FIRST TIME HEARING Elvis Presley - In The Ghetto [REACTION]

[@sylviaclaudette8689]

This was in 1969! Elvis was born and raised in a ghetto in Mississippi during the depression.

[@rolltide9547]

Till 13

[@MRuiz-hx9zt]

I've been to the Lil Tupelo MS. House and Graceland, thanks to the Glory of God. For my Life and allow me to do the things in life I've accomplished.

[@chyrlwillis9422]

Elvis was from Tupelo Mississippi. He grew up dirt poor and he lived this song - except ....He had a voice and found a way to make it out of poverty by singing

[@alicesullivan4089]

Thanks to Sam Phillips and Sun Records

[@AnnacolleenEtters]

Exactly! He never said the little boy was black, just poor, and there were tons of poor white children in the South. I knew some poor white children, teeth rotted dirt poor.

[@vickiemcnutt9904]

Elvis was a messenger

[@mrtoadslove]

Elvis was a beautiful soul who loved people. His life is so tragic. He was taken advantage of, driven to near bankruptcy by a corrupt manager, and was basically forced to work an insane schedule just to keep from losing everything. All of this drove him to drugs which ultimately damaged his body beyond help and caused his early death. Such a great talent, such a vulnerable person, such a tragic end. “What shall it profit a man should he gain the whole world and lose his soul?”

[@poosala8821]

Elvis gave away a lot of his money as well. For instance he was driving and came upon an old couple broke down on the side of the road in a beat up pickup truck. Elvis stopped picked them up and brought them to a car lot and bought them a new truck. Then followed them back to their broke truck and helped them transfer their load from the old truck to their new one.

[@Cassie-iw1qk]

Elvis..Bob Joyce..🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@theresa6955]

This song was written by Mac Davis in 1969. RCA and Col. Parker told Elvis not to record this song. Elvis said "I'm recording this song" and walked out. Plus, once his backup singers, the Sweet Inspirations, were with Elvis down South for a show. The hotel Elvis was going to stay in said his back-up singers had to stay somewhere else. Elvis told the manager, if they can't stay here neither will I. Elvis was born in Tupelo MS. in a 2 room shack. He moved to Memphis with his parents when he was 12. They were dirt poor and lived in the projects. Elvis used to go to the black church sometimes, just to listen to the Gospel music. He loved R& B also. He was good friends with BB King and used to go to his club in Memphis. Elvis was color blind. He respected all people and shame on some of the young black entertainers who talk trash about him. Elvis broke barriers back in the day. How many entertainers would go on a stage in Las Vegas full of a predominately white audience and sing "In The Ghetto", only Elvis. He was also good friends with Sammy Davis Jr. This country will never really be at it's greatest until people come together as Americans and stop letting Political Parties divide us for their own personal agendas.

[@richardthompson16]

You said it all you said it right we all need to pull together because if we keep going down the same road that keeps splitting us up and not voting a good leader for our country America we will fail and our enemies will not be concerned about us we will be locked up and live by their rules we need to make a change and now

[@ecowashmk4323]

Frank Sinatra did the same thing for Sammy down south. I think it was Dean Martin who got up in the venues owners face along with Frank (and his Italian body guards) - they told him there would be no show if Sammy wasn't allowed to perform. He performed 😂

[@beckybruce4829]

I grew up in the 60s and honestly didn't like some of his earlier stuff. But when he came out with In The Ghetto and Don't Cry Daddy I took notice. He had a good heart and bad demons.

[@beckybruce4829]

You are my favorite song analyzer. I'll repeat the same song just to feel your reaction. As to your saying "You don't have to be one of us", listening to this kind of poetry makes us one, opens our hearts. Mac Davis understanding how a mother's heart can break in so many ways is so powerful. Blessings.

[@65tosspowertrapl36]

The whole world too!!

[@carolj4471]

This shows the love and compassion that Elvis had everyone.

[@MaryJones-vo5nz]

He grew up poor in A black neighborhood. He loved everybody and I lived this era. This took guts in A charged racial climate. He was the first white dude to hire a lot of black singers to sing with him. He was inspired by black gospel music and actually wanted to be a gospel singer. Thank you for remembering Elvis he was a nice guy. Another great song "Walk A Mile in My Shoes" Vegas 1970. Thanks Be Blessed

[@jardennis4nd]

Elvis wasn't a nice guy only, he was a compassionate man who took care of his brothers and sisters. "I Can Dream."

