeks with him then she wanted to take care of her children.

[@larserik8899]

People say Elvis stole from black culture, he was a product of black culture.

[@Souad3159]

Elvis Presley n'a rien volé il disait même qu'il ne voulait pas qu'on appelle le roi king... tout les noirs de l'époque l'aimaient...il a même présenté Mickaël Jackson avec ses frères lors d'un concert a Memphis en 1972 je pense Lisa Marie était présente avec le père d'Elvis Presley...il avait un groupe de chanteuse noires avec lui...ils les appelait les suprêmes..

[@elizabethsellors9046]

exactly the culture he grew up in the only culture he knew.

[@LindaTschiderer]

Yes he was ❤

[@MGB-302]

@@elizabethsellors9046: Elvis grew up in the country culture also. One of Elvis' first recordings was "Blue Moon of Kentucky" recorded in 1954.

[@MRCATL3]

Thanks Vladimir.

[@JD-to5bm]

Elvis is the GOAT. I didn’t care for him at first. But once I got my head out of my @$$ and really listened to him, I realized how amazing he was. Elvis was in the military for two years, and still sold a ton of albums. AND he didn’t have any other platforms to promote his music like the artist of today. Thanks for this reaction guys!

[@themajicman745]

He was the best white artist! Not meant to be a racist comment, but the truth.

[@overthewebb]

@@themajicman745 It's not a racist comment at all, but no need to bring race into, but if you are gonna bring race into it, name another artist at the time who made as many hit albums or singles? There were tons of amazing and I mean amazing black artists at that time, but none, had as many hits or remembered songs and it's nothing to do with race and it's not because their songs weren't liked as much due to race. Great songs would always top the charts no matter what race. Elvis had his background in singing Gospel music in a Black church in his poor neighbourhood, which was the ghetto, as he grew up there, so why bring race into it? Does music not get added to no matter the culture or race, take sampling of white artists or bands' songs with Black rap artists today which has been rife for decades, but nothing said about it

[@makingthecoin3647]

@@themajicman745 you will lose this one pretty easily sir magic man. Elvis doing covers of performers like the great Little Richard outsold them. He was like a tremendous machine. So you lose on the white performer. Hey where is the TROLLSTER WITH NO HOLSTER what's your valueless opinion on the magic man. Come on

[@themajicman745]

@@makingthecoin3647 You can never go by record sales, because whites represented 80 plus percent of the populace while blacks only represented 11 percent. About 10 percent of whites would buy black records and most blacks(Not all) didn't care that much about rock and roll back then.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@themajicman745 it is a racist comment.

[@sandrayoung3557]

Elvis is the GOAT!! He was 42 when he passed, R.I.P Elvis, but hes been gone 46 yrs this month and he's STILL relevant, talked about, movies made about his life still being made, songs written about him and his music still being used in commercials, T.V. shows and movies.....and to think he was afraid he'd be forgotten. If he only knew. Hopefully he does and is smiling down on us with that boyish yet supremely sexy grin of his!! ❤

[@dewaynethomas7729]

Yep Elvis bowed to Baphomet the goat god.

[@dharma__3]

@@dewaynethomas7729 No silly, YOU do.

[@dewaynethomas7729]

@@dharma__3 once upon a time that was True. I did every evil thing imaginable. Sex, drugs and rock and roll the music stole yo mommas' soul. But then I saw the light that Jesus Christ is King. Through HIS mercy and grace I changed directions.

[@dharma__3]

@@dewaynethomas7729 If that's really true, then you wouldn't attack Elvis with lies in a comment section, because that's evil and you're STILL doing it.

[@dewaynethomas7729]

@@dharma__3 didn't attack Elvis just told the truth. He bowed down to the Devil for fame and fortune. I saw some of his interviews where he was talking about a woman a groupie that he had sex with, and one of his crew said you know this is being recorded and instantly went into singing a gospel song. It was all about the fame fortune and women. Lust of the eye,lust of the flesh and the pride of life.

[@sharonvincent4238]

Elvis was the first singer to move around at all when he sang, and he was almost crucified for it. He paved the way for all the singers who sing and dance He loved gospel, blues, country, jazz, and rock.

