When Elvis was a young boy he’d sneak to the black church to sing and worship with black people. If anyone says negative things about him then that have no clue.

Elvis was NOT a racist. Always inclusive and appreciative of the black community. His black peers loved and respected him as well. (James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr...even Mohamed Ali...)...

OUR COUNTRY NEEDS MILLIONS OF YOUNG MEN LIKE YOU. IM A 68 YEAR OLD VET WHO WILL STAND WITH YOU SHOULDER TO SHOULDER ANYTIME YOUNG MAN!

When Elvis played the Astrodome in Houston, TX. the organizer told him he can’t have his black background singers with him. He told them that if they can’t come he won’t perform. Elvis was a human being and loved every human being.

Elvis wanted so much to have all people love each other, no matter, what race, religion, creed, sexual preference, or what skin color we were, and growing up in poverty himself, he understood suffering & desperation, and did many things to help those in need!!! He truly had an amazing heart, & I am little sad, that not everybody knew that 💗 Respect you so much man, for your honesty, and willing to look beyond the surface!!!

When you watch this you can't deny that Elvis is singing this with every fiber of his being. You may not know that Elvis and MLK had phone conversations between the two of them, and I believe that they had at least one face to face, if not more. Elvis was very concerned about the tumultuous times and wanted to help in any way he could so he reached out to MLK. He also wanted to be at MLK's funeral but was advised that it would be a security nightmare and it would also put too much focus on him and not on the tribute to MLK. One of his advisors, who was with him in the room, said that he watched the coverage of the funeral on TV while leaning on her shoulder, sobbing.

This was right after Dr. King was assassinated. This was Elvis's heartfelt response.

Can't go wrong with Elvis. Such a smooth voice in an era without auto tune

this song was written shortly after MLK was shot and this was a tribute to Mr. King and was written for Elvis to sing as such tribute.

I really think you are an honest, intelligent, caring man.

Ok he was making a comeback and took the risk to perform this song against the wishes of his management. Who else could pull that off in 1968.

Not only about dreaming - it's about RESPONSIBILITY. Like he said, while we can think, while we can walk, while we can stand, while we can talk - it's inexcusable not to strive for what's right. Love your thoughtful approach, btw.

Elvis Presley is the G.O.A.T , such a powerful voice . His passion and charisma just unbelievable.

Cool fact was that Whitney Houston's mother was part of his group mainstay backup singers.

The 68 comeback special was mostly filmed during the summer of 68 and was set to air at christmas time. After the shooting of Martin Luther King he wanted a song written that honored King and his famous speech.

Damn brother. You were real. Its a shame the bad wrap he gets in the racial wars. You are not the only one that was given pieces of truth. To determine how Elvis treated people, one needs to look at the company he kept and the stories told by the African American community. James Brown is on record saying Elvis was his soul brother. Brown was only one of a few people allowed to be in the room with Elvis's body when he died. In addition, Presley was to play the Astrodome in the 70s. He was told to leave his backup singers behind. Elvis told them, either they come or I don't. There are dozens of stories on his relationships with African Americans. See how he treated his maid. She still owned the house he bought her until she died.

This song was done to honor Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Beautiful!!!

Muhammed Ali said, " I don't idolize nobody, but Elvis was the sweetest, kindest man there ever was! " Chuck Berry said, " Elvis is the best there is, was, and ever will be! " They offered the song "In The Ghetto" to Sammy Davis Jr. (who was very good friends with Elvis" before they offered it to Elvis and Sammy turned it down. When they asked Sammy if he was offended that a white man sang that song Sammy said, "I couldn't have sang it, nor could have any other person sang that song no matter what color they are. The ONLY person that should have or COULD have sang that song the way it is supposed to be sung is Elvis! " Just a side note, they pleaded with Elvis not to record this song because they didn't want to alienate his white fans, they wanted him to sing Silent Night instead. Elvis insisted he sing this song instead and risk it because of his love for the song and the message it conveyed. He was also a huge admirer of Dr. Martin Luther King and cried when he got news of his.assassination. While tears came down his face he turned to his companion and said "He always told the truth! "

Elvis is my favorite male singer. He was as humble as a person can be.

This song was written for Elvis at Elvis' request to end the 68 Special which was recorded in June of 1968 and the TV show was to actually air in December of that year. Bobby Kennedy had just been assassinated two weeks prior to this and Martin Luther King was assassinated shortly before that in Elvis' home town of Memphis not far away from Graceland where Elvis lived. It seemed as though the country was being torn apart. Riots were raging from Washington DC to Chicago and California. The Vietnam war was in full stride and every night we got the "BODY COUNT" report n the evening news. Seemed that the enemy always had a higher number than us and that was supposed to give us encouragement that we were wining. I digress. This song is the closest that Elvis ever got to make some type of a political statement, and he chose hope.