[@WhacAmole]

Elvis grew up in the Mississippi ghetto (moving to Memphis, Tennessee when he was 13) and was a part of the culture as much as any black child. Because he wasn't black and had star power he was able to speak/sing about issues others couldn't get away with. He was hugely active and played a major role in the civil rights movement. It makes me sad when I hear young generations saying he was racist. That couldn't have been further from the truth.

[@cmlemmus494]

I always like to remind people that poor is poor. Black, white, yellow, or pink; Elvis, Cash, or Dolly Parton. A lot of the racial division is pushed by rich people who don't want poor people to realize they have more in common with other poor people. Colour doesn't matter.

[@jwichman9]

Well said

[@migdaliagarcia819]

Elvis was born in tupelo Mississippi

[@kimking6036]

This was going on way before the 70's. Elvis lived in the ghetto in Tupelo Mississippi as a child. Then he lived in the ghetto in Memphis. He knew what it was like to be invisible to people that didn't want to see the problem. You should watch the interview with Sam Bell. He was Elvis' childhood friend. Plus there's a documentary called Elvis and the black community. Both explains a lot ☮️❤️

[@robinlynch1965]

What a lot of people don't know is before this performance the producers of the show said that he could not have his background singers on stage with him because they were African-American. Including Whitney Houston's mom who was one of Elvis's background singers. And Elvis turned to them and said if they cannot be on stage with me then I will not do the show. And as you see the show went on so Elvis has always been a advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all people

[@burninsherman1037]

Reminds me of the Beatles being told one of their shows in the south had to be segregated, and their response was to tell the venue it was either gonna be an unsegregated show or there wouldn't be a show at all.

[@georgemantz8714]

With the utmost respect, that is not true. You are thinking of the performance at the Houston Astrodome in 1970 where he was told he could leave the "black girls" behind and he refused. This performance was in Las Vegas and there was no issue with the Sweet Inspirations. They backed him from the very start in Las Vegas without issue.

[@billeldridge1717]

I’m white but I’m also color blind. We all are equal. Thank you for sharing this

[@Scooterlee11]

After the producer told him that, Elvis yelled at his crew ….” pack it up, we’re leaving” ! Instead of screaming racism…..he got his point across “in a flash”. I sure miss him.

[@Sam-z1t6p]

Elvis loved every one and tried to many people as much he can did not came much of fame and money just love to entertain and be very giving and generous, a special man everybody adored

[@richardmiller3839]

Elvis spoke the truth

[@jakecolvin3167]

Exactly he's talking like that in 1970. This dude wasn't doing social justice warrior BS for Instagram brownie points. He grew up in plight and he felt connected to his fellow people that were born with obstacles.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

you do know the song writer was, right?

[@jennyjorgensen9935]

​@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425what's your point? Elvis grew up in a ghetto and sang about it perfectly with soul. He didn't write it.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@jennyjorgensen9935 Elvis didn't frow up in the ghetto, he spent some time there. You do know Mac offered to a black artist first right? Here's a question, if Elvis cared so much about when did he speak about it? If you answer it will be an interesting read, but I think it is a baffling question.

[@korybeavers6528]

Elvis was a Social Justice Warrior, sorry that hurts your feelings

[@korybeavers6528]

​@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425Elvis was the only one with the clout to get this song recorded and published. The record companies were afraid of the song but elvis was too famous to ignore

[@BlueLake7]

I saw Elvis in person in Asheville, NC, not long before his death. Someone shouted, “You’re the King.” He stopped everything, and very solemnly said; “There’s only one King, and that’s King Jesus.”

[@carollunsford9556]

It really touched your heart didn’t it,,, I’m 80, we grew up with that reality❤️

[@BlueLake7]

@@carollunsford9556 Yes, that had an impact on me. When someone like him took a stand for Jesus, it meant a lot.

[@patPatLe]

@@carollunsford9556 me too

[@ryveralexander8511]

And Charlamen called himself God, some demonic guts of him, only one God, if you called yourself god,you're a god of satans!

[@ryveralexander8511]

2020, he called racist,got worse !!,,Can't fixed ,if you don't admit. Just like being alcoholics and drug addicts, they can't help them if they don't think there's a problem.

[@nadine....k]

Elvis genuinely looks so heartbroken singing this.

[@JayTDeion]

i agree

[@tanyachristensen5330]

I remember crying when I heard this for the first time as a little girl. It still reonates today and it still makes me cry.

[@mysikind8076]

Same, it really struck me deeply and still does.

[@lisaspikes4291]

Every time I hear, “a hungry little boy with a runny nose, plays in the street while the cold wind blows in the ghetto.” I lose it. It just kills me.

