You can talk so fast and yet clear and understandable. I would fumble all over myself trying to do that. Loved your reaction and this Elvis performance. Thanks
This was a tribute for Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy he only sang it twice that was on the 68 comeback special he never sang it again he put his heart and soul into that song as you can tell beautiful song by a gorgeous man 😍😚✌
Elvis is one of the most famous people in music history, & no doubt, one of the most talented, however his heart & love for humanity, is his legacy 💚💜💗💚💜
Elvis has the greatest voice that I have ever heard. People say that sort of thing all the time but Elvis really is the greatest voice I’ve ever heard.!
Elvis had it all... One of the best performers who ever walked on the stage... Mega Crowds and Bright Lights with his amazing band and Orchestra...no stage to big... And he would of never be a Giant if was not for his amazing voice.... And he could sing Rock.. Country.. Blues.. RnB And Ballads and don't forget Gospel... Elvis was a great Gospel Singer.... His amazing Voice ....
Elvis had the ability to make you feel like he was singing every song to you personally, he is in my opinion still the most beautiful man I've ever seen with a voice to match. Loved the reaction thx...♡
Well said. Sadly people did and still hate on him. A lot of false information surrounding him. He stood at the top of the mountain and of course some people wanted to bring him down, any way they could. They failed. He became a legend.
Your right Richard! Don't you hate when someone is no longer alive to defend these moronic lies about them? True fans like you and me know the truth about the King! The greatest of all TIME! A great humanitarian with a heart of gold like his many gold records! Greatest singer PERIOD!
Elvis was one of a kind. Soul depth and diversity personified. His chameleon voice was always changing. His critically acclaimed body of work in the recording studio was in multiple genres of music. An icon.
Elvis WAS singing this live, but with nobody in the audience. He had recorded the song a week earlier in front of an audience for his 1968 TV special, but he wasn't satisfied with that performance and came back to the TV studio to perform this version, which is now considered one of the greatest performances of his career, and was used to close the special. The song was written as a tribute to Martin Luther King, whom had been assassinated only a couple of months before the taping, in Elvis' home city of Memphis. Then, Robert Kennedy was assassinated just a few days before the taping, so it ended up being a tribute to both men. After these performances, Elvis never performed the song live again, making it an even more poignant tribute to them. Elvis' manager, Tom Parker, had wanted him to close the special with a medley of Christmas songs, as the special was scheduled to premiere in December. Elvis rarely went against his manager's wishes, but on this occasion he did. I'd say he definitely made the right decision. BTW, this entire TV special is a masterpiece, one of the best TV specials by a musician ever!
Yes it was his 1968 comeback special on NBC near Christmas. After MLK was shot in Memphis which was where Elvis lived, and he was so upset. Then while rehearsing for the comeback special Bobby Kennedy was shot. With everything else going on with the war etc. He wanted to sing this song written for those times. But boy could we use it today. Thanks so much and stay safe.
Elvis was born dirt poor and became immensely wealthy by his talent and hard work. The late 1960s was a time of great turmoil in America. This was the period of a 'Woke Elvis'. In The Ghetto was another song by Elvis about social injustice and poverty.
This was a TV special. This song was a culmination of pain. JFK, MLK, Bobby Kennedy and all those lost during the Civil Rights Movement. He wrote this while watching TV coverage of Bobby Kennedy being returned home by train. All these people standing by the tracks as the train passed by. It makes me cry every time I hear this.
So nice to see younger generation like you appreciate Elvis's music and talent. No dancers or fancy get ups. Just him, the stage and pure talent. Seems to be lost these days. He had been out of the mainstream a bit after getting married and having a child and they got him a special on live TV called Elvis the 68 comeback special. A great jam session too with his band. Shortley before MLK and RFK were murdered and he was devastated. This song was a tribute to MLKs I Have A Dream speech that he ended the special with
Elvis manager wanted to end the show with a Christmas song but the recent murders of RFK and MLK ( in Elviss hometown no less) affected Elvis deeply and he chose to do this song instead.
@drright10 Presley was unable to attend the funeral in person as he was filming Live a Little, Love a Little, one of his many movies. But according to his co-star Celeste Yarnall, she and Elvis “watched the funeral of Martin Luther King, Jr. together over lunch in his trailer. He cried. He really cared deeply.”
1968. USA was in a racial turmoil. MLK and Kennedy was killed and these thing affected Elvis deeply (and its easy to see how emotional he is). Especially after the MLK killing in his hometown Memphis. He wanted to sing a message song addressing this. After they have done this, Elvis said to Steve Binder: "I will never again sing a song I dont believe in".