Elvis could tell a story in a song. Like no other. YOU JUST HEARD IT. No one could match him.

It breaks my heart that folks who stand to protect Elvis could be so nasty to each other. That is actually disrespectful as hell! You worded the truth SPOT ON!! Folks need to come together and support one another. Gad Zooks. You make me proud! God Bless you

Elvis never stole anyones music,

Noone, noone could ever, can, or will ever be able to infuse as much feeling into, and make you feel the song as much as Elvis.

I didn't think any of your comments were offensive at all for your In The Ghetto reaction, or in this reaction either. You were open and honest as far as your knowledge of Elvis goes, and that he wasn't a part of your life, musically, mostly for the reasons you mentioned. I also like the fact that now you want to delve into his history and learn more about him. That to me sir is very impressive. Thanks btw for showing If I Can Dream, a song that he felt and meant every word of.

Much respect ✊ Thank you 🙏 for stepping up. It brings a tear to my eye to see so many black Americans coming to realize the truth about Elvis Presley: that he was not racist at all, that he loved and appreciated black music and artists and treated them with respect and that he was a truly great singer and entertainer and a decent, generous man. I remember when Elvis recorded In The Ghetto and although I was only 13 at the time, I was sufficiently aware to realize that he was sending a message to America and that this was a song way outside his usual repertoire. Nobody was pushing him to record it. I think he really surprised a lot of people with it. But the public responded positively - the song was a huge hit. Prejudice is a funny thing. And children naturally believe what their parents tell them about the world. It’s hard when you realize that what they told you was false. It can be upsetting. But it’s necessary in order for us to grow and learn. Thank you again and respect.

Check out some of his gospel work. You will not be sorry.

I Crying Every time i Hear this Song

I just love listening to you!!!!

Thank you for your honesty, It's refreshing. But, you surprised me with the Elvis racist comment. Isn't it good to know that we can all be wrong & misjudge sometimes. I'm from Tennessee, born & raised not far from where Elvis lived. I'm an older white lady living among the poorest of people black & white. Mostly good folkes. Rich with culture. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family.

I'm 60 yrs old. I grew up listening to Elvis. I can tell you that besides his incredible voice, and charisma, he was also one of the most generous entertainers of my time. He grew up in poverty in Tupelo, Mississippi and later in Memphis, Tennessee. He used to hang out with lots of black friends, and he used to jam to rhythm and blues, and gospel songs with many of them. After he achieved his fame and fortune, Elvis would buy cars and even houses for his friends, and he would even give away money to strangers he would meet, just because that was the kind of guy he was. His cook was an African-American lady who would become one of his best friends and confidant in the last years of his life, and he bought her a nice house in Memphis. Elvis loved the black community, and in fact, it was growing up surrounded by many black people, and listening to their music, which is what influenced Elvis to do the type of music he wound up making. Yes, he's referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll", but if you research his songs, you'll find he also did many rhythm and blues, and gospel songs, most of which were influenced by the African-American community that he grew up with.

Generational racism is very sad. I have college students of all races and ethnicities who were taught to hate other races from their elders. They never get to know these people, but hate due to skin color. You're right, enough hate in this world. We are all human. We need to be better humans who respect one another. Just found your channel and watched my first video. Wow. Deep, meaningful, authentic. You're in for an incredible journey with Elvis. I first heard him while in my mother's womb when she played his very first album. I've loved him ever since. Thank you for the honesty and respect. Happy Thanksgiving.

Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississippi and grew up there until he was 13 and then moved to Memphis Tennessee. In Tupelo he lived in the very poor part of town and back then they had the white neighborhood and the black neighborhood. He lived right on the border in the white neighborhood but he always spent a lot of time in the black neighborhood. He would go and listen to the men who would sing out on the sidewalk or sit outside the clubs and listen to the music , he loved it. He also loved the black churches where he would often go to on Sundays. He had a black friend from school that he would always go visit and they would always listen to the men who would be out on the sidewalk with their guitars and singing. That is where he learned to play his guitar his mother had bought him for his birthday.

You Sir, have my fullest honor!!

My favorite Elvis song. It will be played at my funeral.

