His backing singers were black and were often refused entrance to the gig. He just told them if they couldn't come in and perform, then he wouldn't either. And he stuck to it. He really understood as he grew up in terrible poverty and knew just what it was like. A very good person.....

He grew up in extreme poverty in Tulepo, Mississippi. Dad was in jail. He attended an all black church with Mom. And he was a huge advocate for the children.

Elvis grew up in the Ghetto in Miss. and Memphis he was a twin but his brother died at birth. He was very special. Now watch Elvis and the Black Community and If I can Dream is about MLK. This song was 70s.

Elvis grew up dirt poor in the south, Tupelo, Mississippi. He used to attend a Black church because he liked the music and singing. This instilled in him a great compassion for the poor from all cultures.

Elvis grew up in abject poverty. And yes, he was deeply involved with the black community.

Elvis grew up in the poor neighborhoods and first sang in the black churches...he had no boundaries and loved everybody !! 1968

I love that you love Elvis. He was one of a kind. He grew up dirt poor. A whole new generation is finding out that he was more than a caricature or cartoon. He was solid.

I was 10 years old in 1969, a middle-class White Aussie girl living thousands of miles from the USA. I didn't know what a ghetto was, but this song made me cry, and 53 years later it still does because nothing has changed! My Mum loved Elvis. In July 2022 we had planned to watch the Elvis movie together, but Mum died peacefully that morning. So, 3 hours after my mum died my daughter and I went to the cinema to honour my beautiful mother. At the movie's end when "In the Ghetto" was played, my daughter cried for her grandma's passing, but I still cried for all those mommas in the Ghetto.

Elvis was born extremely poor. He always fought for the underdog. After hearing this song and where Elvis is coming from you should definitely react to “Elvis Presley and the Black Community.” It’s a short documentary that i think you and your viewers may enjoy.

Elvis grew up poor in tulipo Mississippi in a shack with very little when he got famous he gave to the poor alot even gave cars our

Elvis was from poverty and very involved in the black community, but this was written by Mac Davis a country s8nger/song writer. He too grew up in poverty etc. He recorded this first but then Elvis took it and re-recorded because he was big enough to make it a hit and he wanted to shine a light on this. 50 years later it STILL resonates because it's on repeat!!!

I'm 75 and I'm loving seeing your generation discover Elvis! If everyone were like him we wouldn't even know what the word racism meant. I see lots of people recommending "Elvis and the Black Community". It's a 2 part documentary. Elvis recorded over 800 songs so your journey could be long but, trust me, it'll be worth it. I have a few suggestions to get you started: "Walk A Mile In My Shoes", "Make The World Go Away", "One Night With You", "Suspicious Minds", "A Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Polk Salad Annie", and "Memphis Tennessee". And if you like gospel (Elvis's first love) a good starting point is "How Great Thou Art". Enjoy the journey!!

Elvis was born into very poor conditions and lived in a mixed race ghetto type area in Tennessee. He never forgot where he came from and was generous to a fault with anyone he met in need.

Elvis had a lot of respect for the black community and drew a lot of inspiration from the black church music and he attended a lot of revivals as he grew up poor and had a lot of black friends through out his life. He was truly an inspiration to me.

Elvis's soul depth and diversity remain unmatched. Listen to the actual studio recording, it's stunning.

Elvis was sent from God. Really no other explanation.

Elvis was born into poverty, he lived in TN and moved to Memphis when he was about 13 yrs old, at that time they lived in the projects there. They say that this is part of the reason he was so generous and caring, because he knew what it was like to go without and it made him very humble all of his life.

He grew up in Tupelo ghetto. Moved to Memphis when he was 14. He had no plumbing or electricity and often his family had no food.

Elvis is the man!!! The GOAT!!! So glad to see you start on the Elvis train.

This is the deeper side of Elvis, his heart is showing in this video. Much love, Elvis!