[@arlenefisher1164]

Yes !!!!

[@thesaintst1851]

What are you TALKING ABOUT??? 😂😂😂😂 NUMEROUS black singers moved around WAY before Elvis you clown 😂😂😂 .. chubby checker.. little Richard.. get your facts straight

[@jamiemacdonald5203]

If you transported those people from that period to a Cardi B or Mylie Cyrus concert and they seen them perform I think their hearts would pop.

[@davidcoe9384]

ELVIS ... the kind of person who should be everyone's HERO

[@riseharris5204]

I’m a 70 yr old grandmother from #Memphis and you can’t have #Elvis but we will share him with you. #TheKingLives✨👑💙 He was a Patriot too🇺🇸

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

puppet.

[@reynoldburt1208]

Me being a black man it helped me wanting to sing in church, I'm not famous and don't care but he did influence my life in a positive way

[@bkfabs]

Elvis had a strong Christian faith that helped him see that we are all one in Christ regardless of skin color or background.

[@rickydrawdy3630]

Elvis bought a house for an elderly black woman that he picked out on his on. There is a video of it. He was a kind man to ALL ! God bless Elvis.

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

ELVIS OPENED THE DOOR FOR ALL ROCK AND POP MUSIC AFTER HIM!!!! BOTH KINGS

[@kathifielder1110]

So glad you guys watched this! The rumors about Elvis were debunked shortly after they were started, but somehow they persist today. A couple Elvis quotes: "The Lord messed up on me in two ways - he didn't make me black and didn't make me a bass singer". When a friend told him a DJ wouldn't have him on his program because he was a n** lover, Elvis responded "you tell that s.o.b. that I'm damn proud to be a n** lover". Normally Elvis didn't use the n word. He referred to black people as colored which was a respectful term back in his day.

[@frankbrownii8489]

I honestly believed the rumors too. But I suppose that worked out the way things still work out. One side takes time to look at everything with full context and the other goes with whatever smear campaign gets pushed and passes that info on to the next gens (in this case me being one of the next gen)

[@65cj55]

@@frankbrownii8489 There's no defending the creep, it's disturbing that people still mourn him.

[@frankbrownii8489]

@@65cj55 what did he do?

[@65cj55]

@@frankbrownii8489 Besides being a drug and alcohol abusing sexual predator who preyed on very young women and used his influence to sleep with them, he stole other artists original music and didn't pay royalties and more, the man was a grub, and a total fraud.

[@soulfireonfire6423]

@@65cj55 Aww , what’s the matter !! You mad!!! Elvis is a big bad creep! Go a head.. repeat what you have read of heard so I can prove you wrong one lie at a time!! With facts not dramatic propaganda!!!!

[@laineyr8176]

All I want to say is that Elvis has sold over 1 billion records worldwide and that’s without ever setting foot outside (performance wise) of North America!! I mean that’s an achievement I doubt anyone could achieve in their lifetime.. not even MJ.. On top of that even the poorest man in south east Asia knows him … ❤

[@maryrowell1122]

He actually thought he would be forgotten Never Go anywhere around the world and say Elvis they know who you're talking about

[@DeanTheLaughingMann]

One of my favorite stories was about Elvis's generosity to buy Cadillacs and give them away to people (the running tally was around 200 Caddies before his death). The Mennie L Person story is a simple one that I love. She was a bank teller shopping at a Cadillac dealership in 1975. She was just admiring the cars, and a young handsome man walked up to her and asked her if she admired the car. She said she did, and while he mentioned the Caddie she admired in front of them was his, he offered to buy her one of her choice. She ended up with a brand new, gold-and-white Caddie. That same day, he bought 13 other Caddies to give away. $140k in 1975 USD, which was close to $700k back in 2020 (before inflation got crazy in the last couple of years). Imagine someone nowadays with the wealth and generosity to buy a bunch of cars for over $50k each, and gift one of them to a woman and a bunch to others.

[@triciac1019]

There are many wealthy, maybe there are some this generous. Elvis was a king in so many ways.

[@uppitywoman3647]

Oprah?