[@1metalneck]

Bawling like a baby still and I'm in my sixties and have known this song for years. Still gets me.

[@dawnhall2400]

Me too my friend ❤❤❤

[@seastar3611]

Elvis was ahead of his time.

[@Kymoon99]

Elvis definitely knew the struggle he gave almost all of his money away to charities that were close to his heart ❤️ in Memphis, another inner-city with poverty. Tyvm brother ⚡️⚡️👍🏽

[@nathaniman7293]

This song was originally written by Mac Davis. He wrote it and asked Sammy Davis Junior to record it. Mr Davis told him I can’t sing that song because I didn’t grow up this way, but I know someone who did, Elvis Presley grew up in the ghetto. The rest is history as Elvis Presley stood in the gap in the 60s and 70s. The 1st to have black singers in his band has a white person. The 1st to sing a tribute song to Martin Luther King Junior, after he was murdered ( If I Can Dream) and was honoured to be asked to record In The Ghetto. Great reaction!

[@lesliet6515]

LOVE FOR MAC DAVIS FROM LUBBOCK TEXAS! MAC'S BIRTH PLACE!

[@BPEntertainment1]

Yeah but Elvis knew how to deliver

[@Shonierose]

When this song came out, I felt like it was the most meaningful story he ever told. To this day, I still play it two or three times a year, and I still cry every time I hear it.

[@godquest52]

When I first heard this in 1969, I cried like a baby. Mac Davis wrote this for Elvis. I was 17 and not looking forward to my eighteenth birthday. Vietnam was raging and tearing the soul and the fabric of America apart. I was brought up in the projects, and I have seen this song play out more than once. Poverty breeds a sense of hopelessness which then turns to anger. I was almost beaten to death when I was six years old by a thirteen-year-old boy. He knocked out all my teeth and kicked me in the dirt like I was less than a human being.. Ya'll we have to love one another. Thank you for a great song that needs to hit the charts again today. I did go into the army and watched Vietnam tear our nation apart, and its soul is still wounded. This is your boy in Tennessee trying to spread the love of Jesus Christ. If we all lived for him and loved one another, hatred would stop, and there would be no crime.

[@wendyryder2708]

God Bless you. Peace and Blessings to you and yours.

[@ChrisCookBubba]

Thank you for your service!

[@victoriacrotty]

I cried too and again now😢

[@micheletrainor1601]

Thank you for your service sir and thank you for making it through all of the things u have sir. May God bless you sir.

[@CSF77733]

May the Lord bless you for your strength & speaking the truth. Your sister in Christ from Alabama. (From the Ghetto)

[@staceycarv]

They don't call Elvis the King for no reason. He never let anyone stop him from singing the truth.

[@playlist1wayne455]

Donald Trump is trying to bring this country together the Democrats keep tearing it apart it's sad that someone would take so many drugs they would kill themselves as Elvis Presley dead may he rest in peace I wish you were still here

[@jayeginn5963]

Thanks for your reaction. 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.

[@ifcatshadthumbs...664]

Thank you for sharing this info. Knowing his family background gives me an even better understanding of the man. I was born in '56 in Texas. My I didn't know I had Cherokee blood til I was 13. When I asked my Mom why no one told me she said it's just not something you talk about in the south. I told her well I'm proud of it cause everything in me makes me what I am. It was her mother was 1/2 Cherokee. But by time I came along her hair was gray and cut short. Mom said when grannies was young she had jet black hair down her back. I was born with black hair then it turned blonde by time I was 10 months old.But oddly I still have a black stroke in my widows peak even now amongst the gray lol. The blond came from her daddy who was German descent. I'm a real mixed bag 😅😅

[@kennethcurtis1856]

If there was a 2nd room, it was the bathroom, because the house is one room with a pot belly stove for his mama to cook and heat the house on chilly southern evenings.

[@Carol-cm6mg]

@@kennethcurtis1856 They had an outhouse. I've visited the house and it's a shotgun house, meaning you can shoot a gun from the front door and out through the back door, so the house isn't two complete rooms but rather like a half-wall separation.

[@williamd6967]

Elvis knows exactly what he's singing Elvis was raised IN THE GHETTO!!

[@janicebailey6112]

In the Ghetto is probably the most HONEST song recorded, ever !

[@ccjohnson6798]

💯

[@Dwight-fd7nu]

There will never be another Elvis Presley to me. He was God-given.😢❤

[@th.burggraf7814]

Shoutout to the background singers. I love them ladies beautiful voices...