The report on the complete facts of the SONG "IF I CAN DREAM" Elvis Presley The King Elvis Presley Home Elvis Home › Graceland › Elvis News › Elvis Biography › Elvis Interviews › Sitemap › The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, as well as that of U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy, affected Elvis Presley deeply. These feelings led Elvis to give one of the most passionate performances of his career. America was in the midst of an upheaval in 1968. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing and our world and culture were changing. Within a short span of time, two leaders were assassinated. Dr. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis - Elvis's hometown. Robert Kennedy, Assassinated in Los Angeles, June 6,1968, a US Senator who strongly supported human rights and social justice, was killed two months later, on June 6. It was Elvis's reaction to the news of both King and Kennedy's assassination that lead to the creation of the song 'If I Can Dream', a tribute song to King, featuring direct quotes from the Civil Rights leader. In the spring of '68, Elvis was working on his upcoming TV special, 'Elvis'. After seeing the news about Kennedy's death on TV, Elvis spent an entire night with the show's director, Steve Binder, and his friends, talking about the assassinations and Elvis's wishes for the world. The conversation was heartfelt and honest, and Binder believed Elvis had an important message for the country. Binder then went to the show's Musical Director Billy Goldenberg and songwriter Earl Brown and told them about the discussion. He wanted a powerful, meaningful song that would close out the TV special. Because the special was slated to air in December, the producers and Elvis's manager, Col. Tom Parker, had planned to end the show with a Christmas song, but Binder had other ideas. It wasn't long before 'If I Can Dream was born. Once the song was finished, Binder took the song to Elvis and played it for him. 'Let me hear it again', said Elvis, and the song was played again and again. 'Okay', Elvis said, 'I'll do it'. On June 23, 1968, Elvis recorded 'If I Can Dream in several impassioned takes, even though it is said that the first take Elvis gave was perfect. The king gave such a powerful performance that some band members were taken aback, so blown away by Elvis's performance that they had to do several retakes. It was after the band and backup singers were sent home that Elvis gave an even more astonishing performance as he re-recorded the vocals. Elvis had the lights turned off and gave himself over to the music. Over the next few takes, he fell to his knees on the concrete floor, giving himself completely to the song. After those takes, Elvis went to the control room and had his chosen take played repeatedly before he gave it his blessing. Elvis was so moved by the song and his experience with it that he told Binder, I'll never sing another song I don't believe in. I'm never going to make another movie I don't believe in'. 'If I Can Dream was featured at the end of Elvis's Singer Special (later known as the '68 Special) on December 3, 1968. This was the first time the public heard the song, and it was later released as a single with 'Edge of Reality (recorded for the film 'Live a Little, Love a Little') as its flip-side in November 1968. The single spent 13 weeks on the U.S. pop chart peaking at #12. In the U.K., it was on the chart for 10 weeks, peaking at #11. It is now a Gold Record single. Elvis Presley Lyrics Words & Music by W. Earl Brown Elvis Presley Lyrics There must be lights burning brighter somewhere Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue If I can dream of a better land Where all my brothers walk hand in hand Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true There must be peace and understanding sometime Strong winds of promise that will blow away All the doubt and fear If I can dream of a warmer sun Where hope keeps shining on everyone Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear We're lost in a cloud With too much rain We're trapped in a world That's troubled with pain But as long as a man Has the strength to dream He can redeem his soul and fly Deep in my heart there's a trembling question Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true, right now Let it come true right now Oh yeah Recorded: 1968/06/23, first released on single
Powerful performance at very decided time just like now Elvis stood up and sung with the pain people were feeling after the assisination of MLK. Song unfortunately resonates today thank u for the reaction u rock
This was the 1968 come back special...At this time there were no "music videos" as we know them now. This was just after MLK was killed and was a tribute
It was just after Robert Kennedy was assasinated! MLK was assasinated 2 months before. After R.K.'s death, they decided to do a tribute at the end of the show. The song has a few similarities to MLK's famous speech! That's why it is always called as a tribute to MLK It a tribute to both, great men with great dreams and hopes!
The report on the complete facts of the SONG "IF I CAN DREAM" Elvis Presley The King Elvis Presley Home Elvis Home › Graceland › Elvis News › Elvis Biography › Elvis Interviews › Sitemap › The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, as well as that of U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy, affected Elvis Presley deeply. These feelings led Elvis to give one of the most passionate performances of his career. America was in the midst of an upheaval in 1968. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing and our world and culture were changing. Within a short span of time, two leaders were assassinated. Dr. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis - Elvis's hometown. Robert Kennedy, Assassinated in Los Angeles, June 6,1968, a US Senator who strongly supported human rights and social justice, was killed two months later, on June 6. It was Elvis's reaction to the news of both King and Kennedy's assassination that lead to the creation of the song 'If I Can Dream', a tribute song to King, featuring direct quotes from the Civil Rights leader. In the spring of '68, Elvis was working on his upcoming TV special, 'Elvis'. After seeing the news about Kennedy's death on TV, Elvis spent an entire night with the show's director, Steve Binder, and his friends, talking about the assassinations and Elvis's wishes for the world. The conversation was heartfelt and honest, and Binder believed Elvis had an important message for the country. Binder then went to the show's Musical Director Billy Goldenberg and songwriter Earl Brown and told them about the discussion. He wanted a powerful, meaningful song that would close out the TV special. Because the special was slated to air in December, the producers and Elvis's manager, Col. Tom Parker, had planned to end the show with a Christmas song, but Binder had other ideas. It wasn't long before 'If I Can Dream was born. Once the song was finished, Binder took the song to Elvis and played it for him. 'Let me hear it again', said Elvis, and the song was played again and again. 'Okay', Elvis said, 'I'll do it'. On June 23, 1968, Elvis recorded 'If I Can Dream in several impassioned takes, even though it is said that the first take Elvis gave was perfect. The king gave such a powerful performance that some band members were taken aback, so blown away by Elvis's performance that they had to do several retakes. It was after the band and backup singers were sent home that Elvis gave an even more astonishing performance as he re-recorded the vocals. Elvis had the lights turned off and gave himself over to the music. Over the next few takes, he fell to his knees on the concrete floor, giving himself completely to the song. After those takes, Elvis went to the control room and had his chosen take played repeatedly before he gave it his blessing. Elvis was so moved by the song and his experience with it that he told Binder, I'll never sing another song I don't believe in. I'm never going to make another movie I don't believe in'. 'If I Can Dream was featured at the end of Elvis's Singer Special (later known as the '68 Special) on December 3, 1968. This was the first time the public heard the song, and it was later released as a single with 'Edge of Reality (recorded for the film 'Live a Little, Love a Little') as its flip-side in November 1968. The single spent 13 weeks on the U.S. pop chart peaking at #12. In the U.K., it was on the chart for 10 weeks, peaking at #11. It is now a Gold Record single. Elvis Presley Lyrics Words & Music by W. Earl Brown Elvis Presley Lyrics There must be lights burning brighter somewhere Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue If I can dream of a better land Where all my brothers walk hand in hand Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true There must be peace and understanding sometime Strong winds of promise that will blow away All the doubt and fear If I can dream of a warmer sun Where hope keeps shining on everyone Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear We're lost in a cloud With too much rain We're trapped in a world That's troubled with pain But as long as a man Has the strength to dream He can redeem his soul and fly Deep in my heart there's a trembling question Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true, right now Let it come true right now Oh yeah Recorded: 1968/06/23, first released on single