[@robertbenson6018]

Native Memphian. At the time Elvis lived in Tupelo it was a Ghetto district. His Dad went to prison for a period of time for selling a pig and they moved into a black families home. That has always been my biggest point. He grew up and resonated with the culture and that was what he wanted to perform.

[@captainscorner7367]

He was one of ALL of us. His music was shaped by genuine soul music. He helped kick the door open for for artist from the black community. He was, The King.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

explain "his" music?

[@marygammons3323]

Thanks for keeping Elvis alive. I love y'alls reactions. This means a lot. From a third generation Elvis fan thanks for taking time to learn who he really was. I will never forget 21 years ago my husband told me black people don't listen to Elvis he didn't like black people. That broke my heart. The same man 21 years later listens to Elvis watches his movies and has respect for Elvis. That is all us Elvis fans want. We don't care if you don't like him but please respect him. Thanks again for keeping Elvis alive.

[@stacie4170]

Elvis still holds the record for. His Aloha from Hawa is concert. Seen by more people than anyone else…despite the newer technologies available. Elvis is #1. End of story.

[@releasingnow]

I saw Elvis once, in 1971, and DAMN he WAS THE REAL THING. It was amazing how much power and energy he had, command an entire 12,000 people. THANKs for showing us how much he respected and loved black people.

[@winterwolf354]

I saw him too. One show before his last. My future husband and I went to see him at the Chicago Stadium in 1977. He was overweight, he couldn't remember all the words, he joked with the audience. There were so many back up singers on the stage with him. He introduced them and told us that these folks sing the high notes, they remember the words. He knew it wasn't a great performance, but I think he knew it was his last tour. No one cared about what he couldn't do. The women still screamed and threw their underwear on the stage! I will never forget that night. A couple of months later he was dead. He is still the King though, always..

[@april4244]

The most important thing is to judge people by their character not the color of their skin. There are good and bad in all races. If we stop looking at color and starting looking at the content of their character, we would be a much better society. People like Elvis, Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and few other stars were best friends with people like Sammy Davis Jr, Louis Armstrong, and many others.

[@benvasilinda9729]

Elvis is is the King, nuff said. He is the single greatest selling artist of all time and never even left the US except to go to Hawaii(a US State) and still sold records world wide. Even the Beatles stood frozen unable to talk or move when they met Elvis for the first time.

[@skarbuskreska]

He went to Germany as a soldier though, by that time he was already a star and German youth went crazy

[@carolashton8543]

More than 1.5 billion viewers watched Elvis in 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert televised on TV♥️

[@marvinmurakami8828]

I believe that was the first concert ever beamed via satellite. It's very fortunate it was because despite being performed all the way back in 1973, the closeup shots of Elvis on dvd are crystal clear. Just compare it to other concerts filmed from that period.

[@pamelachafin9246]

Watch “If I Have A Dream” from Elvis’s ‘68 comeback special. The network wanted him to end the show with a Christmas song. Instead he stayed up all night and helped write this song. He never wrote his own music and never made political statements. At the time he was very upset about the assignations of MLK and Robert Kennedy. This was a HUGE political statement from him. You can feel his distress and passion when he sings it. And btw, his backup singers The Sweet Inspirations included Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy.

[@chuckleezodiac24]

@@motionblurofhappy7804 some legends are cooler than facts. Plato invented the "Noble Lie." inspiring stories don't have to be completely true.... it's the message that counts.

[@ihatechange]

@Pamela Chafin * Cissy Houston was with the Sweet Inspirations for only 5 weeks in 1969. She left to care for her growing family.

[@michaelwaller7365]

1) It's "If I Can Dream" (2) Walter Earl Brown wrote the song for Elvis.

[@sharonjensen3016]

Obviously he listened to everything Elvis told him about his concerns for the future and his feelings about what was happening at that time.

[@BUHNANUHBREAD]

It was President John F Kennedy who was assassinated not his brother Robert.

[@DanielLehan]

Elvis was one of the greatest gospel singers ever! He had that certain swagger, but he also was a natural!!