Elvis was born poor. But loved everyone. He really loved his mother. Did everything for her. When he did his concerts those big rings on his fingers that were worth thousands of dollars he would give to the women in the audience. Not all the time but he did. He was in the Army also did a lot of movies. He sang Gospel songs too. Which I really think you would enjoy.

He never forgot his roots. More Elvis please!

As soon as you said that you were from Chicago, I knew this song would touch you. This song was written by Mac Davis (singer/songwriter), but Elvis wanted to sing it because he understood. Please react to If I Can Dream by Elvis-it will affect you, too.

I love seeing the younger generations discover Elvis! This song was written by Mac Davis who passed a couple of years ago. I don’t know his story, but Elvis’ family was really poor. His dad was in prison for a while and he and his mom struggled even more during that time.

Yes I agree with Mr. Sander. You should watch the documentary in order to understand Elvis.

Listen to (if I can dream) a tribute to MLK after MLK was murdered. Elvis cried and was very upset that MLK was murdered

This song was personal to Elvis; he actually went to the President to seek change. He caught mass flack over this song, they did not want him to release it. What is sad is this song is 50 years old and is just as relevant today as it was then. I was 7 when I heard it, the lyrics "As the world turns" set with me and I have never been able to just let the world turn. We are our brothers' keepers.

in the ghetto Elvis at his best deep yes very deep Elvis was a gent very generous supported more then we are aware of god bless this man humble beginning's and stayed that way his background meant some thing he never forgot the hardship nor where he came from which is why he was so generous god bless this man if he aint in heaven i want to know why i love the man all in a good way

Two very powerful songs that are a must where Elvis “bleeds” passion: If I Can Dream (tribute to MLK) American Trilogy

Elvis lived in tupelo Mississippi and in his teens he lived in the poor neiborhoods of north memphis. He fell in love with music because of the predominantly black choirs at the churches he attended as a kid. He got a 12 dollar guitar for his 11th birthday and the rest is history

This might be your first time hearing Elvis but I bet it won't be your last, Elvis grew up in the ghetto, he knew all about it, listen to him sing if I can dream and walk a mile in my shoes, you'll understand him even more. If I can dream was a tribute to MLK and JFK. Thanks Lori Sutton TCB!!!

Mac Davis wrote the song In the Ghetto. His best friend lived in the poor part of town and he wanted to write about it. Elvis totally understood the song and all its meaning, which is why people have such a reaction when he sings it. It comes from the heart of both the songwriter and the singer.

This is why everyone can relate to Elvis. Peeps all over the world love this dude because he was real and sang from the heart. Greetings from Southern California 🕺

If I can Dream, Walk A Mile In My Shoes, In The Ghetto, Change of Habit, Clean Up Your Own Backyard - Elvis was NOT a protest singer - but he DID make his statements, but people didn't care to listen.

Great song great reaction! It gets me whenever I hear it. He personally knew about the ghetto. Grew up dirt poor. Half the time he didn't even have a pair of shoes to wear. He grew up around many people of color and loved to go listen to the music of the black churches his mother brought him to. He hated racism and when his backup singers of color were told to stay home. Elvis said no way. He'd stay home too. Try watching his Aloha from Hawaii concert from 1973. It was the first concert televised by satellite 📡 a big deal then. Over 1 billion, yes billion people watched it on tv. American Trilogy, You Gave Me A Mountain, My Way, all the songs were great. Some say not only his best concert but the best concert of all time!

Elvis did not write any songs but he refused to back off singing this and his interpretation of " In The Ghetto " is brilliant . The first to stand up to Racism in America was Frank Sinatra with Sammy Davis Jr .

I was a skinny blond white kid when I lived in the ghetto outside DC. I was unaware when we moved there but I learned to love the ones who hurt me and that's what Elvis pulls out of my heart every time.

Elvis was born on the "wrong side" of the tracks in a "shotgun house" in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was a rwin - his brother not surviving too many hours past birth. As the saying goes, his family didn't have "a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of." He did A LOT for the black community during his whole life and hired many black folks, then caught Hell for it, but it never stopped him and God made sure he prospered!