@@alameas6358 ......... I take it really as a tribute to Martin Luther King ....... Bobby Francis Kennedy ...... John Fitzgerald Kennedy ......... And the ones that lived though the turmoil of build-Up in 1968 ......... Of all the fighting .......Caused by the establishment { The Deep State } To Trying to pit one against another ........ To make us fight among are-self's ........ So they could keep power over us ........ You know { divided we fall } Making us hate each other ... So as they could continue ruling over us .......... As they and their best friend {The Main Stream Media } kept us at war like manner with all the lies printed in their papers and on their T.V stations bringing their propaganda of controlling the narrative to pit ......... Brother against brother ........... But to bad for them ........ As we have leaned of their ways to keep us apart .... As we know now that Race ... Nor ....... Religion ....... Nor ......... Rather your male or female ... Nor ... Rather you have long hair or short ... nor ......... Any other dichotomy ....... Shell keep ........... The people of planet Earth apart any longer ............ As we know now we all one people .... ..... We are all the same no matter what ..... Those days of them controlling the narrative ......... To keep us battling with one another is over ... And now they hate us for that ......... We learned what they were up to ........... And now ........... They loss the battle .......... WWG1WGA .....BIG N ...........
@cooter I listen to the words! And i never mentioned JFK. It seems like you didn't read my words! But read what 'Big N' wrote. He described everything cronologically. And that's exactly what happened! Have a great day! ☀️
This song is why he is the KING because he sang with passion and most all of his songs had a message! You should watch the whole "Aloha from Hawaii" concert! He is the KING FOREVER!
@ITZJT TV The song is the last song in the "Comeback Special", where Elvis returned to the stage after 8 movie years. This song is performed live, Jun 23 1968. Elvis played live in a "boxing ring stage" (Jun 27) with some friends, just guitars and a guitar case as a "drum" - and alone on the same stage (Jun 29), and audience around the stage, and does the best rock'n'roll show ever. He did some show numbers, with dancers and actors, among others a big gospel sequence (recorded Jun 20-22), and he did this song... And this closed the show, that's why he said "thank you, good night" at the end... This show is 52 years old these days... But still as fresh as if it was done recently... :-)
I really enjoy your channel in your reaction. If you get a chance could you do a reaction to the Elvis song from the 1968 Comeback Special trying to get to you is the name of the song.
The report on the complete facts of the SONG "IF I CAN DREAM" Elvis Presley The King Elvis Presley Home Elvis Home › Graceland › Elvis News › Elvis Biography › Elvis Interviews › Sitemap › The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, as well as that of U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy, affected Elvis Presley deeply. These feelings led Elvis to give one of the most passionate performances of his career. America was in the midst of an upheaval in 1968. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing and our world and culture were changing. Within a short span of time, two leaders were assassinated. Dr. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis - Elvis's hometown. Robert Kennedy, Assassinated in Los Angeles, June 6,1968, a US Senator who strongly supported human rights and social justice, was killed two months later, on June 6. It was Elvis's reaction to the news of both King and Kennedy's assassination that lead to the creation of the song 'If I Can Dream', a tribute song to King, featuring direct quotes from the Civil Rights leader. In the spring of '68, Elvis was working on his upcoming TV special, 'Elvis'. After seeing the news about Kennedy's death on TV, Elvis spent an entire night with the show's director, Steve Binder, and his friends, talking about the assassinations and Elvis's wishes for the world. The conversation was heartfelt and honest, and Binder believed Elvis had an important message for the country. Binder then went to the show's Musical Director Billy Goldenberg and songwriter Earl Brown and told them about the discussion. He wanted a powerful, meaningful song that would close out the TV special. Because the special was slated to air in December, the producers and Elvis's manager, Col. Tom Parker, had planned to end the show with a Christmas song, but Binder had other ideas. It wasn't long before 'If I Can Dream was born. Once the song was finished, Binder took the song to Elvis and played it for him. 'Let me hear it again', said Elvis, and the song was played again and again. 'Okay', Elvis said, 'I'll do it'. On June 23, 1968, Elvis recorded 'If I Can Dream in several impassioned takes, even though it is said that the first take Elvis gave was perfect. The king gave such a powerful performance that some band members were taken aback, so blown away by Elvis's performance that they had to do several retakes. It was after the band and backup singers were sent home that Elvis gave an even more astonishing performance as he re-recorded the vocals. Elvis had the lights turned off and gave himself over to the music. Over the next few takes, he fell to his knees on the concrete floor, giving himself completely to the song. After those takes, Elvis went to the control room and had his chosen take played repeatedly before he gave it his blessing. Elvis was so moved by the song and his experience with it that he told Binder, I'll never sing another song I don't believe in. I'm never going to make another movie I don't believe in'. 'If I Can Dream was featured at the end of Elvis's Singer Special (later known as the '68 Special) on December 3, 1968. This was the first time the public heard the song, and it was later released as a single with 'Edge of Reality (recorded for the film 'Live a Little, Love a Little') as its flip-side in November 1968. The single spent 13 weeks on the U.S. pop chart peaking at #12. In the U.K., it was on the chart for 10 weeks, peaking at #11. It is now a Gold Record single. Elvis Presley Lyrics Words & Music by W. Earl Brown Elvis Presley Lyrics There must be lights burning brighter somewhere Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue If I can dream of a better land Where all my brothers walk hand in hand Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true There must be peace and understanding sometime Strong winds of promise that will blow away All the doubt and fear If I can dream of a warmer sun Where hope keeps shining on everyone Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear We're lost in a cloud With too much rain We're trapped in a world That's troubled with pain But as long as a man Has the strength to dream He can redeem his soul and fly Deep in my heart there's a trembling question Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true, right now Let it come true right now Oh yeah Recorded: 1968/06/23, first released on single
that was the closing song from the '68 comeback special, it was in response to the shootings of both kennedys and martin luther king - Elvis was deeply troubled by all the shootings of people we needed so badly all in one decade
This was from his 1968 Singer (Sewing Machine) Christmas Special which was the beginning of him beginning to perform again after a ten year layoff from when he was drafted in the Army and after he got out of the service only made movies. From this time on he never stopped touring until his death in 1976.
