This Is Special* Elvis Presley - If I Can Dream ('68 Comeback Special) REACTION

[@sherylmcclure400]

This is the most powerful message song ,that Elvis has ever sung ,and should play this song all over the world ,abd stop all this hate ,and violence ,and this song was written for Elvis

[@patrickdevries6267]

Exactly! This song is still a message for the world of today!! Thanks for writing that

[@KevinWittke-o4u]

Everyone should hear this song, I agree with you 100%

[@mausilw]

And the fact that almost nothing has realistically changed is just heartbreaking.

[@paulasmith3179]

There will never be another Elvis . Love this and the man. thank you

[@joesawyer3642]

You have just witnessed a devastated Elvis singing out his soul to honor his assassinated friends, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Senator Bobby Kennedy who was also a fierce fighter for human rights and equality. Watch the video "Elvis Presley and the Black Community" and that will give you an good idea of how Elvis fought his heart out for the innocent downtrodden.. He grew up dirt poor and hung out with African Americans who loved him as much as he loved them. He was a force for good, and it hurts to see him called a racist. He was a courageous fighter all of this life. I love that man.

[@carolhayar3037]

Thanks for mentioning Kennedy.

[@michele6740]

It was written before Kennedy was killed. It was written for MLK after 4/4/68. After Elvis sang it when told absolutely not due to the back lash given the racial tensions - “They” added white people to the Tribute like Vietnam War Vet, and Kennedy’s. It’s not true and it was racism that motivated them to add the white people to tribute.

[@tabatha5853]

This is his most powerful song love it.

[@ppresley9208]

Elvis was , and still is , and always will be THE MAN ! TCB forever !

[@MaryCarmenPerez-q2o]

Tienes que ver Elvis....es importante para que le puedas comprender...y Austin Batler.... genial simplemente. Elvis magistral forever and ever.

[@SharonMatthews-h3w]

The best. No one to this day can compare to Elvis voice, looks and stage presence/charisma. He doesn't need gimmicks, back up dancers, etc. Just him is enough. Lyrics back then were great and you can make them out. Watch Elvis and the Black community

[@cindyphifer970]

Elvis was and will always be the best, beautiful generous soul

[@margueritavankempen850]

Thats why i have been an Elvis fan since 1956. Im 81 now and still listen to his songs everyday . Thank you for doing this ❤🙏🏻❤

[@elvis78ale]

No one will ever be able to reach his level ❤ The "Elvis" movie is worth a watch, even if it isn't perfect and leaves out a lot of Elvis and his pwrsonality. But it helps to grasp his charisma and what he represented for music

[@kerrypapworth1526]

This man was beyond great. Hello from Australia.🇦🇺

[@willow0828]

Everything in this performance has a purpose. The song itself was written by Earl Brown, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech I Have a Dream. The song was written with Elvis in mind & it’s a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mr. Brown was aware of Elvis love for Dr. King. He also knew that Elvis was devastated by the news of Dr. King’s assassination (less than 9 miles from Graceland, Elvis‘s home). The white suit was also worn to accompany the song’s dream for better days. At the time, the conflict in Vietnam was heart wrenching. In remembrance, of the lives lost during the Vietnam war. The burgundy colored scarf Elvis wore around his neck was for them.

[@carolhayar3037]

The song also encompassed the assassination of Robert Kennedy when Elvis & Steve Binder (producer-director of the '68 special) saw the TV news that Kennedy had just been shot & they spent hrs. in discussion about the world in turmoil causing Binder approach Walter Earl Brown to compose a song.

[@lange6542]

This men is the best ever ever, thank god for this men ❤❤

[@stevepomeroy-rockin-pa-realtor]

“Trying to get to you” should be next. From the comeback special you’ll get to hear another side of his voice and personality … and his incredible guitar work- One of the way Elvis was such a great music arranger was that he could actually play guitar and keyboards. He played both with a lot of soul. Dude was dripping of charisma - no one had that kind of charisma.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

And that is why you have stolen the identity of a dead man including his page and claiming it as your own. Wow! what an impression you are leaving on your son. To be a coward and steal some one else's identity.

[@andreaschadeck5596]

Forever and always ❤ Elvis

[@punkydoodle4774]

His manager wanted him to sing Blue Christmas here (it aired in December.) He pushed back and this song was written for him. This was shortly after MLK and RFK were assassinated. These deeply affected him. The red scarf was for the blood shed in Viet Nam.