Elvis was born Poor in Tupelo Mississippi and then lived in the housing projects in Memphis Tennessee until he got famous

Elvis is a legend, of course. Absolute legend. He died when I was relatively young, and I really wasn't into him. As a man in my 50's now, though? I appreciate him so much. He is amazing. It is definitely worth your time to check out more of his stuff.

He was from the ghetto he grew up very poor and in poverty. He knows first hand what it was like

Elvis presley actually won a gospel award for In the ghetto

Bravo for doing this!! There was SO much more to Elvis than what "Pop Culture" myth and stereotype!! You can get to some of his big hits and fun stuff later.... I really think you should follow this up with "Elvis and The Black Community" and then "If I Can Dream" (about Martin Luther King) before you go any further with him, just so you have a little better understanding of who he was as a human and not just as a performer! Love this reaction very much!!!

Elvis Presley was a beautiful man inside and out

No one else can sing this song with such feeling, if you are listening to it if you are from the Ghetto lived here and moved on or never have even walked by any Ghetto. This song the words Elvis voice really hit you in your heart!!

This song was done in 1969 and Elvis put himself out there doing a song like this especially back then but he wanted to send a message. Listen to If I can Dream which was done in 1968 and his tribute to MLK. You should also watch Elvis and the Black Community which says it all about what a great guy Elvis was.

I'm so glad you younger folks are out there doing these reaction videos, it exposes you and your listeners to worlds of wonderful music and performers that you might of never had the pleasure to know and hear. So, love you guys doing these reaction videos, I get a kick out of watching all the peoples awe and amazement watching what came before them. Priceless!

I would love to see you react to Elvis and the black community. I love how you made a connection to Man in Black too. Elvis and Johnny Cash both started their careers at SUN Records. Both were born into Poverty which heavily influenced their careers and actions. They were good friends too.

If you want to hear another "deep" song Elvis sang, look for "Elvis Presley - If I Can Dream ('68 Comeback Special 50th Anniversary HD Remaster) (Official Video)". I'd love to hear you do a reaction video to it. Thanks for this one, great job! Keep it up!

Elvis Presley - An American Trilogy (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973)

Elvis loved all people. He sang of injustice. He sang this and If I Can Dream against the advice of his people. He didn't care. Watch Elvis and the Black Community parts 1 and 2.

Elvis came from the ghetto. His family moved to Memphis and he was in the projects. He made a record for his mom for her birthday. BAM! A king in the making.

Elvis’ family was poor and he grew up n poor neighborhoods in both Tupelo, MO and Memphis, TN. These were primarily black neighborhoods. He interacted with the other kids in the neighborhood. In high school, he sang in the choir of a black Methodist church. Check out a video called “Elvis Presley, the echo will never die”.

'In The Ghetto' and 'If I Can Dream' are probably the most important songs Elvis ever recorded and still have the same impact on society today. To think his manager Colonel Parker didn't want Elvis to record either of these songs but thankfully, Elvis overruled his manager.

Great reaction as was said in a lot of comments below elvis grew up very poor and and also sang in the choir in a black church while in high school so he knew all about the ghetto. recommend reacting to (1968 COMEBACK SPECIAL "IF I CAN DREAM" in the white suit very dramatic regarding martin l king assination powerful song. Also (ELVIS AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY THAT ECHO WILL NEVER DIE)

Please, you must listen to Elvis sing If I Can Dream. His tribute to Martin Luther King. You won't be disappointed!

Elvis has all kinds of music so he can make you think, make you fall in love, or wanna dance or feel any emotion you can imagine. He grew up in a poor area of Memphis & he grew up with black families that were poor like his own family. You need to check out his tribute to Martin Luther King 'If I can dream'. Such a powerful song, yet not as depressing as this one.

Elvis was very involved in the black community. There's a video that others have reacted to that covers this. Elvis knows about growing up poor because he did. Dirt floor poor.

