Elvis was born in the white Ghetto, yes, there were poor white folk too! I was one of them! He grew up with Blacks, as, I did, because the poor stuck together, and nobody saw color! We just all lived in the Ghetto together! I wasn't privileged because I was white, my Mom made my school dresses out of flour sacks! We got welfare for a short time, Many nights we didn't eat, Elvis grew up that way too! And it sickens me, that in 2021, nothing has changed! I grew up in 60's! I so hoped for a better future for us all! Elvis fought for that!

He grew up in poverty but he never forgot his roots! He was a humble and very generous man!

Elvis knows the dirt poor upbringing he had. He never forgot a very kind man.

Elvis called his backup singers his "Sweet Inspirations." Cissy Houston, who was Whitney Houston's mother was one of those singers. Cissy later went on to have a stellar career as a gospel music singer.

Elvis was born in tupelo Mississippi. He was very poor. Than moved to Memphis as a teenager and lived in public housing.

He grew up poor in Mississippi. Friend Mac Davis wrote this for him to sing knowing he would understand

I love your outlook "Don't do that to your Mom, do better for your Mom". She should be proud.

Mac Davis wrote the song but it was perfect for Elvis since he lived in the ghetto in Memphis as a kid. He was actually born poorer than that. He was born in a 2 room building called a shotgun house that didn't have indoor plumbing. (Edit. Forgot to make it clear that this home was in Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis & family moved to Memphis in 1948.)

Elvis knew the ghetto.. spent his life, attempting to get the whole world to understand and help! His music/ lyrics, completely explains where his heart and soul was driven from! ❤️

The GOAT was born in the ghetto tupelo mississippi dirt poor he sang this song with passion cause he lived and loved every body he didn't see color only people.thank you, young man, for your reaction God bless you, 🙏🇵🇷🇺🇸❤💯

If you have an image in your mind of the boy Elvis is talking about, remember he never says what race the boy is.

Elvis Presley IF I CAN DREAM

Mac Davis wrote the song. Elvis manager did not want him to record this song but Elvis said he was doing it like it or not. Elvis grew up poor. His dad went to jail for stealing food.

Elvis is one of the most recognized & famous people in music history, & no doubt, one of the most talented, however his heart & love for humanity, is his true legacy 💗💚💜 Elvis knew extreme poverty growing up, & wanted to sing this song to bring awareness, even after his manager did not want him too, he still did! Please react to Elvis, If I could dream 💗💚💜

I not only enjoyed your reaction to this video but, more importantly, your reaction to life. What a wise young man you are! I hope you're spreading your message in whatever ways you can because it's people like you who can make a real difference in this world.

When I watch reaction videos to this song, my eyes are fixed on the person doing the reaction. You, Sir, get it. The look on your face when you understood what the song was about was absolutely priceless. Best reaction video to this song I've seen so far!

He grew up in abject poverty. No electricity, no running water. His dad was in prison for awhile. He and his mom had to pick cotton. He lived along with the blacks in shag town and went to black churches to sing. His mom died after he was drafted and he was devastated because they were so close. He was a fascinating performer but off the stage, he was shy, humble, respectful & extremely generous. He gave complete strangers cars, houses, jewelry etc. whatever they needed. I love Elvis because of his calming influence with his music especially his Gospel music which he won 3 Grammys for. But most of all because he wanted to do well for his mama because he saw hot hard she had worked. Just about the time he was making some money, she passed on. People think he had an easy life but he really didn’t. Tragedies and tribulations like all of us humans. He was a twin at birth in which the other twin was stillborn. He was always haunted by that. He felt if they had some months his mom could have had them in the Hospital. Thanks for playing that. The more you dig the more surprised you’ll get.

Your mama must be so proud of you! I know I am, and I have never met you of course. You are wise beyond your years young man... love watching your reactions and hearing what you have to say.

Elvis was born in the ghetto, attended black churches, and all his childhood friends were black. He helped thousands of people anonymously in his brief life, many of them total strangers on the streets. His kindness and generosity was out of this world.

The very first time I heard THIS SONG ( and I was young) my heart wanted to bust. We didn't have much but, this song made me realize there were others that had less.

I've heard this song for many decades....still beautiful...still meaningful...still gives me chills. So very sad to think that this situation is still continuing. God Bless those who know this life.