[@professorpenne9962]

elvis was an insanely good vocalist, this song is extremely powerful

[@sallycook]

Elvis had a lot of “skin in the game” when he performed this song. As you said 1968 was a very turbulent and distressing time in history. Elvis, in the face of enormous criticism from all quarters in the early stages of his career, took every opportunity to support and promote black artists and songwriters. In 1968 he took that risk again. He had become musically irrelevant by 1968 and this “Comeback Special” was an opportunity for him to become relevant again, a very important opportunity. And yet, once again, he was prepared to risk everything in order to add his voice to the racial reconciliation drive spearheaded by Martin Luther King Jnr and the members of his circle (and supported by presidential candidate Robert Kennedy). Elvis was devastated by the assassination of both these vial proponents of civil rights. He lived the words of this song to his very core.

[@carriemichelle322]

Beautifully said ❣️

[@paulhuggett7503]

Very nice reaction sir. But you missed the ending where he gently says: 'Thank you. Goodnight'. That was really cool!😀

[@lissalois1822]

One of his most memorable songs!

[@sharonporter7132]

That's who Elvis was, very religious thanks to his Mother and the churches, very kind and generous. He was poor as a kid, so when he became famous, it hurt him to see people without. He gave away so much: cars, houses, his own jewelry. He stayed true to himself all his life.

[@kristilouque8412]

The courage he had to be different during that time shows his character…the gift he had did not go to waste. Elvis stood up when it was hard to do.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

When did Elvis stand up?

[@racheotes]

Elvis was very upset when he heard about MLK Jr.’s assassination which happened not too far away from Elvis’ home! He had this song written especially to pay tribute to MLK and RFK. Robert F. Kennedy was also assassinated in 1968. Elvis took a big risk with his career and his own life by singing such a controversial song during the height of civil unrest in this country!

[@carolhayar3037]

Thanks for the mention of Kennedy.

[@johnharris6655]

So Elvis' Manager, Tom Parker did not want him to do this song. So they Filmed it at 3 am and snuck it into the final edit of the program without Parker knowing it until it aired.

[@miked2445]

Among the many that exist, your reaction to this performance, was singular and special. Your face looking up in wonderment. Eyes so wide open, it was impossible not to see who you truly were on the inside. It was actually beautiful and fills me with joyous optimism when I imagine our future on this planet, knowing there are people like yourself still out there today.

[@rebekahyoungman3537]

Yes - I felt this too! Love to Jimmy and everyone here ♥

[@michellejackson6679]

Don’t ever mess with this man and his phenomenal talent.

[@lorisutton5267]

Hey sweetheart I along with the entire world needs this performance right now, more than ever , Elvis was singing from the depths of his soul Elvis home Graceland is in Memphis TN and there was so much going on in the country at this time , so when MILK and RFK were assignated and I know that you are aware of the place that MLK was assasanitsted which was not far from Graceland, it hit him to the core of his heart, Elvis grew up in poverty and never forgot about where he came from , this song was written just for Elvis to say what was in his heart and actually put his career on the line, he never sang it again after the 68comeback special, ut broke him down to the bottom of his soul , there will never be another artist that can touch this Beautiful MAN Among Men Elvis is a Once in a Lifetime, and that is why I subbed your channel, he sings all the genres of music and is the only artist in history who is in all music Hall of Fame, Pure Magic and Mystic that was God Given, great reaction to Elvis and I will be checking to see more ELVIS along with billions of other across the world. TCB 1935

[@carolhayar3037]

Thanks for mentioning King & Kennedy & the turmoil that was going on in the country at that time.

[@lorisutton5267]

You are so welcome sweetheart TCB1935​@@carolhayar3037

[@tabatha5853]

In the ghetto is one of his best songs yo

[@magnuslofgren2441]

This song was written to end the TV Special (1968 comeback special). The songwriters knew that Elvis admired MLK and was horrified when he and Senator Kennedy got assassinated 1968. He also admired those that defend their country, he did his service 1958-1960 as a regular soldier.

[@7777shayna]

I’m glad you did your homework before you listened to this to understand how much this song meant to him, and he never sang again live again

[@stevepomeroy-rockin-pa-realtor]

Subbed because you are now doing an Elvis reactions dive !!!