Aired on his 1968 television special, NBC, I believe. Last song on the show. You hear Elvis end the song and speak the words, thank you and good night. His manager, Colonel Tom wanted him to end the show with the Christmas song as it aired in the month of December. Elvis said no and sang this dream song instead. Wise choice Elvis.
Though Elvis wrote many of his own songs, this one was written by a lyricist Walter Earl Brown especially for Elvis for the comeback special. Elvis' manager Tom Parker did not like the song, but it was too good to pass us, so Brown bypassed Parker and played the song for Elvis, who liked it. Earl Brown said what when the song was recorded, he saw tears rolling down the cheeks of the backup singers. One of them whispered to him "Elvis has never sung with so much emotion before. Looks like he means every word." So there you go.
If you are looking for another beautiful song, but something a little more recent, check out one called "The Heart of the Matter" written by Don Henley, Mike Campbell, and J.D. Souther. It first appeared on Henley's solo album "The End of the Innocence" but the one that you need to see is the rendition he made with his former band mates The Eagles live during their "Hell Freezes Over" tour. All the fellas sounded wonderful on that one.
However, despite their differences, the two men were actually friends. Elvis and MLK first met in December of 1961, when Elvis was in Washington D.C. to receive an award from President Kennedy. MLK was also in attendance, and the two men struck up a conversation.Nov 13, 2022
That was his 1968 nbc tv special rolling stone said many years that the 68 special was the first ever music video it is that good try watching the whole special
I've seen several First Reactions to this video but I'm glad you pointed out that he was out of breath at the end. But if you looked it very much of his life for Foreman says he's always getting winded because he gives it his all. The guy was totally an athlete. You watching a football player after making a great run or a great catch or pushing the line back and they will always be out of breath if they're really giving it their all. And that's what he did is a performer. He was born into poverty and never forgot it and when he got the news of his friend dr. King being assassinated, he was on the set of one of his movies that they were coming and they had to shut down production for a day because he just went into the back room and curled up into a ball and cry for hours. The guy actually gave a shit. I believe you can hear that pain and Agony in his voice in this performance.
New favorite comment of yours “you can’t hate on Elvis.” Lol. Seriously. I don’t trust people who don’t at least have a positive perception of E. Like not trusting people who don’t like dogs. Lol. Elvis forevvvvva!
For decades after, people thought 1968 was the worst, bloodiest year they'd ever see in their lifetimes. Or even in their children's lifetimes. Well, it's been replaced. "Right now!" is now a plea for 2020, not for the terrible year in which he recorded it and performed it on television. This was sung live, not lip-sync'ed, on June 30, 1968, later broadcast on December 3, 1968.
I’m sure it’s been answered but this his tribute to MLK he had written by someone else. He loved MLK so at the time he was hammered and didn’t care. Btw, Whitney Houston’s mom was one of his backup singers. She said he was the most beautiful man, inside and out, she ever knew
A tribute to MLK and Bobby Kennedy, 2 months after their assassinations His manager told him not to do it. His producers told him not to do it. NBC refused to play it because it stood up for the black movement. He did it anyway! 😢🙏
Help me please can you contact all your friends on UA-cam and Let try and get this Elvis Song and Video to be put into the music Charts it would be a huge hit for this Time!! Iam sending this message to all the others that have played this . Black Lives Matter!!
no electronics all voice do have any singers anymore that sing like men think how if he would have been with all the media today. We have streaming etc, he had only one to two media outlets when he come out mind blogging how much bigger he would have been
There will never be another Elvis.
There will never be another Mike Mikesell.
@@zgodnipatuljak3253 Actually there's several.
@@mikem957 But they are not you
thats for sure
You can talk so fast and yet clear and understandable. I would fumble all over myself trying to do that. Loved your reaction and this Elvis performance. Thanks
He sings from his soul and still touches our souls!
Wow theres is no one who can hold a candle to elvis .thank u.
This was a tribute for Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy he only sang it twice that was on the 68 comeback special he never sang it again he put his heart and soul into that song as you can tell beautiful song by a gorgeous man 😍😚✌
Elvis is one of the most famous people in music history, & no doubt, one of the most talented, however his heart & love for humanity, is his legacy 💚💜💗💚💜
Elvis had soul and bared it
Elvis is the Mountain
Elvis has the greatest voice that I have ever heard. People say that sort of thing all the time but Elvis really is the greatest voice I’ve ever heard.!