[@blueboy450]

One of the best reactions ever! Only one that ask how you doing! People walking around with a smile, but are dying inside. All the same story, ghettos in most big cities, just different places. Thanks for the reaction!

[@daviddempsey8721]

The cycle unbroken. Elvis had a way of speaking out for social justice. He grew up in poverty.

[@eddykate3700]

The first time I listened to "In the Ghetto" it made me cry! I was a 10-year-old girl living thousands of kilometres away from Chicago in Australia. I didn't know what a ghetto was, and I wasn't aware of poverty. However, even though I wasn't a mother, I could feel the pain and despair and the truth in Elvis' heartfelt words! That was 55 years ago, and this song STILL makes me cry every time I hear it. I still ask myself why these mothers are still crying for their children and WHY " Do we simply turn our heads, and look the other way?"

[@Joey-hv4yq]

I am white and a huge Elvis fan. I grew up in Chicago ghettos. I watched gang fights and saw a black guy get shot point blank in the stomach by a rival black gang member 30 feet from me when I was 13. Your point about distraction is a very wise one. I had many Latino and black friends. In fact, I was the neighborhood minority "token" white kid. But the few of us who were close friends despised gangs as cowards since they could never fight man to man. They always had to cowardly have 5 guys against 1. We saw that as weak because it IS WEAK! Anyway, we were able to escape into arcade games and nerdy computer things on top of sports. That saved our lives. I somehow snapped out of feeling like a victim and saw the military as my only way out. I ended up being the only one in my neighborhood to get a college degree. Sadly, one of my black friends went to jail for killing a man. His older brother who was our role model and wanted to go to college got killed in a drive by due to mistaken identity. Then finally, a guy we all played tag with as 12 and 13 year old shot a man in the chest 3 times over $50 and got life in prison, while I was in bootcamp trying to change my life because I knew if I didn't, I could have gone down the self-pity path of being a victim feeling like the world owed me something,. This is one of my favorite Elvis songs since he ALSO grew up in the ghetto, Believe it or not, poverty and classicism doesn't give a shit what color you are. Anyway, I love line "Or he'll be an angry young man some day." This DOES NOT excuse bad behavior. But it does point out that there is a point in life where we can show compassion and try to support the less privileged so they might at least have a chance in life. Instead of having a tough "sh*t" mentality, It's like Elvis said: "Walk a Mile In My Shoes".

[@depper]

No one would record this Mac Davis song IN THE GHETTO as it was too raw, especially during the race riots in the 1960s. A top RCA executive said we can't release it. Elvis heard it and said, "That's my next single, son" and walked away. The great Sammy Davis Jr famously turned it down. 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. One of his major public statements on the issues of racism and poverty. 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.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Elvis did nothing for civil rights. Grow up accept reality.

[@depper]

So this guy above has caused lots of racist arguments in lots of reactors- its best to report him and delete his comments. He’s been blocked by many Elvis reactors for his nonsense.

[@James-d1k4j]

@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Elvis did more for civil rights than your crap zapper dapper that's for sure 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@James-d1k4j]

@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Elvis did way more for civil rights than your performer zapper dapper that's for sure. By Elvis singing in the ghetto and if I can dream Elvis drew the attention of the world to the conditions the poor black people were living in around the USA and the World. What did your performer do for the black communities fuck all. Now go back under your zapper dapper rock and stay there.

[@kristinafestini9122]

​@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 you are a sad mean guy , you don't know anything about Elvis only spewing your hate , you are ignorant, you can't accept the fact and the truth , you are despicable. Educate yourself on the subject , your hatred is clouding your judgement, maybe you were filled with lies about Elvis so you can't accept the truth. I pity you, you are a sad , mean person trying to tarnish Elvis but guess what you opinion doesn't matter you are nobody

[@breslittleyarncornor5680]

Elvis came up in the flatesin Tupelo Miss. He had a heavy influence in soul music from there. His neighborhood was poor white and black folks. He sings with soul from attending a black church. If anyone cane hear this song and not have tears in their eyes they don't have a heart.❤

[@donrudd1358]

Elvis was the truth; He lived that life when he was young. They called him the king for a reason.