Syd. I've also heard talk about being racial, so I did some digging myself. . His maid and Cook which was a black woman that worked for Elvis for many years. Spoke up about it. Elvis brought b her brand new car every two years. And bought her,. her own house also for her. He treated her like gold like his own mother. Whitney Houston's mother and Aunt sang with Elvis for years also... He treated them like Queens with much respect. As for the song if I can dream. . When Martin Luther King was killed . Elvis wept.... Elvis sang that song .if I can dream. He sang that song in honor of Martin Martin Luther King and what he stood for.. .

Elvis sang this song as a reaction to Martin Luther King being killed months before

All Artists create by whatever influenced them. Little Richard said........Elvis kicked down doors for Black artists because of his love of music

Dammm the King could sing... over the past few days I’ve been re listening...and I have a new found appreciation for great he really was.. and how great a person he was

Martin Luther King, Elvis, and so many more that tried to unite us would be so sad with the rift in our relationships with each other. I too, dream of a better way!! Love to all!!

Elvis loved everyone, their race did not matter. He was a great human!

Oh God people. Let’s be united as a family here. I’m not perfect. No one is. I’m late to the game but just my 2cent. Let’s take journeys together in all music.

Respect to you.

Great respect to you my friend because it takes a real man to admit when he got something wrong. We all grew up being told things by others that we believed, only later by doing our own searching do we find out our own truths. You are right, their is far to much hatred in this world and how anyone can dislike a man who spread so much happiness is beyond me.

As far as "racism" goes with Elvis all you need to listen to is this, one of his black female backup singers in the amazing Sweet Inspirations. Nobody revered black music and musicians more than Elvis.

Elvis was CLEARLY not a racist. He was friends with Sammy Davis, Bo Diddley, BB King, Jackie Wilson, Chuck Berry - who said BTW - "Describe Elvis? The greatest who ever was, is or ever will be." Hear is just one Elvis anecdote about his friendships and charity and generosity toward people of color. In 1970, Elvis was invited to perform at the Houston Astrodome, but was told to "keep the colored girls at home." That was in reference to his backup singer The Sweet Inspirations. Elvis said they if they didn't come, they he wasn't going to show up either. That's only one of many stories.

And our boy Elvis, "did a lot for the black community. He'd come to my Charity Events and Elvis would stay to the end, cause he knew taking pictures with him helped me and the Charity., And did it on the hush, hush, didn't want recognition". BB King.

You are a class act. I had the great fortune of seeing Elvis in concert 4 times. I am 62 and grew up with his music. Thank you for your truthful reaction and I look forward to more of his great performances. A couple of great ones would be "What now my love" and "American Trilogy" both from his 1973 Aloha concert. as well as some of his 1970 Las Vegas live perfomances...His early stuff like jailhouse rock, mean woman blues are great too..I could go on.... Thanks again

Phenomenal Elvis ! The King !

GOD bless you my friend that I have not met...

god bless you for addressing your mistake I wasn’t offended Elvis is and was a good man 💕

Please listen to the Elvis song "Life"..... Danny Boy....Power of my Love... Thanks for finding Elvis....

They don't call Elvis the King for nothing! He was absolutely awesome!

I have listened to your speech and I don't know who commented what, and don't actually want to know if they can be so nasty. Thank you for talking straight out. What we are taught as children is not our fault, and we only discover the truth when we're grown-up. Thank goodness I never had that with my parents, they were not racist and neither are my grown-up sons or their families racist. Pity that there are those who must find fault instead of just listening and enjoying this. Everyone has a right to say who they like and who they don't. Tons of people never knew much about Elvis and are astonished to learn he was one of the kindest souls around, had lots of "black" friends and loved them too. Please take heart and know there are so many people who appreciate your comments and keep it up xxxxx

Thank you sir for doing your research , Elvis was a great person and believed in everyone.

You are a man of integrity BTW it's rare

I must admit, though Elvis is my top favourite, I have tons of other favourites, from opera to modern day. Music is my life

The “King” never saw color, he just saw people!

You have a good heart and Elvis was kind, gentle, loving and a GREAT singer without a racist bone in his body. he loved people.

Your childhood guardians raised a fine, fair and objective man. They left out the gift of Elvis and here you are; discovering him with a mature and open mind. And now you are sharing with others. I thank you. Elvis is an American Treasure

Still powerful - POWER - FULL! God bless you!

Welcome to our Elvis family my friend. Enjoy :)

I heard that he collapsed in his room after this song, it took all out of him. You can see it in his face too

Youre a good man

Thank you for being broadminded enough to allow the King into your world. There are many things we are told while being raised that just aren't true. I am white raised in the deep south. If I had of listened to the people that raise me, I would have never known how wonderful it is to be color blind. Thanks for posting

Beautiful song sung by a most beautiful man.