Elvis was not just poor, his family were considered by other white folks to be "dirt" poor. He grew up on the otherside of the railway tracks beside a black ghetto called Shakerag ... where he hung out... and attended Gospel church. His grandma Presley was a preacher. Thanks for your appreciative reaction!

He was born in a two room house…not two bedroom house, just two rooms. He had a twin brother that was stillborn.

You were amazingly perceptive to pick up that he was talking about himself to a degree having grown up in poverty. I didn’t know how poor he grew up until recently & I’m in my 60s. He also did study Karate & would work it into his act. You have an intense eye for the smallest details. Props

He grew up in ghetto of Tupelo MIssissippi. He moved to Memphis at 14 and lived in projects.

Elvis was trying to go in a different direction at this time in his career, after doing so many silly movies and pop songs in the previous years. He was really trying to go back to his roots and the blues and gospel that had inspired him originally. What a great song ITG is and ground breaking at the time too.

I don’t know your age but I am definitely old enough to be your mother. I would be proud to have you as a son. You seem to be a fine young man. Also, Elvis grew up in abject poverty, not on Chicago but it doesn’t really matter. He’s singing from experience.

He was a 7th degree black belt in karate.

Elvis was born during the depression in total poverty and then his daddy went to jail when he was a baby... the only way him and his mama had any food was from the church... Elvis sings it so well because he knew poverty and what him and his mama went through in Tupelo Mississippis

ELVIS WAS BORN INTO HORRIBLE POVERTY IN THE PROJECTS IN TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI. WHEN HE WAS 12 HE MOVED TO MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE.

Elvis grew up very poor His parents were sharecroppers. His dad spent time in prison for writing bad checks. This is why he and his mother were so close. He had also an amazing empathy for poor people and black people Believe it or not he had an amazing kindness and recept for black people. He was am amazing young man. So sad there are way to few.

Amazing out of all the hits Elvis had, the only Grammy's he ever won were for his gospel albums. All worth a listen and in a place of their own. When the days get shorter and colder, I do like to revisit his gospel discography.

The words were written a long time ago and still ring true! My Daddy loved this song!

From Tupelo Mississippi. Poor as poor could be. His dad built a small little shotgun shack for them to live in. Elvis used to sneak into the local black churches and loved the music, loved the people and loved the culture. This was a song that helped draw awareness to what he saw growing up but what he also saw in the world around him. The King using his platform to try and bring awareness and do just a small part to make the world a better place. What a legend.

You my friend are a beautiful soul and was raised with respect.Thank you for giving this message to the younger generation about respecting there parent/parents..Take care and good choice of a song.

Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a small shotgun house that they lost after Vernon, his father went to jail for a bad check. They later moved to Memphis, Tennessee just a few miles from Tupelo where he was raised, & was always his home base. Graceland is still there. The song wasn’t about anyone, but everyone born in poverty, taking on the issue. Elvis bought his Mom a house first thing in his very early success, but she died young, the same age he did, 42.

Grew up with a single mom in the 60s …when I turned 6 a black man came into my life and took me as his own daughter..he taught me so many things that in turn I taught my kids….I was hated by all races because of my parents love…white and black relationships were not ok and I was hated …RIP he was an amazing dad….❤️ we were not allowed to live anywhere but the ghetto because he was black… The main thing that he taught me was to look in the mirror and be proud of who I am what color my skin is respect other people and judge them on their character that it was OK to be white it was OK to be black we were all beautiful….❤️

Good man I liked the way you honored your mother God Bless you and your family well done to your mother she did a great job x. Marie. ♥ from. Spain 🇪🇸

Elvis had a black belt in karate

I love your message to the kids today...You sound older then your years....Your an inspiration to all in today's time.. Thanks for your reaction....

Amazes me how this song is still prevalent to this day and age. When will this ever change??? And yes, losing a child is awful. I lost my 30 year old daughter unexpectedly 19 months ago 😢

Elvis was born in Tupelo MS in a shotgun house in extreme poverty. His twin brother died at birth and his dad was in jail. So he was extremely close to his mother. Gospel & R&B was the music he grew up on. He lived in a ghetto. One part of his character, that was EXTREMELY rare during that time, was he didn't see color. When he became successful he showered his friends and family with money, cars you name it. At the end your comment about a parent losing a child- there's no word for it. A person loses a spouse, they're widowed. A child loses their parents, they're orphaned. No word or words for losing your legacy and shattering your soul.