[@CJBW]

Did you notice in the close up, he actually had tears in his eyes. He was giving his genuine truth singing that❤

[@nanaking9560]

Elvis reached the age of 40 and was afraid no one would remember him. At almost 50 years after his passing, this is why he’ll never be forgotten. They’re going to play this song at the closing of my home going ceremony when the day comes. Its message is still relevant today. It was recorded in 1968 but Elvis was the only artist with the courage to sing it. That should tell you right there just who Elvis was & what was in his soul. 🖤🎶🖤

[@WoodsWoman822]

The Elvis Movie 2022 with Austin Butler was a Good Movie and most of his fans really enjoyed it. Please Check Out; Elvis Presley "Bridge Over Troubled Water" 1970 Live, Las Vegas (New Mix, Great Sound) Thank You ❤

[@rosecarr7956]

Maybe this song should be played before every event to remind people how to act towards others. I remember seeing him sing this in real time, it was stunning. 👑🔥⚡ Thanks for your reaction.

[@o.m.6374]

"He didn't sing with his voice, he sang with his soul". How true. Perhaps that is why, almost 50 years after his passing, Elvis has such a devoted and steadfast ever-growing fan base of all ages,

[@shawnblackwood1471]

Elvis truly believed in the message of this song and he lived his life seeing people not colour . Watch the short documentary Elvis and the Black Community , it explains Elvis' relationship with Black artists . When told he should leave his black backup singers at home for a concert at the Houston Astrodome , his response , if they they can't come he would not do the show . A man true to his beliefs .

[@ginfluckyk9347]

ONLY ELVIS PRESLEY COULD SING...THIS ANSWER TO WHAT HAPPENED TO LUTHER KING AND KENNEDY ❤❤❤❤😭😭😭😭😭🙏RIP 🌷

[@willow0828]

He wasn’t finished. He had one more thing to say.

[@susanthompson8962]

Elvis and Jackie Wilson were good friends. When Jackie was in the hospital, Elvis paid all his hospital expenses.

[@sandramoore]

He took us to church. The whole song was like a prayer from Elvis for the world to change. I once read a comment by a music journalist who said it was as if Elvis was trying to bring a bit of Heaven down to earth to bring us peace. That was 1968 and his plea still rings out. There is a message song by Dolly Parton written last year "World on Fire" and it is well worth a reaction. There is a live performance she did on an awards show and it's epic!

[@kellymcquay2626]

This song was dedicated to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy who were both assassinated in 1968.

[@Axeman517]

Not dedicated to, but inspired by.

[@kellymcquay2626]

@@Axeman517 It was also dedicated to them

[@texasgirl6000]

Some people forget the red tie he wore was to show his respect to all the Vietnam war veterans who lost their life and limbs to that war. The red signifies the blood shed of that war.

[@carolhayar3037]

Thx for mentioning Kennedy -- rarely anyone does, but it was not a literal dedication to any one person -- it was meant as the hope for a world of peace & harmony.

[@gbbryangad]

Definitely check out the movie. It was amazing and accurate. Except for little things that added some flavor (like riding a Ferris wheel with his manager) I saw it 13 times in the theater and it was nominated for 7 academy awards.

[@michaellawliss3049]

AMAZING REACTION MY BROTHER!! 🤜🤛 GOD BLESS BRO!

[@victoriawhite07able]

Thank you❤️❤️❤️

[@derrickbaker3271]

Elvis was a passionate,he cried back stage after this song.

[@jonathanaldecoa1099]

Thanks for reacting to my favorite Elvis performance. Much love and respect young man.😎🕺

[@willow0828]

You should check out Elvis and the Black Community.

[@michele6740]

5:30 Oh, hell, no. I would never take my eyes off of Elvis, ever! 😂

[@hippiecowgirl]

We've had 46 presidents, but only ONE king. There are very few singers on his level of talent. Great music tranports your soul.

[@ruthanncrandall3978]

Elvis was saddened by the death of MLK and Robert Kennedy.He put his heart and soul into this song

[@reneekenney3122]

Great reaction I hope you continue ie on ypir journey thru Elvis music career I promise you won't regret..there is no one like him never will be..try reacting to bridge over troubled water 1970

[@evelynohara2793]

The most powerful song ever recorded ❤❤

[@lonepoulsen5802]

❤❤❤❤So beautiful 🙏

[@Grac-i6c]

If you know you know right you feel it deep

[@AlanfiHolfield]

For MLK. he and his backing singers cried after this performance. His manager was going to sue him if he sang this but Elvis won and sang with all his heart

[@colmflaherty3963]

Thanks for your reaction. very good.👍 There's such a variety with Elvis, blues, country, jazz . Rock 'n' roll ,hard rock ,ballads. Love songs. If you try Suspicious Minds by him LIVE 1970. You will see a completely different guy in just two years.

