He grew up in poverty but he never forgot his roots. He was an authentic, charismatic man!

The getto would have been an upgrade from where Elvis was born.

Elvis grew up in poverty. He never forgot his roots.

Elvis grew up in the Memphis Ghetto, where he heard all the Blues music, but he lived it, and he never forgot his roots. He used to say " when it came to people, he was colour blind" 🎤❤️🎶🇺🇲🇬🇧

Elvis grew up below poverty level..he lived from home to home with family members no shoes, no plumbing. He remained humble till he died. He experience the hardship and you can hear the angst in his voice. His first friends were black. He was born with rhythm oozing out of every pore.

If you know about Elvis you can begin with " Elvis and the black community that eco will never die" and you can understand many things about him

No matter how Elvis's life ended he was grounded from the very beginning. He grew up in extreme poverty in Mississippi. He served in the Army over in Germany and is huge in the gospel scene. He transcends all races, religions and social groups. He was absolutely amazing!

This song is as relevant today as 50 years ago. I cry everytime I hear this song. Ty

“In the Ghetto” came out in ‘69, and has remained relevant ever since. Elvis grew up poor in Mississippi. The song was written by Mac Davis, a successful singer/songwriter in his own right. Elvis was beaten up in the 60s for making rather silly music and movies compared to the pop art in favor at the time. He wanted to push it aside by recording a song of social significance that would be more like the works of Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and popular folk artists singing about the issues of the time such as Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Nuclear holocaust, etc. The clout Elvis brought helped make this a hit despite many radio stations considering it too controversial for mass appeal. Fans heard it live and on jukeboxes and it became a monster hit.

Elvis grew up poorer than poor. As a parent to a son, this song always makes me cry. It's timeless.

I remember coming home from school one day to see my Ma sitting in a chair and crying. She was always at work, ALWAYS. That day, destroyed, she said Elvis died… Mr. Presley, what a gift!

Greatest era in music and one of the premier performers of the 20th century. The people that only know Elvis by "Hound Dog" simply have never researched the awesome depth and talent of the man.

Young man, I appreciate your beautiful heart and your effort to move your life in the direction you want to go. Beautiful reaction. For those of us that grew up watching and learning about Elvis, we love seeing you guys make the connection to why he’s called THE KING. He was so much more than that beautiful face and voice. He defined an era. I miss him still.

Elvis Presley was much more than you think, he sang all style of music, gospel, blues, rock, country. etc. Till now there wasn't any singer with his versatility.

Old lady here. In the 70s we “knew” we could fix the world. And now, have we really made any progress. Whitney Houston’s mom was a back-up singer.

YES! Do watch "Elvis and the Black Community"...you will really appreciate him after!

This is why Elvis is the King!

Makes me cry ever time check out Elvis he was born dirt poor in a shack in Mississippi he wasn’t always rich and he never forgot his beginnings 🌹

Listen to Elvis you will learn something about yourself in every song. Love and help each other it is the only way forward.

Elvis was born and raised in the Ghetto. He lived it too!

Great song great reaction. Elvis grew up dirt poor. They lived in a 1 room shotgun house. He didn't even have shoes to wear for a long time. Neighbors brought them food. He never forgot his humble beginnings.

Elvis had this written for him by Mac Davis. He wanted people to understand we're all the same

Elvis was born in the Ghetto he was born in Tupelo Mississippi his parents were dirt poor they had nothing so Elvis new exactly what he was singing about he was in the black and white community they all tried to help each other they didn’t have much but what they had they shared Elvis’s father built a small wooden shack Elvis loved to go to the back church to sing gospel songs with them all his gospel songs are so beautiful He was born a twin but sadly his brother was still born Elvis could never understand why he was the one that was saved it haunted him all his life Elvis was born on the 8th of January 1935 and past away on the 16th of August 1977 he was just 42yrs old I was 24 years old when he past away and it broke my heart 💔it seems just like yesterday he was the greatest entertainer that ever lived and he was the most beautiful man ever please react to Let us Pray from his film Change of Habit it’s an up beat gospel song or How Great Though Art from 1972 in Las Vegas great reaction Love 💕 from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👑👑🕺🏻🕺🏻🎸🎸🙏😢😞💔

It made me cry. Elvis was way ahead of his time. And he loved all people in Mississippi. He was influenced by the black Pentecost church that he attended as a kid. He gave away cars to strangers. No matter who. There will never be another Elvis.