Elvis grew up in a Tupelo, Mississippi ghetto; Dad, Vern, was in jail for bad checks. At age 14, they moved to the Memphis, Tennessee projects. He sang in church...Gospel was his first love...he sang "That's All Right, Mama" in 1954, when a teenager for his Mother's birthday, at Sun Records. He was a Spec 4 in the Army, got out in 2 years. Released "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956 to a massive amount of controversy from religious groups because of his movements. He made a string of musical romance movies, that he didn't want to do. Finally got a decent script for "King Creole", his only b&w movie. He just wanted to make music. His singing career took a dip when his wife left him, and the Beatles arrived, his "Comeback Tour" helped immensely. When he sang "In the Ghetto", which his manager thought would kill his career, he fought to sing it, (it was written by Mac Davis, who originally titled it "The Vicious Circle") and here we are...as relevent, and often played, today, 57 years later, as it was in 1969, when it was released. His backup singers were the Sweet Inspirations, which included Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston. Thank you for your great reaction.

Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississippi. He lived in Poverty. He was thirteen when they left Tupelo for Memphis. They lived in the housing project. Elvis wanted to help his parents. He dreamed of buying his mama a house and a Cadillac. He of course did that. He is the greatest of all time.

Mac Davis wrote this song. Elvis recorded this song in 1969. Elvis' manager, Col. Parker, did not want him to record it. Elvis did it anyway because he felt it needed to be heard. Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. His family was very poor. They moved to Memphis when Elvis was 12. He lived in subsidized government housing. He had black neighbors. He went to the black church to listen to the Gospel music. Elvis loved Rithym and Blues, country and Gospel. Put them together and you have the beginning of Rock and Roll. In 1968, at his Comeback Special, he asked that a song be written about how he was feeling about what was going on in the country at the time. One thing was the recent assination of Rev. Martin Luther King. The song was written, and it was the final song in his Special, If I Can Dream. Check it out.

He was born in the projects , he knew the life he singing about

Elvis grew up in Tupelo Mississippi and was extremely poor. He didn’t write in the ghetto a man by the name Mac Davis did. Elvis didn’t write any of his songs, but he had the emotion and heart to make a song his own. And yes he did study martial Arts. He was the ultimate showman, he could hold the audience spellbound. If you want to see his true magic watch his concert either from Hawaii or Vegas. You can’t stop watching until the. Amazing man.

You should watch the videos "Elvis and The Black Community: The Echo" He grew up in the poor section of Tupelo, MS and his mansion "Graceland" is only blocks away from the ghetto in Memphis, TN. Whitney Houston's mother was one of his backup singers for years

Elvis Presley was truly one of a kind who not only changed music but changed an entire culture. His versatility led to him being inducted into Music Halls of Fame in 5 different genres. If you choose to discover more of Elvis, I guarantee it will enrich your life. I would love for you to react to: (1) Elvis Presley & The Black Community - That Echo Will Never Die; (2) If I Can Dream - Show Closer ('68 Comeback Special 50th Anniversary HD Remaster); and (3) ELVIS - 5 songs from April 9th, 1972 Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Thank you Sir for your kind words of wisdom. Respect your mom. Once you do, you will walk in the right path to glory. God Bless you.

He grew up in the poorest ghettos in Tupelo Miss and Memphis Tenn, he was advised not to sing this song, but he did it anyways to bring awareness to all kids, not just kids of color, but all kids, adults as well, he actually lived this song, he lived through the struggles, he was generous to a fault.

He grew up in the ghetto too. He was so beloved by the black community and black entertainers. This song came out June 27 1969. He was very poor. Also he worshiped his back up singers He was told not to do the song or to bring them with him. He did anyway threaten not to do the concert if they could not come. Thanks for sharing. Katie 🌸😊

Yes, this is a true story. A nameless and common story. God Bless your message! I truly hope your comments touch at least ONE person...

Elvis is the King of all the Rock of Tennessee and Dolly Parton is the Queen of ALL the MOUNTAINS!

Elvis was born in Tulepo, Mississippi in 1935. He grew up in poverty. His family moved to Memphis when he was a teenager.

Hello! I'm from East Chicago ! Elvis grew up dirt poor! He was born in Tupelo Mississippi I believe. He toured the whole country performing also, so he's seen a lot! He did perform Chicago back in the 70's so he's seen a lot!