[@josefinasoderholm6488]

Hi. This video popped up on my “for you page” Tonight. I’m Swedish and I am a social worker. I’ve worked with kids and teens for 20 yers. Some of those years with kids and teens who had committed crimes or had been mixed up with different types of gangs. What Elvis are singing about in this song is more or less happening all over the world. The last couple of years we have had increased problems with criminal gangs. And it’s now one of the most talked about political issues. Social workers, teachers, police has been sounding the alarm for at least the last 15 years. Even if we yet have a lot to tackle and a lot of work to do I’m so glad to be living and working in a country where there are resources and help and support from the Swedish government. Social security and social safety-net is key to be able to help and support people and to provide for all children. No matter where they live or who their parents are. I wish Americans could have the same help and support as we have in Sweden. I really can’t understand why Americans are so against that. In my opinion it is crucial in order to make any type of change especially for the moms and the children, the young men Elvis is singing about

[@artistjoh]

Elvis was born into desperate poverty in a shotgun shack in Mississippi that his father built. He knew very well the tragedy of ghetto life. The movie Elvis by Baz Lurhman gives a good impression of him learning black people's music as a child. This song is so emotional because Elvis feels it from his personal experience.

[@AA-nb2gy]

you beat me too it. The saddest part of the Elvis legacy is how the media made the people of the world believe that somehow Elvis came from riches. They were lying then and they are lying worse today. DONT BELIEVE THE SNOOOOOZ. If they tell ya its raining you better go check for yourself!

[@docsavage8640]

It wasn't even a shotgun shack. I've been in it. Literally 1 room.

[@pamelalee1508]

In 1971 when my son was born..I cried when they handed him to me..16 years and a couple of months later..he was found in the edge of the woods..he'd been shot and left hidden..and his momma cried..and still cries for her only child...just as the mothers in this song I knew things would end badly..and ghettos come in all cultures..mothers have feelings sometimes we can't explain...RIP my dearest son 🙏... 🌿🌿🌿

[@lisahunnerbunch5548]

My mom's heart is breaking reading your story. Deepest condolences and biggest hugs to you. I hope time has brought you peace and knowledge that you have no guilt to carry...you did the very best you could!

[@pamelalee1508]

@lisahunnerbunch5548 God bless you Lisa... Yes God has given me closure..after 30 years grieving..announcing to me my son will greet me when the time comes... Though I will always miss his presence.. I am looking forward to one day being reunited... Thank you dear for your kind comment...may the Lord keep His mighty hand on you and yours... 🌿🌿🌿

[@debralewis9737]

Elvis wasn’t from Chicago but he grew up dirt poor In Tupelo Mississippi . They lived in a two room wooden house. He knew what it was to be desperate. That’s one of the reasons he was so generous with his money. He could really relate to poverty and never forgot where he came from .

[@annstillwell730]

Yep in most cases poverty is the same everywhere.

[@barronmaxxx2991]

I used to sing...and I had the luxury of singing with the Queen of rock currently selling out STADIUMS on her current 2 year long tour in her mid 70s. It was 1991 and I sang with her 2 other singers, her 2 longtime backup female singers...I didn't do the whole tour but, I'd come in and pick up some of the mid and lower range vocals...she is a singer who has so much gravity in her voice but, on this tour when just a touch more of the mid range of her resonance in her voice just bringing out that much more of her voice that you can feel vibrating your whole mid section in your ribs...not many singers can do that but, for the gospel sisters. I have a sister that's black and sings in a gospel choir...she has one of those voices that I can hear from my Nana's porch in Boston and she's singing on her Grandma's porch in L,A. when I've got time off from my tv series I'd love to have a chance to have dedicated singers like Elvis did...I mean, they were family...and they watched out for him...I mean, they knew instinctively when to bring on the power to fill the house with voice or when to fall back when he's got that deep soft tender tremor in his voice.

[@vatiammatri2660]

Elvis was a preacher and everyone listened. The disparities were so evident and the nation was grappling with the truth and how to change things for the better. Kudos to Mac Davis for writing it, and Elvis for doing it.

[@lady4vols]

He’s from Tupelo Mississippi and was raised pretty poor and his father went to prison and it hit even worse. When he moved to Memphis to try and get a break, they lived in the projects there too. He truly understood this song and lived it. Elvis was true blue and never forgot where he came from and helped people all he could.

[@judycoln9969]

Vernon was in jail 8 months for altering a check from a purchase of a hog.

[@lady4vols]

@@judycoln9969 it’s documented that they struggled when he was in jail.

[@Patricia-is3cp]

So true I went to Memphis a few months back and that place you can feel the poverty.

[@ramonaburnett3350]

Amen truth right there, I used to cry every time I heard this song, Elvis was a southern gentleman, good hearted, his mamma was a Christian and raised him right, he was blessed to come out of it.

[@ValliDavis]

The genius of the songs writer, Mac Davis, is that race is not mentioned at all. Mac later became a huge star in his own right.

[@marciazapata8031]

Powerful song, blessed voice...