This Song is Great , Elvis was very strong. He is the King . Greetings from germany.

I am an old white woman who grew up with Elvis. I lived about an hour out of Memphis and appreciate your thoughts and comments. I can tell you that he had friends of every color in the rainbow. Thank you for the respect that you show to everybody and your total honesty and integrity.

Elvis meant every word in this song and this song should be played in every elementary school every day because it does sends a message of peace and humanity.

Its not your fault. Thats just what some had heard and kept spreading it. Just like any bs rumor. Elvis loved EVERYBODY. When in doubt research him. God Bless

He used to go to the Black Churches on his own as A child for the music and fellowship!! You have not shown disrespect in my eyes to anyone! You stated what you were led to believe and being the REAL MAN YOU ARE learned and passed on your learning! You have my respect! Lol you would rock the suit!!!!

Drama just watched the video buddy thank you that voice omg no one and I mean no one can sing that song like him I love your reaction and you are a good guy I enjoy listening to you you speak from the heart buddy screw those people that say he was this he was that it’s all bullshit he was a kind man and the most generous person this world has ever known thank you again vinny from Boston

Godbless you for being fare.mostly every song by elvis was for someone or something that needed to be addressed.elvis cared for all his fans.

his art in gospel music brought people together

Perfectly said!!!

I'm listening to you do this reaction for the 3rd time and it strikes me that you are a great orator and would make a great motivational speaker.

Who ever thinks you said that, didn't pay attention. You clearly stated that you said he did covers, that other people believed he stole muisc. People, smh...Elvis was known to give brand new Cadillacs to people, my mom, loves to tell the story of how he one day saw a woman and children struggling one day and he just gave them his Car (and they were black), a Cadillac. I'm glad you are getting to know Elvis. He was truly like Michael Jackson,Freddie Mercury, Jimmy Hendrix, Ryan Upchurch ( imo only), Prince, etc.... True Legends, in every generation, that will always stand apart from others.

Its 5/8/21 watching again,many times WE SO NEED THIS TODAY,AS PEOPLES irresponsibile actions thoughts today are astounding SAYING MANY PRAYERS!!!!!!!

I've watched this(your reaction) many many times and your words and comments always give me warmth & joy. Thank You, GOD Bless You!!!

I love your honest reactions. We were all born with what we have. Not my fault I don’t have baby blue eyes. It is my fault if I hold something against you for something you can in no way change. We are way to concerned about race. Let’s look at things we love. Music is a great place to start.

I'm a fan of Elvis and that's why I am here and this is my first viewing of your channel... I'm a white guy from the UK, when I talk or listen or interact with another person I only see the human being and make my judgements based only the kind of person they are and nothing else ( I see the color but it matters not)... The way I see it, there are more good people in the world than bad... Anyway, like any other singer Elvis borrowed (not stole) the best bits of what he liked and admired about those that influenced him and capitulated and distilled them into his own... All have there influences Jackson and Prince were both influenced by their heroes , they took what they could use pushed on to to create... I'm sure Elvis had his problems but from all I have read, seen & heard he was a beacon for human beings... My friend that was an impassioned and humble speech... I think Elvis would have approved and agreed...

To be honest, is one thing. To apologize for something you are not really responsible for, is another. My deepest respect. In this world we are living, honesty is something special. To apologize is something special. Sometimes i have the feeling that in this world we are living, it is more and more difficult for the people to apologize or admit mistakes........ Elvis had a lot of friends among the black celebritis: Charles Brown, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis jr. just to name a few. Sammy Davis once said, on a scale from 0 to 10, Elvis was an 11. You can fiend this interwiew on UTube. Anyway, i wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving !!!

The man can sing...

Lyrics still as or relevant today. RIP Elvis.

None of us know all things Elvis. Wish we did, but we are learning all the time with the people out there who are dedicated to telling the Elvis stories. I've not hear you come off as a a$$hole, we all make mistakes...we are human after all. It is how we address those mistakes and you addressed yours in an honorable way. We will leave it at that. This song and Elvis singing it.....just gives me goosebumps! The emotions, the facial expressions, the soul....you name it and Elvis has it. This is not a song to listen to while you are driving because you just get into (or at least I do) so much as you can feel those emotions and the words to this song just grab into your soul. Yep, this song and it's message gets me every single time, but it has to have Elvis singing it. The more I learn about Elvis, the more I respect and honor and am in awe of him. He was the real deal wasn't he?! This man was and always will be a one and only.