I could listen to him all day long

Elvis was the very best! He was the KING!

Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi and grew up in rural poverty. He drove a truck until he started recording in Memphis at Sun records.

What a beautiful Elvis song & like you I was raised with old music as well. Elvis was born January 8th 1935 and died August 16th 1977 aged 42

Did you notice that in the song there is no mention of Race...

Just wanted to say you're a very good young man. God bless.

Elvis was born in the SLUMS of Mississippi in a two room SHACK Nobody could match Elvis. Nobody. He lived a life ten men couldn’t dream of living. Canada

He grew dirt poor in the Tuplua Ghettos, he was singing about what he knew and lived. His community was black. He loved gospel and black music, he wanted this message out there, he wanted to highlight this poverty to help it. They said it would ruin his career if he sang it, but he didnt care. He loved everyone. He never forgot where he came from.He fought for equality. His later music always told storys and was based in gospel. But can we have a shoutt out for his voice, he was singing this live, 50plus years ago. Listen to If I Can Dream... then you will understand Elvis and who he was.

You are such a beautiful young man. Your mother must be proud!! Much love

He grew up in poverty. He is personally familiar. He sings from his heart. I myself, spent partly in the ghetto and/or too close. Been many years since. I'm 62 yrs old

Appreciate your attitude and reaction to this song.

I'm from mississippi.here he's still th king of rock n roll.probably one of the very first G.O.A.T.S.i know people who still,to this day bump elvis.he was born in tupelo mississippi.home town made it big.he literally got it out th mud bruh.u like country right?as far as I can tell you like ALL MUSIC.do me a favor,a favor 4 u,idc if u stream it or not.but check out I'm so lonesome I could cry by Hank Williams Sr.in his day he was a rebel,known 4 showing up at shows so drunk they thought he wouldn't b able to preform.was fired from the grand ole Opry. ( wich was about th only place to gain reconization in country at the time).he was a troubled soul,but he was all soul,if that makes any sense.his son went on,his own style of course,and made it as well in my time.sr was dead n gone when I heard him 4 th 1st time,and th song made chills run down my back.no joke.

My husband and I are originally from Chicago. We both grew up on the southside in the 50s ,60s and some of the 70s. I lived on South Shore Drive, my dad was a homicide detective but my hubby had two younger brothers, a mom who was bed ridden and a grandmother who took care of all of them until my hubby started working to help out at the age of 15. Their father left them when my hubby was 11 years old, they lost everything and ended up living in a tenement on welfare. We're white and we've never looked down on anyone else or cared who or what they were whether they were black, white,brown or anyone else! But we learned to be tough, resilient and smart. My hubby joined the military in 1969 right after his graduation and after going through the Vietnam war he got a job, got his mind back and is still going strong! If living in Chicago don't toughen you up I don't no what will but I really don't recommend it!

Elvis Presley had a black belt in karate and a deep understanding of growing up poor he was the son of a sharecropper he did not grow up with money

I love your reaction, and great words of advice for people caught up in poverty. That noise at the end that Elvis made was a salute to his background singers. So sweet!

He is talking about all people living and raised in the Ghetto, The Projects, The Poor Sides of Towns, basically anyone raised in poverty, with no father, no guidance., etc etc etc, to live on the streets. Elvis grew up in The Projects...Tupelo Mississippi...Not Chicago..he was a Southern boy...

He knew about the ghetto, he grew up in one. This song was offered to Sammy Davis Jr. who refused it as he had never experienced the ghetto. He suggested it was given to Elvis who did know what it was about.

The thing about Elvis that people forget, is that he was born dirt poor. He did what he had to do get out of poverty, the very thing that got him out of poverty, was what shortened his life; music. He did what he had to do in order to make a better life for himself and his family. He paid a terrible cost for to take care of others. That is what good men do. That must be remembered, and is not.

Brother your face tells a great emotional story, right on God Bless you. I was born in a ghetto in the bronx, but worked my way out I reach out as often as I can to help others out.

He was born in Tupelo, Ms, later his parents moved to Memphis, Tn. Him and his parents lived in the projects until Elvis began his rise in music.

I was raised in many ghettos but my family was strong, I think that makes a huge difference in how the ghetto impacts those of us who lived our formative years in them, family was everything.

Amazing Elvis!!