[@carch7243]

I couldn't tell you how many times I have listened to that song, but I can tell you that it brings tears to my eyes every single time.

[@naokohoman4676]

I still cannot listen to this song without crying....beautiful

[@trevorthompson330]

He's talking about the cycle of violence in Chicago; one man dies, and another one is born. WOW. He was ahead of history talking about Chicago.

[@liquidminds]

You might also realize that he has black background singers. That wasn't common back then. He had organizers tell him to leave the black girls at home. He told them that they either come all or he won't come either. Even made the organizers seat them all in the best area.

[@Tunes1963]

Mac Davis wrote it, but Elvis recorded it because he grew up like that in Mississippi

[@deborahpeterson8523]

My favorite song by elvis

[@howrued1500]

My Mom was arrested at 9mths pregnant (w me😊) while marching w MLK in front of a restaurant in TN where Blacks were not allowed to dine inside. This was her 2nd fav Elvis song- the 1st being If I Can Dream & 3rd Walk A Mile In My Shoes. All 3 were played often & early in our home- not merely songs but mantras; models by which our parents raised myself & my siblings in a too-slowly evolving South. How incredibly blessed we were!!!!!!!!! If you’ve not seen it, HIGHLY recommend the minidoc (14mins) Elvis and The Black Community: The Echo Will Never Die. You will learn much about Elvis as both a performer & a person. Shorter & worth a listen: Paul Harvey’s ‘Poor Boy With a Guitar’. And more recently- Baz Luhrmann’s film simply titled ‘Elvis’. Luhrmann has a frenetic style of directing, but it works for me here: Elvis’ life was nothing if not frenetic! But the movie lends itself to offering the viewer a window into some of what shaped Elvis, his career, his home life, and sadly- what invited some of his greatest challenges. Nice reaction! SUBSCRIBED😊 Stay safe & love big💖

[@tanglefooot1950]

Awef Frey

[@barbaramelville337]

Ty 👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@vickichandler5872]

As a youngster, Elvis Presley saw it, heard it, and lived this message everyday. At the time of the recording and performances of this song, he was the only singer/muscian that was influential enough and strong enough to stand up to those who told him no. He truly was a remarkable man. I am sure there are countless things that he did for others that nobody was aware of. He never forgot how it felt to grow up down trodden and hopeless. And so he set bar for how we should treat each other.

[@shevawn1973]

A lot of singers turned down recording this Song. They were scared of what it might do to their reputation. Elvis insisted that he record this Song. Shows the type of man he was.

[@debbieolson5348]

My mom was 2 years older than Elvis and she totally loved him. The way we talked about him in our house was like he was family. We were happy when he was and sad when he started getting ill. I remember when this song was first played on the radio. It was pretty powerful. I still get joked up when I hear it. Elvis was one of the most loving and generous person you could ever imagine. Thanks for the moving reaction. I grew up as a teen in the 60’s living in Alaska. And we grew up very poor for awhile after my mom lost her job after the 1964 Earthquake. I know what it is like to be A ten year old taking care of younger siblings so my mom could work nights . Elvis also knew that kind of poverty and they had it way worse than we did.

[@jasonhays4511]

Mac Davis, from Lubbock TX, wrote this song. Elvis felt it because he was raised in the ghettos of Mississippi and Memphis.

[@deannapowell3804]

We are all one of those cities. I am glad this touched you. It touched me too. You are right. It’s timeless, unfortunately.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Very powerful song - full credit to its writer, Mac Davis, and to Elvis for having the guts to release it. An entire scene and history painted in under three minutes. Cleverly powerful too - it's a jolt to realise that it's never mentioned in the song what colour the boy's skin is, but we all get the same picture of how he looks. And what that says about America, American society, and us, is very telling.

[@nelitasciretta7101]

Just what I was thinking, poverty and helplessness doesn't see color or nationality...

[@mitchellwestford9312]

He is a legend, and that is why still the king ❤❤ you doing awesome job ❤

[@rahulvinalnarayan9743]

My god that man is a legend! This is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard…and it was the 1970s!!! Rest in peace legend

[@martymk3956]

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

[@merrittmontgomery7695]

Elvis was born in Tupelo,Mississippi in a shotgun house and was dirt poor. His father was put in jail for writing a bad check for groceries, and Elvis and his Mother became homeless. Elvis learned how to sing in the black juke joints after moving to Memphis. Elvis could sing that song with no judgment because he lived in abject poverty and unstood what poverty could lead anyone to do out of desperation. Whitney Houston’s mother sang backup vocals for Elvis with the Jordanairs. Elvis came from where the blues were the music. I think everything in Elvis’ life influenced the great singer he became.