His roots where no obstacles for him to fulfill his dreams and be bless with kindness

Elvis was raised in the ghetto of Mississippi

The ghetto would have been an upgrade for young Elvis. I live in Elvis Presley heights in Tupelo Mississippi 🥰

Mac Davis wrote this song and was told nobody would ever record it and have a hit . Elvis told him that he would record and release it . One of his background singers in this is Whitney Houston's mother Cissy Houston . This song will remain relevant for generations to come . Loved your reaction to this . GOD bless you and your family young man

Excellent reaction. Thinking of you, keep doing the right thing. You're proving the cycle can be broken. I was one of six kids. We grew up in poverty because my father could make children but sticking around to feed them wasn't his thing. My mother waited tables and we lived in filthy, unsafe conditions. (We are white, btw. Poverty doesn't care about skin color.) All six of my mother's children became successful, thriving adults. Of my 4 brothers, 3 of them are good fathers...overcoming the horrible example they had. The cycle can be broken.

You are young and don't know about Elvis the man ,the Greatest Humanitarian this world has ever seen ! Here's just one of the many stories that will give you an insight into this man's heart .He was about to play a concert at a Soccer Arena ( as venue's and buildings were too small for all the fans )when the owner called up Elvis and said " yeah looking forward to seeing you but when you come you can leave those black backing singers behind " well Elvis was disgusted and fuming and said to the man " if they don't come , I don't come !" So the man said oh ok then ,they can come to which Elvis said " Right ,i want an open top Car to parade and lap around the Arena before i go on stage ,with my backing singers sat in the back and i want a white woman driving it !" So that shut him up ! Elvis was a Fantastic Human Being !

I think Elvis was so big and everyone on the planet thinks they know what Elvis is about. Until they start looking. He was amazing and did it ALL first. At least on camera and in front of the people that could help it grow. He opened the big double doors. Love Elvis.

Elvis didn't write this song, but as soon as he saw & read these lyrics, he snapped it up.

Mac Davis wrote it but Elvis at the end of the song he sang and his mama cried that was add lib Mac Davis said Elvis put that in at the end of the Song and was blown away with that ending God sent Elvis a Gift that voice just pierces the soul who ever thought Elvis was not talented they just don't believe in God

You have emotion, my friend. He sings and performs life and he brings meaning to your every emotional fiber. Please chase this man and his life and music. You will never be the same.

Mac Davis wrote it. Elvis grew up in extreme poverty. He never forgot his roots. When his dad would get onto him later in life about giving away cars and houses, he would say it's just money. According to those closest to him, he genuinely enjoyed making people happy...that's really why he did that. Check out Elvis and the Black Community for a more in depth look at him and his history.

Elvis grew up in the projects in Mississippi and then in Memphis. He never forgot!

Elvis grew up dirt poor. He had a heart like a mountain. Very charitable, concerned man.

Elvis grew up dirt poor, and at one point his father went to prison and Elvis and his mom lived in the projects. He knew what it was like to be looked down on. He never looked down on anyone because of that. He treated everyone respectfully and was very generous with his money.

From what I understand, this song was written by Mac Davis originally for Sammie Davis Jr. Sammy said he didn't know anything about the ghetto and recommended it to Elvis, who grow up in the ghetto

Morris Mac Davis was an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. A native of Lubbock, Texas, he enjoyed success as a crossover artist, and during his early career he wrote for Elvis Presley, providing him with the hits "Memories", "In the Ghetto", "Don't Cry Daddy", and "A Little Less Conversation".

This song was in 1969! Real close to 70’s There is one thing about him is his mother was his rock! He loved her so much!

You are right...as sad as this is, the saddest part is that it still rings true after all these years. Makes me cry every time. Good luck with your endeavors, man!

You will absolutely come away smiling, feeling sad and happy at the same time feeling his passion coming at you from his performance, again True Legend

Elvis was the best friend i ever had in my entire life. we met when i was 17 yrs old. I won a radio show contest and the prize was a day with Elvis but our friendship lasted past that one day in time. All the memories of my friend are tucked safe in my heart forever. i saw him a few weeks before he passed we had a short conversation which i will never ever share again on youtube because people are so nasty and comment hurtful heart breaking things they do not know me but they still can't keep their mouths closed about things they know nothing about. I walk past Graceland everyday. Great reaction loved it. love from Memphis Tn.