Elvis had it all... One of the best performers who ever walked on the stage... Mega Crowds and Bright Lights with his amazing band and Orchestra...no stage to big... And he would of never be a Giant if was not for his amazing voice.... And he could sing Rock.. Country.. Blues.. RnB And Ballads and don't forget Gospel... Elvis was a great Gospel Singer.... His amazing Voice ....
Elvis had the ability to make you feel like he was singing every song to you personally, he is in my opinion still the most beautiful man I've ever seen with a voice to match. Loved the reaction thx...♡
We need this song right now MORE THAN EVER!!!
THANK YOU!!!
Well said. Sadly people did and still hate on him.
A lot of false information surrounding him.
He stood at the top of the mountain and of course
some people wanted to bring him down, any way they could.
They failed. He became a legend.
Your right Richard! Don't you hate when someone is no longer alive to defend these moronic lies about them? True fans like you and me know the truth about the King! The greatest of all TIME! A great humanitarian with a heart of gold like his many gold records! Greatest singer PERIOD!
Wow! The man could sing....68 come back special is great.
Elvis was one of a kind.
Soul depth and diversity personified.
His chameleon voice was always changing.
His critically acclaimed body of work in the recording studio was in multiple genres of music.
An icon.
Oh lord lord..........the gold voice..... the king of music 👑🎤👏👏🙌🙌🙌💞💟💝💙💜💛
Elvis was KING and this song proves it. RIP Elvis 😇🙏
He had some of the best backup singers of all times.
None had that voice, amazing --
Elvis WAS singing this live, but with nobody in the audience. He had recorded the song a week earlier in front of an audience for his 1968 TV special, but he wasn't satisfied with that performance and came back to the TV studio to perform this version, which is now considered one of the greatest performances of his career, and was used to close the special. The song was written as a tribute to Martin Luther King, whom had been assassinated only a couple of months before the taping, in Elvis' home city of Memphis. Then, Robert Kennedy was assassinated just a few days before the taping, so it ended up being a tribute to both men. After these performances, Elvis never performed the song live again, making it an even more poignant tribute to them. Elvis' manager, Tom Parker, had wanted him to close the special with a medley of Christmas songs, as the special was scheduled to premiere in December. Elvis rarely went against his manager's wishes, but on this occasion he did. I'd say he definitely made the right decision. BTW, this entire TV special is a masterpiece, one of the best TV specials by a musician ever!
Yes it was his 1968 comeback special on NBC near Christmas. After MLK was shot in Memphis which was where Elvis lived, and he was so upset. Then while rehearsing for the comeback special Bobby Kennedy was shot. With everything else going on with the war etc. He wanted to sing this song written for those times. But boy could we use it today. Thanks so much and stay safe.
Elvis was born dirt poor and became immensely wealthy by his talent and hard work. The late 1960s was a time of great turmoil in America. This was the period of a 'Woke Elvis'. In The Ghetto was another song by Elvis about social injustice and poverty.
Elvis was always woke he was raised that way he loved everyone
@@robertsmith-gp6lc he wasn’t woke at all, he was awake. Don’t confuse the two. Woke is a horrible disease.
This was a TV special. This song was a culmination of pain. JFK, MLK, Bobby Kennedy and all those lost during the Civil Rights Movement. He wrote this while watching TV coverage of Bobby Kennedy being returned home by train. All these people standing by the tracks as the train passed by. It makes me cry every time I hear this.
To give credit where due; If I Can Dream was written for Elvis, by Walter "Earl" Brown.
Jamie hilson Elvis didn't write this someone wrote it for him because they knew how he was feeling
So nice to see younger generation like you appreciate Elvis's music and talent. No dancers or fancy get ups. Just him, the stage and pure talent. Seems to be lost these days. He had been out of the mainstream a bit after getting married and having a child and they got him a special on live TV called Elvis the 68 comeback special. A great jam session too with his band. Shortley before MLK and RFK were murdered and he was devastated. This song was a tribute to MLKs I Have A Dream speech that he ended the special with
It was live and no auto tune . It was the closing song of his 1968 TV Comeback Special.
TV special. 68 Comeback Special. Good that your mom raised you right! 😀
Tribute to Martin Luther King..... the red scarf represented blood shed.
Elvis manager wanted to end the show with a Christmas song but the recent murders of RFK and MLK ( in Elviss hometown no less) affected Elvis deeply and he chose to do this song instead.
@drright10 so "In The Ghetto" wasn't a message song? Because he sang it at every show for the last 7 years of his life.
@drright10 Presley was unable to attend the funeral in person as he was filming Live a Little, Love a Little, one of his many movies. But according to his co-star Celeste Yarnall, she and Elvis “watched the funeral of Martin Luther King, Jr. together over lunch in his trailer. He cried. He really cared deeply.”
your just scratch the surface with this man
1968. USA was in a racial turmoil.
MLK and Kennedy was killed and these thing affected Elvis deeply (and its easy to see how emotional he is). Especially after the MLK killing in his hometown Memphis.
He wanted to sing a message song addressing this. After they have done this, Elvis said to Steve Binder: "I will never again sing a song I dont believe in".