[@spacecatboy2962]

when elvis was dead and laying in his coffin in a room, james brown was so heart broke about elvis dying that he would not leave the room and after some hours went by had to be escorted out of the room. Thats how much the godfather of soul loved elvis

[@mikem957]

You guys need to watch the interview with Elvis's black childhood friend Sam Bell. It is very touching to hear about Elvis before he got famous and to learn about where his soul came from. You'll love it.

[@martyarnold4159]

Elvis has sold over a BILLION, that's 10xs 100 million! It's been 47 years since he died, and he's still selling and still gaining new fans, people that were born long after he died that fall under the Elvis magic as soon as they see him and hear that amazing voice, even on film his beautiful soul still shines through and there will never be anyone come anywhere close to him, not in looks, voice, charisma or generosity ❤❤❤

[@itskookiekook.]

Just went to Graceland recently and after seeing his life/artifacts, you cannot deny Elvis was just an all around good dude who wanted to give his family and friends a good life. He was also very generous to his community and always wanted to give back. Im convinced now that anyone who looks at him in a negative light, simply doesn’t know enough about him.

[@erniesteele3164]

Everyone should see Graceland if they are able. You come away with an entirely different opinion of the man. What got me was the receipts on the walls from local businesses for work at Graceland and other stuff. He just used local people for whatever job needed to be done.

[@johntarnowski9086]

I am so glad You guys finally watched this video. It showed the love and respect Elvis had for the black community and he didn't just steal the music

[@bluesky-rb8fn]

Elvis and Jackie Wilson were great friends!! Elvis paid all medical bills for Jackie!! He was in Elvis will

[@idawheat1333]

I am so glad you decided to educate yourself on the greatness that is Elvis Presley. The GOAT.

[@markbritt7477]

Elvis grew up poor , he had soul and blues in his heart ,he united all by adding rock. Tragic and blessed was he

[@jeremccorkle6719]

Elvis is king.

[@troyheffernan1261]

Elvis is the KING. Will always be to everyone. Men imitate him. Women drop their drawers to be with him. Whether your Japanese or American Indian or from the Czech Republic, there's someone in an elvis outfit. Joined the military and was the tip of the spear. Elvis is and will always be America's son.

[@456colton]

I’m from Tupelo (Too-pe-low) rite down the street from the kings birthplace and childhood home. When he was a boy he used to come over to my great aunts house after church on Sunday and play guitar and sing with my great grandfather actually. Elvis truly is the GOAT and the KING!! Y’all should watch the 68 comeback special, one of his greatest songs/performances ever! Really wish I could’ve met him. He proved to me that even if you come from a poor beginning, you can make something of yourself, even from little ole Tupelo MS! He’s my inspiration.

[@chestercraven4660]

Yeah Bro's Elvis was brought up in the hood brought up with the black community brought up with black music, A man who made a change and loved the people. Peace and love from the Whanganui River, New Zealand.✌✌✌✌❤❤❤❤

[@MGQ888]

Elvis got his inspiration from gospel music, R&B, and rightly so. It's amazing music that stirs your soul.

[@texasgirl6000]

And country.

[@MsRlsg]

I was at the show in the Astrodome. I was 6 years old and Elvis touched my hand and my sisters hand!❤ I will never forget it!

[@katiecollier5960]

Elvis is the King Of Rock and Roll

[@brettg274]

Elvis is The King! And of course girls fainted when he pointed at them. He was the originator of that. Elvis was the first entertainment superstar.

[@raykrzwda393]

No body has sold more records then then ELVIS PRESLEY till this day. I have all 33 of his movies.

[@cindyphifer970]

Elvis always my favorite and a beautiful, generous soul

[@Elvista]

Glad y'all got a true look behind the curtain at the current reigning King of Music - Elvis Presley. He the only entertainer or artist in more Music Halls of Fame than anyone; he sang and recorded more music genres than anyone past or present; he's the biggest selling solo artist EVER....and counting. EP was the original IT FACTOR, the Main Main, revolutionary and innovative. Elvis Presley was a Caucasian Brotha from a Black Ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi. Amen 🙌🏼💯⚡❤

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Stevie Wonder. 1. a blind man. 2. a black man 3. wrote most of his songs 4. played most instruments. 5. brilliant song writer. 6. 25 Grammys, the most by any solo artist 7. 1 Oscar 8. did I mention he was blind and black? 9. 23 studio albums, three soundtrack albums, Elvis 1. 3 Grammys 2. never wrote a song.