[@rodswim492]

One of my top ten favorite songs.

[@Mommadukes337]

Elvis was from the south. But he grew up in the ghetto. He knew.

[@jesshuey7836]

I'm 61 and that song moves me every time I hear it.

[@MetalphysicalMel]

Mac Davis wrote this song and couldn't find anyone to sing it. Elvis wanted to sing it because he could relate to it. He grew up poor in a mostly black neighborhood in Tupelo, Mississippi.

[@melliehobson8299]

I remember when this got tons of AM radio play. I was a kid. I dint get it. Now I'm 60. I get it. I love it.

[@Mary-xo7ue]

Elvis was the perfect person to sing this song. He lived that poor ghetto type life even though he was white. This is my favorite song he sings.❤

[@susanneharris96]

this song always made me cry.

[@dianenewcomb4765]

He was singing about the things he wasn't allowed to talk about back then....music was his language ❤❤❤

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Elvis just sang songs other people wrote.

[@Elvista]

​@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425dayum, your continued stupidity astounds me. It's 2024, dude....grow up, yo 🫵🏽

[@sharonkirkpatrickcowzer9410]

Elvis was born in Tulelo, Mississippi and raised in Memphis. He was poor and with a father in jail during part of his childhood. Elvis was singing from the heart and soul.

[@southernlady160]

He was trying to make everyone aware of the poor children living in sad and poor situations. Elvis was a great human being and was concern about those children.

[@1packatak]

Best song Elvis ever did. Period.

[@lisacook9482]

I saw a story were Elvis was on the phone with MLK and wanted to go march with him. And King said no you keep doing what you are doing. And that is why he was so tore up when he was killed. Check out the song If I Can Dream. It is in honor of MLK and Robert Kennedy Jr..

[@rogeringram568]

I did get to meet him in the 70s he came too Cedartown Georgia he was my cousin's uncle we have alot of music coming out in Polk Co Georgia love your reaction on this my brother it hits deep

[@vbzwd24]

Elvis respected everyone...he didn't care about race. He was pure. His backing singers were beautifull black women and that was very progressive in that time. He was more than just the King of Rock 'n Roll...he was The King...full stop!

[@tracyhooker-pd7nz]

A lot of people don’t this but 1 of Ladin singers was Whitney Houston’s mother! In a interview Whitney tells about meeting Elvis as a little girl, and how her mother and the rest of the singers would stay up really late with Elvis singing gospel songs until early the next mornings. They were call the Sweet Imperations

[@monawenger932]

He is a king, but not the King. Jesus Christ is the King and Elvis would be the first to tell you that.

[@jameswarren3023]

​@@monawenger932Amen!! Jesus is the king of all kings!!

[@EdwardSimpson-do6dm]

He lived it brother.

[@mattwilliams5368]

Elvis is the KING

[@Camiken65]

I have a love hate relationship with this song. I love that it's genuine and hate that it's reality. I bawled like a baby the first time I heard it. Haven't listened to it in a very long time on purpose because it makes my heart hurt.

[@lightatthecape2009]

Elvis grew up in Tupelo, in the ghetto. I can't even give you an estimate of how many times I cried over this song.

[@sandragambrel9721]

Thanks. You've got me crying like a baby now. The pain of mothers that have lost their young men to poverty, and hopelessness, breaks my heart. Even back then. He knew the pain, too. He grew up in the Ghetto. Can't wait to meet him in person.

[@monica9705]

You won't get to meet him. He passed away.

[@sandragambrel9721]

@@monica9705 I mean when we all get to heaven.

[@sheilabevins]

Hopefully in Heaven! I pray he had time to repent cause I know hw loved jesus!

[@timothynewton4453]

If Elvis could of helped everybody who needed it, he would of.

[@tommiecoulter3427]

I never heard this song, that I did not cry.

[@nenajohnson2557]

This song has always brought tears to my eyes and pain in my heart. Gods love to all.

[@SandraBlanton-vn3mh]

Elvis was larger than life. God had a vision for him. Some people are not meant to get old. He had the whole package.

[@brendalayton8561]

Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi in a shotgun house.He was taught to sing in a black church with open arms and love.Im from Mississippi, I live 45 minutes south of Tupelo. He was a twin,(brother),he survived, (Elvis).He always felt guilty from that.He moved to Memphis,Tennessee, there is where he resided until death.His home in Memphis, Tennessee is known as,GRACELAND. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE.