Great first reaction to Elvis! I apologize for this lengthy comment, but it will help you understand Elvis's background. The song was written by Mac Davis who did not grow up in a ghetto but had a childhood friend who did. Elvis didn't write songs but had a way of interpreting them that, more often than not, was superior to the actual writer. Elvis was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, and his family was extremely poor. They moved 13 times within Tupelo in Elvis's first 13 years of his life. I saw a man in a documentary say that, at one point, he found the Presleys living in a small shed on his property. Even though segregation existed back then, they lived next to and in mixed neighborhoods. They moved to Memphis, Tennessee when Elvis was 13 and began living in public housing a year or so later. This was the nicest place they had ever lived. The rumor about Elvis being racist was printed in a white-owned magazine published to appeal to black people. It was debunked shortly after but seems to still get repeated today. He stood up for and helped people of all races. If he stayed at a hotel that wouldn't accept his black back-up singers, he moved to a hotel that would. He visited prisoners in Memphis and paid their bail, and I feel confident in saying they weren't just the white prisoners. He was the furthest thing from being a racist that anyone could get.

Elvis Presley spent his childhood years in the most poverty stricken ghetto in the deep south when there was segregation. They didn’t segregate Elvis. He was so damn dirt poor he lived in a total black community being the only white boy. His father went to jail for forging a $14 check to eat and was sent on a chain gang in prison for 33 years and him and his mama had to make do in a shotgun shack with no electricity nothing so did Elvis know the ghetto he sure the hell did. God bless you thank you for sharing Elvis with the generation. Today

Hound dog, blue sueade shoes etc was his early music in the 50s, when he was just a teenager. This is his later music in the 70s. He grew up in a ghetto, he loved gospel, black music and was parrt of their community. He never forgot his roots. You must listen to If I can Dream. So glad you found his music. explore it, and you will understand why he is a legend to everyone

Elvis Presley was born and grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi.

My mom cried, never loudly so that we would hear her, in her room with the door closed. My sister and I, not knowing what was going would knock and knock on her bedroom door. But, she would have the tears dapped and shuffle us away and she would prepare dinner. Our mom held us close to her, to the best of her ability. She was a single mom after tossing our dad out, however, she stood up every day for us.

This was first performed in 1968. Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi and was born to and raised in an extremely poor family.

Thanks for your reaction to Elvis, my lifelong hero. Greetings from Australia

To me, he had the best back up singers, especially the ones in this song. This song cuts right through you, it doesn't matter where you come from it just cuts right down to the soul it doesn't matter how many times you listen to it the effect is the same every time. In my opinion one of his best song with an effect like no other.

it will make you weep because he kept it real and as much as things change, the sadly more they they stay the same.

When I was a young man growing up in the 60s, and an adult in the 70s, I always thought, when I was in my 70s, those older generation people would be gone and we would live in an enlightened world - like my atypical parents had taught me to cherish. When I hear this song and others like it, it still brings tears to my eyes that we - of my generation - didn't manage to pull it off. Maybe I wasn't in the majority, as I thought I was.

Elvis was from Tupelo Ms. They have the two room house that you can visit. They moved to Memphis when Elvis was 10 or so. Elvis drove a truck and was trying to start his music career.

The song was offered to Sammy Davis Jr. who refused and said this is better for Elvis, he grew up in a ghetto and understands.

It's time to break the cycle fathers stand up be the man you want your child to grow to be

this song was written by Mac Davis, a song writer from Lubbock Texas. Elvis did grow up poor. his dad went to prison writing bad checks and they lived in government housing at times. he found a way to break out of the norm and changed the world of music. It has been well documented for decades his influence came from black influences of his childhood. it was also well documented they promoted him as a white man with a black voice. they saw him as radio gold. but he always gave credit to where he came from and his influencers. this song, while not written by him, was huge in it's message. and he always sang it with respect and power. If I Can Dream was another that he was incredibly powerful in performing. along with his gospel these were probably his strongest serious works. the man was amazing in voice, spirit and performance. he was a human. this is an amazing song i wish more people would sit and actually take in, not just listen to as a "pop message" from the KING.