[@cindyphifer970]

Elvis was a gift to the world

[@mariejustme]

It has always saddened me that over time some people have attributed things to Elvis that he never was. It’s great to see young people learning more about one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

[@sandramoore]

When they showed the shacks in "the hood" in Memphis, those shotgun shacks looked just like the one where Elvis was born in Tupelo, MS. Elvis grew up there with black friends cause they were his neighbors.

[@jeraldkimball494]

Elvis was it with me and a lot of teens growing up. Elvis broke down a lot of barriers between the races. I used to get in trouble for listening to Elvis as a kid which only fueled my hunger to hear more.

[@danielhaynes2373]

My former wife is from Memphis and met Elvis twice. When she was 7 and again when she was 13 and said he was extremely sweet. I met Mac Davis, who actually wrote "In The Ghetto", when I was 16 and HE was very warm and friendly.

[@raykrzwda393]

ELVIS PRESLEY IS THE ONLY MAN WHO WAS INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL , COUNTY, AND GOSPEL HALL OF FAME .

[@Lakeshore14]

Enjoyed your reaction to Elvis and the Black Community. There is a part 2 to this documentary which goes into more information and history. Thank you. 👏👏🥰

[@oldbittercraig3513]

Well, if BB acknowledged Elvis worthy of the title King of Rock N Roll, I think that says volumes. BB might know a thing or two about being a King. Saw BB King in '94/95? Stellar booming voice that could move you... or could move you to tears with just a few notes and a bend on Lucille.

[@susanmclee5209]

Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He made it to the limelight. I was blessed to see a concert of his. I am sure he is smiling down upon you young men, laughing and loving it! He was a sight to behold! May God rest his soul.😎✌

[@mrdougeran1]

Another cool thing....before he was famous....when he was first singing, he heard The Jordanairs practicing for their show....a religious quartet. Since Elvis was brought up in church he listened to them....started singing along with them and said, if I ever get famous, you guys are going to be my backup. He called them, they thought he was kidding. Started singing with him and the rest is history!

[@WhodatLucy]

Over the course of Elvis' life, he achieved some of the highest accolades in music and film. It is estimated that more than one billion Elvis records have been sold worldwide, more than anyone in record industry history.

[@karenpowell6063]

Elvis grew up in a mixed neighborhood in Tupelo, a very poor area to say the least. He moved to Memphis at age 14 where his family lived in a housing project.Elvis's childhood friends included many black kids

[@uncleansanchez]

You young men bring one of the most valued aspects of life to your audience...an open mind.

[@hounddogtunes3203]

Thank you for this! I was born in 1968 and grew up with Elvis because my parents LOVED Elvis. When I hear people today knock Elvis, call him racist, I think those saying it don't want people to know the truth. He was an amazing performer, had a big heart for everybody, & absolutely everyone just about mourned when he passed away. I remember it.

[@kwise09]

Just recently started listening to Elvis and it all started with his performance of if I can dream. Highly recommend you guys check it out. It was a game changer.

[@hollywinningham6375]

Elvis is still the single most recording artist of all time...glad you're learning the truth about E....spread the word !!!!

[@theswordoftruth-dn9yc]

There's a lot of really nice stories about how Elvis helped people he didn't even know. He liked to buy Cadillacs for people...whom he thought should have one. He was cool and people that didn't grow up around his time while he was performing, didn't know some of the selfless things he did, because most of the time no one knew, but Elvis and the person he helped.

[@teresarankin7077]

Don't forget about the Righteous Brothers 🥰. They were friends with Elvis Presley and often sang in the same venues in Las Vegas as Elvis did. They were also innovators of we all bleed the same. Watch them sing "The Night Time Is The Right Time" with the Blossoms. Three wonderfully talented ladies in the sixties music. A TV show called Shindig!!!!!!

[@tammyshipp2445]

Elvis belonged to the world.