[@wandabosworth63]

I have always loved this song! Thank you for all your beautiful music through out my years.🎉❤You’re always be the KING 👑.

[@lt.spears1889]

Elvis had legit love for Black America, growing up in poverty himself, his friends were mostly poor Black kids, he attended the good ol fashioned Gospel Churches of the day, he identified with their Faith and Plight. Elvis was a good man, period.

[@margaretphillips7657]

may he rest in peace he was never the same after his mom died

[@brad9745]

Stumbled across this Nov 21. Your opening words were\are powerful Thank You. Gave me strength for 1 more 1 moment. That's all we can do now 1 moment at a time

[@nancy9891]

Elvis added the words, “And his mama cried.”, he never got credit for it but Mac Davis wrote this song and Sammy Davis Jr. was offered the song but Elvis wanted it and did grow up that way. A treasure of a song 🎶 by Elvis. If you want to know about Elvis, watch Elvis and the Black Community 1&2 and Elvis the King of Kindness. These are just two of the videos that show how a person like Elvis existed and gave so much to others.

[@debralewis9737]

Watched the King of Kindness for the first time this last week. I knew a lot about Elvis’s charitable activities but this was a step further. That’s why we love him . For his beautiful soul 😢

[@nancy9891]

@@debralewis9737 St. Jude still affects children to this day and polio has been increasing lately but for over sixty years children were protected by this vaccine. Elvis changed our generation for the good.

[@RhondaEdie]

I love you! Showing how REAL this song is.

[@lillianthomas8445]

He is such an amazing storyteller

[@chriskinkead9045]

This still gets to people today. Elvis gives it so much meaning that it will never til it comes to an end. .be forgotten. We. Elvis s fans will never let it and his many other beautiful songs be forgotten. Elvis knows all about this song. Your interrupting the song doesnt go down well. Just let. Elvis tell it as it is. So much emotion ,!! Real meaning in it..even for today. .

[@wobtabak1660]

Goosbumps all over and tears in my eyes everytime i hear this.

[@garystotler162]

When Mac Davis was 5 or 6 years old, the esteemed Nashville songwriter couldn't understand why one of his best friends had to live in a bad part of town. He remembered that friend as he wrote "In the Ghetto," which Elvis Presley turned into a chart-topping hit in 1969.

[@christinemorel696]

Elvis,was born in the ghetto and dirt poor so he lived so he sang the song from his heart. Rip Elvis The G.O.A.T. and thanks for your reaction God bless you,and your family, be safe and careful.🇵🇷🇺🇲☝🕺🎸🎤❤🙏

[@joycepray1364]

I can’t listen to this without crying! From the first time I heard it til now

[@jeankrewl6006]

Thank you for playing & reacting to my favorite song by Elvis! It touched my heart long ago when I was a teenager. Still feel sad when I hear it. I grew up in a low income area.

[@judywilson3283]

Beautiful song ❤all his songs are good

[@lindaparker7199]

Elvis wanted to sing this song. Who was going to tell Elvis no? It was a hit.

[@arlenemosley1956]

I love your reaction to this video. Not a lot of people do. Elvis was a great humanitarian. He knew no color. Thank you for doing this and for what you said.

[@maxr4448]

Elvis bought a Black Lady a Cadillac, because he saw her peering into the Cadillac showroom window. She loved the Cad on the Showroom Floor. It became hers. It was in Memphis. This I was told.

[@tanglefooot1950]

TRUE STORY!!!

[@bcboop2686]

It happened more than once

[@brianblair4001]

It was pink specially ordered because ahe like the one he was picking up for his mother. He ordered her one just like it

[@barbaramelville337]

​@@brianblair4001 he was so generous and he loved his mother 😢😢😢😢song.

[@karensillonis6900]

This was one of my favorites and Kentucky Rain❤

[@terryconnelly484]

Born in the poor town of tupelo Mississippi move to Memphis Tennessee both were ghetto's where he was in .he enjoyed going to black churches and joined the gospel group In a black church

[@edwardstewart6569]

If everybody in the world no matter what race you are, we are all brothers sisters in Christ our Lord I love the way that you were talking about this

[@StacBurger-x6s]

You gotta know my mama grew up in this area with him, and he is for real very down to earth man, and he did grow up in a very poor part that house of his in Memphis that was the shining glory for his mom

[@cesarebonventre12]

THE GOAT, forever! Nobody can come close to him! He is not the king, for no reason! ❤

[@philgullon]

I love you mate , I am from England, You smashed it , it DOESN'T MATTER what colour we are ffs !! ELVIS knew that!