Mac Davis wrote this song but Elvis made it amazing.... I think because he grew up in total poverty... he knew what it was to have nothing and try to get out of it. But everyone has to give credit to Mac Davis for writing such amazing words that are still true to this day unfortunately.

I'm an old grandma that grew up listening to Elvis. He was told not to sing this song because it would ruin his career. White people hated him. I love your painful honesty. God bless you. Love you ❤️❤️

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.

I'm 68 years old and I thought this shit would be over by now and that society would finally be enlightened.

He grew up near the ghetto in Memphis, his mom walked him to the only church nearby, it was a black church. He sung in the church choir. He was raised in the black community.

A firealarm chipping in background. Love it! In the Ghetto! Keepin' It Real! P.S. Mac Davis

Elvis grew up dirt poor in a shack in Tupelo, Mississippi. He knew all about poverty until his extraordinary talent changed his life.

Elvis went from poverty to wealthy and the most famous singer and performer almost overnight. You might want to see the movie coming out in June, about his life and career. You can check out his 1956 and 57 TV performances, Ed Sullivan show, the Milton Berle show and his appearances on The Dorsey Brothers TV show. He also did 31 movies, beginning in 1956. This song was recorded in 1969. Anything from his 1968 Comeback Special is worth seeing, as well as his Las Vegas Performances 69-77. Rock and Roll was a new type of music in the mid 1950s and had the voice, looks, moves and charisma to be the King of Rock and Roll. I enjoyed your reaction and best wishes.

This song was first offered to the talented black performer Sammy Davis Jr, and he said I wouldn't do this song justice because I didn't grow up in a Ghetto, but i know someone who did, Elvis Presley. The rest is history.

True legend His style is not limited and you will discover that as you go down that Elvis Rabbit hole. True professional who always left it all on stage. Enjoy the ride His covers are fire as well. Totally made them his own. That was him showing respect to the other Artists Bridge over troubled waters Words by The Bee Gees just to name a couple Peace

The original title of this song by Mac Davis was The Vicious Circle... he wrote this from his experience - growing up his friend lived in the ghetto & Mac didn't understand why his friend lived there. Sadly still relevant today as you say. Such simple lyrics with such a powerful message.

He did not even have any indoor plumbing or electricity. His daddy went to jail cuz he forged a $4.00 check. He was there nine months. His daddy did this cuz they hadn’t even had enough food for Elvis to have a lunch. He grew up with blacks in the roughest and poorest ghetto in Tupelo, Mississippi. It was called Shakarre. He moved to Memphis at age 14 in hopes his daddy could find work. His mama worked in cotton fields when Elvis was a baby and had to bring him along. In Memphis, the Presley’s lived in many housing projects. Elvis actually had his first song recorded for his loving mama as a gift. Research him if you need more information. He was unmatched as a giver!

He didn't write it but he certainly lived it. He was raised in a ghetto. A one room shack.

Elvis grew up in the Ghetto. So basically he saw what was going on. He was a very giving and kind to folks.

Anyone who has never listened to Elvis sing anything you should be slapped awake . Elvis grew up 3 blocks off the major Memphis ghetto. He knows pain and hunger and the want that every child growing up in the 40 s and 50 s .

I just found your site. You did such a great reaction. So genuine, so insightful, so so smart, so real. I wish you a great life dear young man. You're generation will continue to speak out and make vital changes. Reminds me of my generation , 60s, 70s. Beautiful. Stay safe. But have fun. Great work !

Elvis was an amazing talent and a truly good man

You have to do If I Can Dream from the '68 comeback special. It was done for MLK just a few months after he was assassinated. It's powerful. Just make sure you do the one with him in the white suit.

glad you found elvis

Elvis was born in a 2 room shack in the SLUMS OF MISSISSIPPI he didn’t write his own songs most people back then didn’t. Nobody could match Elvis check out his catalog amazing. Canada

He was born in Tupelo, MS. Went to public school in Memphis, Tenn. He was a twin, and his twin brother died in childbirth.

Elvis did grow up poor but it made him a wonderful person.He was so caring of everyone.There's several stories about him and the black community you would enjoy reading.He went to a black church which I also do.But after concerts his Church people would come to Graceland and sing gospel songs all night.