Liked it. First time hearing it

Songwriter/singer Mac Davis said the 💔 song was about the cycle of poverty, and "being born into a situation where you have no hope". The Sweet Inspirations 1969: Sylvia Shemwell, Cissy Houston (matriarch of a singing dynasty that includes her niece Dionne Warwick and her daughter Whitney), Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown were Elvis' backup singers. Fighting Racism Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. When he made his first appearance in Texas at the Astrodome, according to Myrna Smith, Elvis was told, 'Well, you can leave the black girls home. You don't have to bring them'. Myna Smith: Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. But he was really upset about it. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. So when we got there, we were greeted by this little blonde in a convertible and she had to drive us around and she was his daughter. So Elvis always made sure he got even. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. "In the Ghetto" 1969.

And in the 60 + years since he recorded this song nothing has changed that's sad

The song was written by Mac Davis, Elvis was the only artist that would take chance on recording it in 1969. Yes Elvis lived in the projects when his family moved to Memphis in the 1950,s and yes there were projects in the 50s

ELVIS HAD GREAT backup singers and look what color they are. He saw no color, He loved gospel songs as Mississippi community revolved around going to church. He was & still pulls my heart strings. Elvis has so many black friends and he went to their churches and sung and played with them as children. Nothing racist about this wonderful man.

Elvis loved everyone. He was soooo special! I grew up with him and remembered when he died. I miss him. He was so special.

The more things change, the more things stay the same! Thank you for your reaction!

Mac Davis wrote this song about a friend of his. No one else would sing it! Elvis grew up very poor he very much was raised as friends with black community. He was the type person we all should be. It came out 1969

This song is older than me (not by much though 🤦‍♀️) but it still gives me chills every time. It's both sad and infuriating that it's still so relevant today.

Listen to if I can dream elvis sung it i response to mlk being killed

Subscribed!! Loved your reaction. We can and will live in peace. It was Elvis' way and the way of other great thinkers and creative types of the day. Elvis was very much a part of the black community, active member of white and black ghettos and projects and churches during segregation and the Great Depression. His perspective was truly unique. FEW that poor made it that far. And he was humble and generous and never forgot his roots. He wanted to help others, AND HE MEANT IT.

I have watched SOOOOOOOO many peopel react to this same song, and ALL of them have said the same thing. Which lets you know how legendary Elvis is with the messages in his songs.

Elvis was born in the Getto, very poor. He saw this firsthand. Just as true today as in the 60's.Makes me cry cause I was born in the Getto. Single Mom, we struggled. Made fun of because of being poor. God bless those ones who know.

Elvis grew up in tupelo Mississippi. He grew up in the church he was poor and as he grew up and began singing and became a legend he never forgot where he came from. He was a friend of mlk and when he was assassinated it hit him hard and he sang the song if i can dream in tribute of mlk and jfk. Many of his fans turned on him as he sang about ending racism but he never hesitated for a second. A true legend

Wait till you see if I can dream, you don't know what you've set yourself up for but you'll love the ride

Elvis gave continuously to all races - through money, his time, free homes, cars, etc. Remember he was brought up in the ghetto and he never looked at a person 's skin. Elvis loved everyone. He couldn't understand why everyone wasn't given the same opportunities so they could have a good life.

Elvis was from the ghetto of Memphis TN. His father was put in prison and Elvis and his Mom were on government aid until his dad was released from prison. Elvis attended that African American Baptist church and sang in their choir. He definitely knew poverty. I will be a fan of Elvis until I leave this world.

Elvis was very active within the black communities. There are videos on U Tube highlighting this. Another singer named Mac Davis wrote this song.in 1968 and here it is 2023 and not much has changed. FYI his back up singers were known as The Sweet Inspirations. One of them was Whitney Houston's mom

Man them sisters in the background they sound like heaven when they sing the sisters just icing the cake when they got to be singers for Elvis

Whitney Huston's mother, Cissy Huston was one of Elvis Presley's backup singers called "The Sweet Sensations". Cissy Huston later had a stellar career as a gospel singer.