Growing up in the 60-70s in Oakland CA. Birthplace to the Black Panthers & Hells Angels, Bruce Lee had two training studios in west Oakland. Elvis Presleys body guard was fluent in martial arts and taught Elvis what he knew. Elvis requested to meet Bruce Lee but Bruce died then a year later Elvis. Martial Arts was so popular in the 70s you couldn’t walk outside at recess without getting a high kick by someone. Hence the song “Kung Fu Fighting” Oakland was militant and I was here for it 😉

Elvis was a black belt. I think that's what that move was at the end. Lol written by Mac Davis, such a masterpiece

He is speaking to all of us!! Poverty is not racist we need to help everybody. Change needs to happen.

Bless You Young Man! Your Comments is All Inspiring to Many People, Many Prayers, Lots of Blessings and Much Love for You and Your Family!!!

Elvis was born in Mississippi. I don't know how old he was but when he started singing the white people didn't except him. The gospel church did, he learned how to sing there first. If you look up some of his music you can hear it. What interested me was in his prime he joined the Army and finished his duty, and right back at it. Us kids weren't allowed to watch him that made us want to see him more. Try his song if I can dream awesome😆

He was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Mississippi is the home of the blues. There is where he learns his music.

I grew up poor I'm white. Didn't know where my next meal was comming from. My mom on welfare. My dad would sell his blood to get money for us to eat. I'll never forget the first time he sang this song he cried. I made my daughter listen to this song. To this day we are so close.

Elvis' dream growing up was to one day buy his mother a car and a house and to make enough money to support her so she'd never have to work again. He actually supported not only his parents but many of his relatives after he made it big. He grew up dirt poor on the wrong side of the tracks and never forgot his roots. Was generous to a fault, not only towards family & friends, but employees and strangers. When he died he was almost broke cause he gave away cars, houses, jewelry and money almost as fast as he earned it.

Please react to "Elvis and the Black community"......Thanks for your "great reaction here!

Elvis was born in poverty and he lost his twin brother and got his parents out it. If anyone knows Graceland use to be a Church and he got it for his Moma and turned it to a home for her. He loved his Moma very much.

This man is speaking Truth! My brother was killed by gun violence during a drug deal gone bad many years ago. It destroyed my parents. Don't make the same mistakes my brother made. Peace!

The man that wrote this song grew up just a few blocks from the geto. He had a young friend that would come play with him but he was never allowed to play near the boy's block. He originally was going to call the song Vicious Circle

This song was written to tell the story of someone who came from the Ghettos rundown poor neighborhoods in Chicago he himself grew up in The Ghettos of Mississippi

I cry every time I hear this song because he paints such a vivid picture

Born in the Bronx NY.in the ghetto glad I left the song was released in1969.the time was right for my mom id be lost .rip mom

I think this song is about the fact that no one sees, or maybe doesn't want to see, the harm and bad situation of poor families where they live in poverty, these poor kids have no chance for a normal life, no violence, endlessly repeating the cycle ... and it's enough to give a helping hand to every person in need we have been so trained that instead of helping these people, they are isolated the worst disease that has hit humanity is indifference to the suffering of others, time to change it Greetings from Poland

So, my mom is an Elvis Presley fanatic. Even tried naming me Elvis when I was born. 🤣 but the coolest part about it is she had me telling a life size poster of Elvis good night every night on my way to bed. Telling me that Elvis was my dad! Like literally tried brainwashing me. 🤣🤣 we spend his birthday and my birthday watching old Elvis reruns. Ok here's the coolest part to this story. I was actually born the same day Elvis Presley died August 16th 1977. People always get a good laugh when I tell this story.

You are the type of guy I gravitated to when I was a younger man. Guess I still do cuz I subed you which I don't take lightly. You have a clear mind anchored to truth and a wise soul. At 18 you've come farther spiritually and intellectually than a lot of fully grown people and tons that never got as far in their entire life. I'm 42 and I admire you, keep on your path, we need you like you to become great adults.

He always knew how to end a song great song thank you 👍👏

Elvis was a black belt in karate.. Also they wanted Sammy Davis Jr to sing it. He said send it to Elvis. He's the only one that can do it justice

If you have a chance check out Elvis and the black community

Elvis was born in a 1 room house in tupelo and raised in a very rough section of Memphis. Hence he recorded this song.He didn't write the song but heard it and said..I'm gna record this song. Shows his heart.