This was a long time ago, and I cannot say yes or no to where he got his music. If he didn't take it from others, ok, that's all good. If he did, then let's look at the selection. A great many had a strong message of unity and brotherhood. If he did cover songs from black artists, then what was the impact? The Impact I say, is that he carried their messages into areas where those artists would not be as welcome. Spreading them to people that would not have been as likely to hear their message.

GOD BLESS!! GREAT MESSAGE FROM ELVIS AND YOU!

THE gold voice THE KING 👑🕺 THE best 😍❤️💜💞

Ya know ..... back in the day,,, the mainstream media used to be angry about him having black backup singers...they called him the N Word. Ed Sullivan hated him..refused to show him below the hips,, saying crap like he dances like a N word. Etc... but over time,,, those people died off. Or retired... he was young.... they were old... and Elvis just kept going and became the king... he was loyal to his musicians and backup singers... most stayed with him for the entire career...those black ladies doing back up singing were with him to the end... whenever people were rude to them, Elvis would not have it... I think all the black people that New Elvis, loved him..

Another person who you’re gotten respect from, love what you think, feel,and say!

This is very BEAUTIFUL and as an Elvis Fan, your sincerity, honesty and bravery to deal with some people that jumó to conclusions and keeping it REAL, was heartwarming to watch and hear! THANK YOU for those beautiful words and for being a true example of what human decency is! You have great values and I can see me having someone like you as a LIFELONG FRIEND AND BROTHER!😎👍🏼🤗

I'm glad to see you've opened your mind and heart to give Mr. Presley another chance and come to your own conclusion. I think through your journey discovering more about him, you'll be pleasantly surprised, my friend. There's a video of him doing I think it was either Burning Love or Suspicious Minds where Elvis was playing around and having fun with one of the bashful back up singers that's quite funny to watch. 😊

Elvis had his prejudices, but his heart was in the right place, as are many/most of us. It's all about love.

Elvis was a great man and stood up for what he believed in. He learned a lot from blacks and whites. Color wasn't a barrier.

You Sir, have my full respect and truly an honor to listen to you. You speak the Gospel Truth. I wish more people were like you. I very much enjoy watching and listening to you. You speak how you feel. The music is that truth. This is our passion. Elvis has been a part of my life since the womb. My father a HUGE Elvis fan since he was a young man in the 50s. I was born in 1969. I have seen him in concert in New Haven, CT 1976. I was 7 years old. He was larger than life but still bled like you and I. No one is perfect. He was a gift to us all. He sang every style you can think of and did it well. Not many artist can do that. You, my friend are true to yourself and to us. I hope some day I can meet you. Shake your hand and call you, friend. Enjoy the Elvis journey. As there is no getting off this ride because there is too much music, history to explore. You have just tapped into just the tip of the Elvis iceberg. Trust me he will NOT disappoint you. I appreciate you digging into his life and finding the truths. So much more to know and will amaze you. Again, it's an honor. Thank you, friend. Rowland in Connecticut

Takes a big man to admit he was wrong. I know exactly what you’re talking about. Elvis never said “The only thing black people are fit to do is shine my shoes” pure BS that was spread by jealous people to knock down his popularity. So enough about that. I could see on your face the surprise at how Elvis’s voice was so powerful and passionate. Almost operatic in some parts. People (not necessarily you) sometimes know his music by his movies which wasn’t his best stuff. He also recorded gospel music which really showed his range and true talent as a powerful vocalist. As others said, Elvis wasn’t poor, that doesn’t even come close to describing their situation. They were destitute. Dirt poor! Also, Elvis was a twin, his brother died at birth. Thanks for keeping an open mind and doing the initial review even though you thought he had said some horrible and racist things. Says a lot about your character and ability to relook at something you thought you knew about but had simply been given incorrect information. Don’t hold it against the people whether family or friends for their incorrect information. A lot of people thought this till people close to Elvis told the truth about how Elvis wasn’t racist and always acknowledged where his music roots came from and was a generous person to everyone around him regardless of race. Oh, and by the way, Whitney Houston’s mom was actually one of his backup singers. Great job man, enjoyed your honesty in both videos. Peace....

Respect my friend 👍

Elvis was the Real Deal, and so are you!

I can't like this video enough. Elvis got such a horrible ride from the black community because they were told lies. So happy to see this being put right.

Elvis had friends of all colors. He loved the black culture