He grew up very poor in the ghetto. He was so beloved by the black community and black entertainers. This came out June 27 1969. Thanks for sharing Katie 🌸☀️

Very sad very deep.Been listening to Elvis since I was a child and more than once this song made dirt get in my eyes.My mom was an elvis fan and my mom was murdered. So my heart goes out to people who suffer.One of the backup singers was Whitney Houston's mom

PS: saw him twice in concert … $10 ($50 2021 money) was 3rd Row Center. Think he never charged more then $5.50/$7.50/$10 for a ticket. Sold out every show in Vegas starting in 1969. Sold out every road show. In 1973 his Worldwide Satellite Concert from Honolulu was watched by 1,500,000,000 around the world (that is 1.5 BILLION) First performer to sell out 4 consecutive concerts at Madison Square Garden. New Years Eve show in 1976 Pontiac Stadium, Michigan sold out 62,5000 seats. Houston Astrodome in 1974 his 6 concerts over 3 days drew sold out 200,000 audience attendance. And Elvis was paid $1,2000,000.

He was born into poverty he sang this in 1969 52 years ago sad it's still the same Mac Davies wrote the song Elvis was the greatest performer check out If l can dream Walk a mile in my shoes Suspicios minds and Polk salad Annie to see how diverse he was thank you great reaction 👍✌👏

Elvis Presley had a huge concert planned in Huston, Texas. They said you can leave the Black giirls home. He said it the can't come we're not going to have a concert...

Good reaction and now we want more ELVIS.

Been hearing for YEARS, a bunch of dummies saying Elvis "stole" music. I always have to remind them that I've NEVER heard a songwriter complain about making money off of his covers! If Elvis covered you, and your paperwork was right, that's as safe a payday as you could get back then! Unfortunately, his manager demanded songwriters give up 50% to them. That kept people like Dolly Parton from letting Elvis do "I Will Always Love You" 15 or so years before Whitney Houston, whose mother Cissy sang with Elvis for a month in 1969 with The Sweet Inspirations, who were Cissy's group originally. She left Elvis and the group to be with her kids more. See you get Elvis fans started we just start rambling off Elvis fun facts!

A very real and emotional song 🥺🙏🙍💗

This song was written for him by Mack Davis.

If you wish to take a deeper dive into Elvis (and I guarantee it's well worth it), there are two documentaries that will give you a great start: "Elvis: Return to Tupelo" tells about his childhood and how he was influenced by many different types of music. And "Elvis Presley and The Black Community" will debunk the racist rumor. As for music I'd suggest Jailhouse Rock (Music Video) and If I Can Dream - Show Closer ('68 Comeback Special). If you're up for the journey, expect the unexpected. There are many sides to Elvis.

Beautiful. Elvis is still the King - you can hear every word. He was born dirt poor, a nice man, RIP

Great reaction young man. You need to watch the video of him singing “If I Can Dream. “ It’s a salute to Martin Luther King Jr. Awesome song!! I don’t think you will regret it.

Alx Elvis grew up dirt poor the rap duo 36 Mafia did a rap song and had Elvis singing in the ghetto in the back ground check it out also check out If I could Dream by Elvis it's beautiful he sang it in tribute to

Elvis was born and raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, in the Ghetto. He had a twin brother that died at childbirth and his family was so poor they had to bury him in a shoebox. You should listen to the studio version, it showcased his voice more. I forgot to mention Whitney Houstons mom was one of his backup singers. She was shown for a minute in this version.

You're right. 50 years later and we haven't learned a thing 💔

He lived it. More people than you know grew up in the projects. Sadly.

He lived in the ghetto in Tupelo, Miss. He learned how to sing at the ghetto Baptist Church

YES WONDERFUL MAC DAVIS WROTE THIS... BUT NOBODY WANTED TO DO IT. HE OFFERED TO ELVIS AND AT THIS POINT ELVIS NOW WENT AGAINST THE HIGHER UPS NOT TO SING THIS SONG. HE DID IT AND YOU DO NOT SEE A SMILE ON HIS FACE AS HE STARES DOWN AT THE AUDIENCE AND WHEN HE ENDS THE SONG ITS WITH CONVICTION. BLESS HIM. MAY HE KEEP RISING.💞💞💞

He grew up so dirt poor and he wanted all the world to see how hard it is . He and MLK worked together to let everyone see. Some learned others hated him for it. He was so loving to every human on earth.

He is from the ghetto! And raised in a black Baptist church. The 🤴