[@priscilapresotto4718]

The King ,the voice ❤❤❤❤

[@mirandacase510]

This song is my favorite Elvis song

[@richardmiller3839]

If this man was cooler, he would be ice😊

[@shanezveganess5969]

Elvis was one of the OG musician activists.

[@JK_87606]

awesome

[@DennisCelis-ex5on]

I love this song I can listen to this over and over.

[@TheEccho]

Yes you should definitely check out the movie. It's a fantastic biopic, very original and entertaining movie, and if you don't know much about Elvis' history, it will teach you much about the impact he had on the culture back then, when he first appear on the scene. Sure the movie has its haters that likes to trash it, but by and large most people have really enjoyed the Elvis movie, it was a huge success at the box office a couple summers ago, and you would probably like watching it too. Even better, do a reaction to it, you would probably get a lot of views.

[@LindaOrrick]

I was 10 yrs old when this special came on. It was a rough time because of what had happened to Dr King. This song lifted people up and made people be nicer to one another.

[@carolhayar3037]

(new sub.) BACKGROUND INFO for the SONG: As per the producer-director of the '68 special -- Steve Binder -- Elvis, Binder & others were together in the studio when they heard noise coming from the TV in the next room; it was the TV news broadcast that Robert Kennedy had just been assassinated. Binder, Elvis, et al sat up until about 4 a.m. talking about the turmoil in the world at that time w-Elvis expressing his thoughts & feelings, also the assassination of Pres. Kennedy & Vietnam. Binder asked songwriter Walter Earl Brown to compose a song based on those discussions. The song is not a dedication to any one in particular but is notable for its similarities to Martin Luther King’s wish for a world of peace and harmony. The red tie was for the blood shed in Vietnam. See the video "Gates of Graceland: Secrets of the '68 Special" for the entire story of the '68 special, + all the other Steve Binder video interviews regarding the culmination of the song & the entire making of the special. Binder (92), was the most upstanding, ethical people in the business, along w-Marty Pasetta (82), producer of the Hawaii concert & ingenious creator of that ramp from the stage so that Elvis could get to the audience. ELVIS & HIS NERVES: Steve Binder related a little story regarding this '68 special which took place in the dressing room right before Elvis was due to go on: Elvis was extremely nervous and he told Binder that he didn't know any of the songs, he forgot all the words, & wasn't going out there, & Binder said i don't care if you walk out, just say hello & then walk off, but you ARE going out. And out he came.

[@SousChef77]

Went to Graceland in 2000. We had too much fun in Memphis...E's entire layout...Home/Garden/ Stores/ Hotel..and Beal Street was a Stone Blast. The people...were amazing. Went to the Neely's Restaurant, and let me tell you what...that family can cook! Still making their slaw....gonna make it tomorrow for a crawfish boil we are going to on Sat.

[@rdmcnabb]

I was 8 years old, and my Mother and Father was big fans of Elvis, which made me a big fan. HIs Music was always in our house. Even in the 70's my friends and I would also listen to Elvis. Even while Disco came out, we would also listen to Elvis. For this performance, my family watched it live. It was amazing back then, Elvis went in the army, and then his movies came out. That is why it is called the comeback special, because he hadn't performed live for a while. I can remember my parents saying "He still has it." At eight years old you don't realize whats going on in the world, and now I appreciate it more.

[@carriemichelle322]

Great reaction! I ❤ Elvis. I subbed.

[@nathalieal1181]

J'aime cet homme

[@samhugh4965]

Def check out the movie.

[@joewilson7148]

Revalant today as it was 1968. Nothing changed.

[@catherinepage2676]

There are at least 3 versions. In the other 2 he wears a black suit and then his black leather outfit. All awesome. Just listening to the intro gives me goosebumps.

[@catherinepage2676]

Sadly this is relevant now as it was all those years ago

[@donnaqueen8766]

IN THE GHETTO is another great one!

[@DonnaShafer-w5i]

Yes please watch the Elvis film with Austin Butler. It’s a must see! Watch Bossa Nova Baby from Movie Fun In Acapulco. Fun cool dancing fun!

[@moleemolee3]

You are absolutely correct, Elvis wanted the imagery of a solitary man standing alone. As did MLK who stood alone and gave his life for equality.