Elvis had a twin brother that died in childbirth. His family was so poor they had to bury him in a shoe box. This song was released in 1969. I was 12yrs old, It made me 😢 and it still does, I'm 66 btw.

He Lived his early years Hungry, Poor, and without. He Understands what it feels like to go without. Graceland is named after his beautiful Mother Grace. He signed his first contract and bought his Mother a 55 Cadilac. It still has no miles on it sitting there at Graceland because she never got her license. That 55 Cadilac is still waiting on Momma to learn how to drive.

He absolutely was involved in the black community, as a young man he used to sneak into the back of the black churches he loved the sermons he loved everything about the and he did grow a very poor and in what would be a ghetto in his area his backup singers said he was so emotional and passionate actually one of his backup singers was Whitney mom he was such a great man and such a loss when he died not only for his music but everything about him I watched the Elvis movie and his family said it was so dead on God bless him😊

Elvis grew up in a Tupelo, Mississippi ghetto; Dad, Vern, was in jail for bad checks. 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) and here we are...as relevent, and often played, today as it was in 1969, when it was released. Thank you for your great reaction.

Elvis grew up very poor and, he is a twin who's brother died. His feeling of loss is great. He was a child of a single mother when that was very rare. His life experience is obvious in his music and lyrics. My favorite line is how that's gonna be an angry young man.

You might like to listen to If I Can Dream from the 68 come back special, the one when he is wearing the white suit. Elvis was deep you're right, he also had a good sense of humor. He was very good to his fans and people in general. He was before my time also but I have really enjoyed learning about the man.

Elvis was born in the getto

Song was written by amazing song writer/ singer Mac Davis.

Elvis sang at a black church as a youth. He always kept a love for southern old-time gospel music.

He got it. He understood. "If I Can Dream" and "That's Alright Mama!"

Mac Davis wrote this song from his childhood. Elvis also grew up in severe poverty in Tupelo Mississippi. His dad was in prison and he and his mom lived in the public housing along side people of all nationalities. That’s where he was exposed to the Blues that influenced his music.

In the live show your watching they told him his black back up singers weren't welcome there. So Elvis told them if they anit singing im not singing. You see that they are singing. Elvis was legit hood.

Actually Mac Davis (Happiness is Lubbock Texas in my Rear View Mirror) wrote this song under his birth name Scott Davis. He was deeply moved by the Civil Rights Movement in his home state of Texas and a very close friend which influenced this song. He performed it for Sammy Davis Jr (with Jesse Jackson in the room too) and both were reduced to tears. Mac Davis had hoped Sammy would record it, but Sammy thought it would be more powerful if a white man sang it and suggested Elvis, who had his own close connection to poverty and the southern black community. Mac Davis wrote many songs for Elvis before recording for himself. If you want a good cry, listen to "Whoever Finds This, I Love You." Mac died last October. He was a big musical presence in my family growing up.

yeah this song still makes m cry. I'm from Chicago too and growing up there with 6 people in a 1 bedroom apartment my mom was pretty much a single mom with 4 kids. My dad was working 2 jobs and going to school we never saw him. I'm just thanking God we didn't go down that path. I still love Chicago though, it was a good life even though we were broke. we were together.

Literally the first time hearing Elvis except hound dog. Might need to look more into him! Wow! 🤯

Mac Davis wrote this song, he was a black song writer for a lot of Elvis's songs. Elvis was one of the greats.

He's talking about himself in this song as Elvis grew up poor and in the Ghetto, love this song

There's a story behind him singing this song even when the record company told him it would destroy his career, he didn't care

The worlds greatest backup singers. fun fact, he once showed up to do a show and the property said the black girls couldnt come in to sing. he said, "If they cant come in, im not doing the show." They let the ladies in. they are amazing.

If I Can Dream - Elvis does this amazingly

Look up his history. Born poor, lived in the ghetto in the south and loved gospel. The more you know the more you will love him.

He was born and raised in the ghetto