The "Hollywood" he refers to is the Hollywood Cafe near the Tunica Resorts in Mississippi. Its a little hole in the wall bar/restaurant that is still open. The food is good too. Muriel Wilkins used to perform there, and Marc Cohen met her there one night and she became his muse. She encouraged him to write what was in his heart, after singing with her that night. Hes not Christian, but the music and her passion moved him greatly that night, and he said it was like a door opened for him that allowed him to get the music out that had been stuck inside him.

He didn't give up his religion as much as he had a different "religious" experience, caught up in the feeling. Definitely check out the studio version. It's a little different feel.

I had to look it up, and you sir, Mr. Boyd, are correct. Cohn was born on July 5, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, to a Jewish family.

Muriel was a woman he met performing in a club just as he sang. They sang a duet and she whispered to him, it's time to go home and write the songs you were meant to write" and he did just that. He took his first ever album back for her to listen and she said she liked the one about her best, that was this song. :)

Muriel Watkins sang at the Hollywood Cafe, in Robinsonville, Mississippi. She was THE influence on his singing and song writing.

Muriel asked him to sing with her. He asked what song and she named every Christian hymn he'd never heard. When she got to Amazing Grace, he stopped her and said he knew that one.

This whole song is about Elvis, he did a wonderful job! If you ever go to Graceland, you can surely feel the spirit of Elvis......thanks for the reaction....

Muriel was a local part time weekend gospel musician that he befriended. she pushed him to write and perform (his muse) that got him motivated. short version anyway

This song has been covered by many performers, but Marc Cohn’s original is still my favorite. No one else sings it with as much soul.

"Definitely check out the Studio version of this song!" THANK YOU!

I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction

Blue Suede Shoes, written and recorded by Carl Perkins. Elvis recorded it a year later.

Marc survived a carjacking attempt in Denver in 2005, where he was shot in the head. Pretty lucky the bullet barely missed his eye. This tune is an absolute classic.

I’ve heard this song countless times since I was a kid and I have never had the context that you provided throughout this viewing, and I so appreciate it. Thank you. I absolutely get chills listening to the studio album version so if you’re so inclined, definitely listen to that version. The performance is a bit more powerful and nuanced. It’s beautiful.

Yes, this is a tribute to Elvis. I always liked this one, along with "Black Velvet " by Alana Miles.

The Hollywood Cafe in Robinsonville, MS is pretty dope. Not sure if it is still open. It's tiny and old but you can visualize the whole scenario from the song. Had the pleasure to visit many many times in the early 00's! I will never get tired of this song. Recently saw some version where he preambles the story about Muriel and it was also great

Born and raised in Memphis. Worked at Sun Studio for 5 years.

As a Memphian this song will always put a smile on my face ❤ 🇺🇲 😊

Being from Memphis, I love this song...thanks for the nostalgia!

Great reaction. First time lister. Really good observations. No struggles with the tune's references like I've seen elsewhere. Keep up the great work!

Blue Suede Shoes was originally recorded by Carl Perkins.

Cher did am amazing video of this song too.

It has been a little too long since I listened to this glad to see it here!

... the studio version feat. a gospel choir. Anyway: Great and amazing song! As a "Blues Brother" I feel and got this song! :)

Saw you mouthing W.C Handy ;) Thanks for the back story

Muriel was a black women he met playing at a hotel bar. There is a video on here where he explains the story before he sings the song. Worth looking up.

Loved it❤

Another great song of his is "The Things We've Handed Down". Especially if you are a parent.

Elvis moved to Memphis when he was13 from East Tupelo Mississippi just across the tracks from Shake Rag known for its gritty blues, where he lived in a predominatly Black Community and sang Gospel in both black and white Churches during the Time of the Great Depression and Segragation, his family was very poor. While growing up in Memphis, Elvis sang at the East Trigg Baptist Church with Rev. Brewster and used to Jam with BB King, Al Green, Little Richard and many others on Beale Street home of the Delta Blues and the Memphis Sound, these were his roots as well.

I did not know that Al Green is still alive! Had to look it up. So many great singers from that time have passed. The reverend!

Great reaction! Try "Home" by Marc Broussard!

I love this song. Used to listen to it daily

One of my top 5 songs ever. My go to at kareoke despite the sin it is against this amazing song lol

Love your reactions bro. Thank you

Love the song

Are you from the area? I was born and raised in Memphis. 44 years later and most people don’t just know this much info about Memphis

He related to the Gospel maybe because he's a descendent of the Tribe of Judah!?

Great song choice. Also, first.

Perhaps this Jewish man felt the hand of God singing the Gospel of Jesus? That's better than just assuming he was placating Muriel, no?

It doesn't matter who Muriel is, she plays piano.