[@בלהאלגריסי]

שיר מדהים מלא עוצמה🤘🤘🤘🫶🫶🫶

[@SheilaDavis-ju6gx]

❤

[@mimi-422]

❤👑👑👑👑👑❤️ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@yambo59]

You cut before Elvis could say "thank you, good night"

[@jeffmason8401]

This was a rare merging of artistic hunger (which usually comes early in a career) and technical prowess (which comes later). Elvis was both developed and hungry, this is the absolute peak of his career. It's no accident that he never did this song again, he knew he could never top this.

[@nathalieal1181]

⚡️👑🤝

[@Nana12172]

Check out elvis and the black community (2 part videos) ... really tells who was❤

[@dcftcb7764]

👑✌️

[@pablocuellarm9278]

I am 72 years....I heard Elvis when I was a kid until my youth and he was if not the best....one of the best interpreter in that type of music....

[@cathysmith2941]

Just found your channel today glad to see you reacting to elvis and going down the elvis rabbit hole... His manger didny want him to sing this song he felt it was to political and it would damage elvis career but elvis didn't care he was going to sing this no matter what his manger said it was the best way to end the 68 comeback special you can tell how he puts all his heart and soul when he sings this song he took mlk's death really hard they said he went in the corner of the room and starting crying.. Can you please react to the documentary elvis and the black community here I'd the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpWUoYutZqmgqaMsi=LuD1eox6EUGyubzv

[@candicedeleon9552]

I loved this reaction! Thank you for reacting to this song! You should react to 'Suspicious Minds' if you haven't already! Another song you should react to, completely unrelated to Elvis, is 'Rest In Peace' by Taylor Austin Dye

[@cwlindsey2881]

Always let Elvis finish……you missed the “mike drop” moment!

[@danieldonohue8725]

Thank you. And it was for MLK and the sadness involved

[@Macandcheetos99]

American symphony is great by him too

[@sallycook]

What is that please. I am very knowledgeable regarding Elvis’ songs but I don’t know that particular title. Do you mean American Trilogy maybe?

[@Axeman517]

American Trilogy

[@Macandcheetos99]

@@Axeman517 lol that’s what I meant I’m an idiot

[@Macandcheetos99]

@@sallycook yeah mb

[@leonidlebeman9592]

If you put your headphones over your ears instead of over your hat you'll probably hear the song better.

[@tdvcyt2534]

thank you lol made me check out

[@SheilaDavis-ju6gx]

Listen to: Kentucky Rain In The Ghetto. Suspicious Minds

[@Macandcheetos99]

W song

[@danalawton2986]

Not just the message but his voice! Try coming anywhere near his vocals for that song... if you can... you are extremely talented! I feel many just don't give his vocals credit enough... don't want to get too dark though.

[@rong805]

A little background on the suit, the color was obviously chosen to contrast the black and red lights behind him. Elvis thought his neck was skinny so he wanted to cover or disguise it, so a neckerchief was suggested. It was a wine color that represented the blood spilled in Vietnam by the American troops. Bill Belew, who designed Elvis' clothes, said so during an interview. The show was supposed to be a Christmas show, but Elvis defied his manager and worked with the producer who had told Elvis his career was in the toilet. Elvis appreciated the honesty and this is what we have as a result. A fantastic array of skits filmed for the tv special, each with a different story, set to music. The 68 Comeback Special. You should check it out in its entirety.

[@christopherone1]

huh...what in god's name are you even talking about..."elvis thought his neck was skinny?" WTF

[@rong805]

@@christopherone1 If you're a true Elvis fan, you would know that. That's why he wore high collars! RESEARCH!!!

[@christopherone1]

@@rong805 bwhahahahha

[@rong805]

@christopherone1 That's the right response when you think, hmmm, maybe I should've looked that up before saying anything. 🙄🙄

[@christopherone1]

@@rong805 go away, clown.

[@NiennaT]

No dancers. no light show. Just a singer standing alone singing.

[@deedeedixon712]

He had other good messages in his songs. 😁😃🤗

[@leroyleach7581]

....MLKjr was shot not 9 miles from Graceland(Elvis' Memphis estate).

[@carolhayar3037]

And Robert Kennedy was assassinated 2 mos. later.

[@carolhayar3037]

And Robert Kennedy was assassinated, which Elvis & producer-director Steve Binder saw on the TV news when it happened.

[@sharonvincent4238]

Watch Elvis And The Black Community.

[@ChrisB-pi2lb]

🙏👑🙏

[@bevriffe]

You should watch the video with Elvis and Celine Dion!! Blow your mind!!