The report on the complete facts of the SONG "IF I CAN DREAM" Elvis Presley The King Elvis Presley Home Elvis Home › Graceland › Elvis News › Elvis Biography › Elvis Interviews › Sitemap › The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, as well as that of U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy, affected Elvis Presley deeply. These feelings led Elvis to give one of the most passionate performances of his career. America was in the midst of an upheaval in 1968. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing and our world and culture were changing. Within a short span of time, two leaders were assassinated. Dr. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis - Elvis's hometown. Robert Kennedy, Assassinated in Los Angeles, June 6,1968, a US Senator who strongly supported human rights and social justice, was killed two months later, on June 6. It was Elvis's reaction to the news of both King and Kennedy's assassination that lead to the creation of the song 'If I Can Dream', a tribute song to King, featuring direct quotes from the Civil Rights leader. In the spring of '68, Elvis was working on his upcoming TV special, 'Elvis'. After seeing the news about Kennedy's death on TV, Elvis spent an entire night with the show's director, Steve Binder, and his friends, talking about the assassinations and Elvis's wishes for the world. The conversation was heartfelt and honest, and Binder believed Elvis had an important message for the country. Binder then went to the show's Musical Director Billy Goldenberg and songwriter Earl Brown and told them about the discussion. He wanted a powerful, meaningful song that would close out the TV special. Because the special was slated to air in December, the producers and Elvis's manager, Col. Tom Parker, had planned to end the show with a Christmas song, but Binder had other ideas. It wasn't long before 'If I Can Dream was born. Once the song was finished, Binder took the song to Elvis and played it for him. 'Let me hear it again', said Elvis, and the song was played again and again. 'Okay', Elvis said, 'I'll do it'. On June 23, 1968, Elvis recorded 'If I Can Dream in several impassioned takes, even though it is said that the first take Elvis gave was perfect. The king gave such a powerful performance that some band members were taken aback, so blown away by Elvis's performance that they had to do several retakes. It was after the band and backup singers were sent home that Elvis gave an even more astonishing performance as he re-recorded the vocals. Elvis had the lights turned off and gave himself over to the music. Over the next few takes, he fell to his knees on the concrete floor, giving himself completely to the song. After those takes, Elvis went to the control room and had his chosen take played repeatedly before he gave it his blessing. Elvis was so moved by the song and his experience with it that he told Binder, I'll never sing another song I don't believe in. I'm never going to make another movie I don't believe in'. 'If I Can Dream was featured at the end of Elvis's Singer Special (later known as the '68 Special) on December 3, 1968. This was the first time the public heard the song, and it was later released as a single with 'Edge of Reality (recorded for the film 'Live a Little, Love a Little') as its flip-side in November 1968. The single spent 13 weeks on the U.S. pop chart peaking at #12. In the U.K., it was on the chart for 10 weeks, peaking at #11. It is now a Gold Record single. Elvis Presley Lyrics Words & Music by W. Earl Brown Elvis Presley Lyrics There must be lights burning brighter somewhere Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue If I can dream of a better land Where all my brothers walk hand in hand Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true There must be peace and understanding sometime Strong winds of promise that will blow away All the doubt and fear If I can dream of a warmer sun Where hope keeps shining on everyone Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear We're lost in a cloud With too much rain We're trapped in a world That's troubled with pain But as long as a man Has the strength to dream He can redeem his soul and fly Deep in my heart there's a trembling question Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true, right now Let it come true right now Oh yeah Recorded: 1968/06/23, first released on single
Powerful performance at very decided time just like now Elvis stood up and sung with the pain people were feeling after the assisination of MLK. Song unfortunately resonates today thank u for the reaction u rock
Great reaction ✌🙌
Reaction " Tomorrow never comes "
ELVIS COULD SING NO CAP LOL
Thank you for this ,love you elvis,from one of fans
From the 1968 comeback special. Great! Love Elvis!
This was the 1968 come back special...At this time there were no "music videos" as we know them now. This was just after MLK was killed and was a tribute
It was just after Robert Kennedy was assasinated!
MLK was assasinated 2 months before.
After R.K.'s death, they decided to do a tribute at the end of the show.
The song has a few similarities to MLK's famous speech!
That's why it is always called as a tribute to MLK
It a tribute to both, great men with great dreams and hopes!
The report on the complete facts of the SONG "IF I CAN DREAM" Elvis Presley The King Elvis Presley Home Elvis Home › Graceland › Elvis News › Elvis Biography › Elvis Interviews › Sitemap › The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, as well as that of U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy, affected Elvis Presley deeply. These feelings led Elvis to give one of the most passionate performances of his career. America was in the midst of an upheaval in 1968. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing and our world and culture were changing. Within a short span of time, two leaders were assassinated. Dr. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis - Elvis's hometown. Robert Kennedy, Assassinated in Los Angeles, June 6,1968, a US Senator who strongly supported human rights and social justice, was killed two months later, on June 6. It was Elvis's reaction to the news of both King and Kennedy's assassination that lead to the creation of the song 'If I Can Dream', a tribute song to King, featuring direct quotes from the Civil Rights leader. In the spring of '68, Elvis was working on his upcoming TV special, 'Elvis'. After seeing the news about Kennedy's death on TV, Elvis spent an entire night with the show's director, Steve Binder, and his friends, talking about the assassinations and Elvis's wishes for the world. The conversation was heartfelt and honest, and Binder believed Elvis had an important message for the country. Binder then went to the show's Musical Director Billy Goldenberg and songwriter Earl Brown and told them about the discussion. He wanted a powerful, meaningful song that would close out the TV special. Because the special was slated to air in December, the producers and Elvis's manager, Col. Tom Parker, had planned to end the show with a Christmas song, but Binder had other ideas. It wasn't long before 'If I Can Dream was born. Once the song was finished, Binder took the song to Elvis and played it for him. 'Let me hear it again', said Elvis, and the song was played again and again. 'Okay', Elvis said, 'I'll do it'. On June 23, 1968, Elvis recorded 'If I Can Dream in several impassioned takes, even though it is said that the first take Elvis gave was perfect. The king gave such a powerful performance that some band members were taken aback, so blown away by Elvis's performance that they had to do several retakes. It was after the band and backup singers were sent home that Elvis gave an even more astonishing performance as he re-recorded the vocals. Elvis had the lights turned off and gave himself over to the music. Over the next few takes, he fell to his knees on the concrete floor, giving himself completely to the song. After those takes, Elvis went to the control room and had his chosen take played repeatedly before he gave it his blessing. Elvis was so moved by the song and his experience with it that he told Binder, I'll never sing another song I don't believe in. I'm never going to make another movie I don't believe in'. 'If I Can Dream was featured at the end of Elvis's Singer Special (later known as the '68 Special) on December 3, 1968. This was the first time the public heard the song, and it was later released as a single with 'Edge of Reality (recorded for the film 'Live a Little, Love a Little') as its flip-side in November 1968. The single spent 13 weeks on the U.S. pop chart peaking at #12. In the U.K., it was on the chart for 10 weeks, peaking at #11. It is now a Gold Record single. Elvis Presley Lyrics Words & Music by W. Earl Brown Elvis Presley Lyrics There must be lights burning brighter somewhere Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue If I can dream of a better land Where all my brothers walk hand in hand Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true There must be peace and understanding sometime Strong winds of promise that will blow away All the doubt and fear If I can dream of a warmer sun Where hope keeps shining on everyone Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear We're lost in a cloud With too much rain We're trapped in a world That's troubled with pain But as long as a man Has the strength to dream He can redeem his soul and fly Deep in my heart there's a trembling question Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true, right now Let it come true right now Oh yeah Recorded: 1968/06/23, first released on single
@@alameas6358 ......... I take it really as a tribute to Martin Luther King ....... Bobby Francis Kennedy ...... John Fitzgerald Kennedy ......... And the ones that lived though the turmoil of build-Up in 1968 ......... Of all the fighting .......Caused by the establishment { The Deep State } To Trying to pit one against another ........ To make us fight among are-self's ........ So they could keep power over us ........ You know { divided we fall } Making us hate each other ... So as they could continue ruling over us .......... As they and their best friend {The Main Stream Media } kept us at war like manner with all the lies printed in their papers and on their T.V stations bringing their propaganda of controlling the narrative to pit ......... Brother against brother ........... But to bad for them ........ As we have leaned of their ways to keep us apart .... As we know now that Race ... Nor ....... Religion ....... Nor ......... Rather your male or female ... Nor ... Rather you have long hair or short ... nor ......... Any other dichotomy ....... Shell keep ........... The people of planet Earth apart any longer ............ As we know now we all one people .... ..... We are all the same no matter what ..... Those days of them controlling the narrative ......... To keep us battling with one another is over ... And now they hate us for that ......... We learned what they were up to ........... And now ........... They loss the battle .......... WWG1WGA .....BIG N ...........
@cooter
I listen to the words!
And i never mentioned JFK.
It seems like you didn't read
my words!
But read what 'Big N' wrote.
He described everything cronologically.
And that's exactly what
happened!
Have a great day! ☀️
This song is why he is the KING because he sang with passion and most all of his songs had a message! You should watch the whole "Aloha from Hawaii" concert! He is the KING FOREVER!
Should definitely check out "In The Ghetto" by him. If you want a good dancing Elvis Song check out "Rubbernecking"
Simply the best, the very best
Dude f**king Awesome.... and you are the prettiest lady iv ever seen xx
Thank you 😊
A once in a century performer !!!
@ITZJT TV
The song is the last song in the "Comeback Special", where Elvis returned to the stage after 8 movie years. This song is performed live, Jun 23 1968.
Elvis played live in a "boxing ring stage" (Jun 27) with some friends, just guitars and a guitar case as a "drum" - and alone on the same stage (Jun 29), and audience around the stage, and does the best rock'n'roll show ever. He did some show numbers, with dancers and actors, among others a big gospel sequence (recorded Jun 20-22), and he did this song... And this closed the show, that's why he said "thank you, good night" at the end... This show is 52 years old these days... But still as fresh as if it was done recently... :-)
Elvis was a bridge.
I really enjoy your channel in your reaction. If you get a chance could you do a reaction to the Elvis song from the 1968 Comeback Special trying to get to you is the name of the song.
✊🏽😎np
Live from the 68 tv special
The report on the complete facts of the SONG "IF I CAN DREAM" Elvis Presley The King Elvis Presley Home Elvis Home › Graceland › Elvis News › Elvis Biography › Elvis Interviews › Sitemap › The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, as well as that of U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy, affected Elvis Presley deeply. These feelings led Elvis to give one of the most passionate performances of his career. America was in the midst of an upheaval in 1968. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing and our world and culture were changing. Within a short span of time, two leaders were assassinated. Dr. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis - Elvis's hometown. Robert Kennedy, Assassinated in Los Angeles, June 6,1968, a US Senator who strongly supported human rights and social justice, was killed two months later, on June 6. It was Elvis's reaction to the news of both King and Kennedy's assassination that lead to the creation of the song 'If I Can Dream', a tribute song to King, featuring direct quotes from the Civil Rights leader. In the spring of '68, Elvis was working on his upcoming TV special, 'Elvis'. After seeing the news about Kennedy's death on TV, Elvis spent an entire night with the show's director, Steve Binder, and his friends, talking about the assassinations and Elvis's wishes for the world. The conversation was heartfelt and honest, and Binder believed Elvis had an important message for the country. Binder then went to the show's Musical Director Billy Goldenberg and songwriter Earl Brown and told them about the discussion. He wanted a powerful, meaningful song that would close out the TV special. Because the special was slated to air in December, the producers and Elvis's manager, Col. Tom Parker, had planned to end the show with a Christmas song, but Binder had other ideas. It wasn't long before 'If I Can Dream was born. Once the song was finished, Binder took the song to Elvis and played it for him. 'Let me hear it again', said Elvis, and the song was played again and again. 'Okay', Elvis said, 'I'll do it'. On June 23, 1968, Elvis recorded 'If I Can Dream in several impassioned takes, even though it is said that the first take Elvis gave was perfect. The king gave such a powerful performance that some band members were taken aback, so blown away by Elvis's performance that they had to do several retakes. It was after the band and backup singers were sent home that Elvis gave an even more astonishing performance as he re-recorded the vocals. Elvis had the lights turned off and gave himself over to the music. Over the next few takes, he fell to his knees on the concrete floor, giving himself completely to the song. After those takes, Elvis went to the control room and had his chosen take played repeatedly before he gave it his blessing. Elvis was so moved by the song and his experience with it that he told Binder, I'll never sing another song I don't believe in. I'm never going to make another movie I don't believe in'. 'If I Can Dream was featured at the end of Elvis's Singer Special (later known as the '68 Special) on December 3, 1968. This was the first time the public heard the song, and it was later released as a single with 'Edge of Reality (recorded for the film 'Live a Little, Love a Little') as its flip-side in November 1968. The single spent 13 weeks on the U.S. pop chart peaking at #12. In the U.K., it was on the chart for 10 weeks, peaking at #11. It is now a Gold Record single. Elvis Presley Lyrics Words & Music by W. Earl Brown Elvis Presley Lyrics There must be lights burning brighter somewhere Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue If I can dream of a better land Where all my brothers walk hand in hand Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true There must be peace and understanding sometime Strong winds of promise that will blow away All the doubt and fear If I can dream of a warmer sun Where hope keeps shining on everyone Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear We're lost in a cloud With too much rain We're trapped in a world That's troubled with pain But as long as a man Has the strength to dream He can redeem his soul and fly Deep in my heart there's a trembling question Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true, right now Let it come true right now Oh yeah Recorded: 1968/06/23, first released on single
Thanks from the heart!
Nice info. Thank you.
that was the closing song from the '68 comeback special, it was in response to the shootings of both kennedys and martin luther king - Elvis was deeply troubled by all the shootings of people we needed so badly all in one decade
This was from his 1968 Singer (Sewing Machine) Christmas Special which was the beginning of him beginning to perform again after a ten year layoff from when he was drafted in the Army and after he got out of the service only made movies. From this time on he never stopped touring until his death in 1976.
Great song and great voice! I enjoyed your reaction. ❤
One area that Elvis was really great at recording was the Gospels song, he won 3 Emmys awards for his Gospels albums.. Take a listen to those...
Aired on his 1968 television special, NBC, I believe. Last song on the show. You hear Elvis end the song and speak the words, thank you and good night. His manager, Colonel Tom wanted him to end the show with the Christmas song as it aired in the month of December. Elvis said no and sang this dream song instead. Wise choice Elvis.
Though Elvis wrote many of his own songs, this one was written by a lyricist Walter Earl Brown especially for Elvis for the comeback special. Elvis' manager Tom Parker did not like the song, but it was too good to pass us, so Brown bypassed Parker and played the song for Elvis, who liked it. Earl Brown said what when the song was recorded, he saw tears rolling down the cheeks of the backup singers. One of them whispered to him "Elvis has never sung with so much emotion before. Looks like he means every word."
So there you go.
There was once a man called Martin Luther King.
He was shot dead in Memphis,Tn in April 1968.
White soul man. He's the greatest.
Elvis forever king
Plus he was damn good looking.
That suit, I mean wearing a white suit, white shoes and a red tie looking like a preacher.
If you ever wanted to know what an angel sent down from the heavens from God you are looking at him Elvis Aaron Presley the angel
Great reaction beautiful lady
This Elvis song was a tribute to Martin Luther King .
Love this song your so cool thank you 😁
KING
The 👑of music ❤ 💯🙏 amen.
If you are looking for another beautiful song, but something a little more recent, check out one called "The Heart of the Matter" written by Don Henley, Mike Campbell, and J.D. Souther. It first appeared on Henley's solo album "The End of the Innocence" but the one that you need to see is the rendition he made with his former band mates The Eagles live during their "Hell Freezes Over" tour. All the fellas sounded wonderful on that one.
You just don't get better the the best and Elvis was THE best........simple as that.
However, despite their differences, the two men were actually friends. Elvis and MLK first met in December of 1961, when Elvis was in Washington D.C. to receive an award from President Kennedy. MLK was also in attendance, and the two men struck up a conversation.Nov 13, 2022
Elvis was the best the girl has to slow down she talks too fast
Today is MLK anniversary. A good song to play would be Pride by John Legend. Also Abraham Martin and John by Dion
The best
That was his 1968 nbc tv special rolling stone said many years that the 68 special was the first ever music video it is that good try watching the whole special
So 👍 great..
I've seen several First Reactions to this video but I'm glad you pointed out that he was out of breath at the end. But if you looked it very much of his life for Foreman says he's always getting winded because he gives it his all. The guy was totally an athlete. You watching a football player after making a great run or a great catch or pushing the line back and they will always be out of breath if they're really giving it their all. And that's what he did is a performer. He was born into poverty and never forgot it and when he got the news of his friend dr. King being assassinated, he was on the set of one of his movies that they were coming and they had to shut down production for a day because he just went into the back room and curled up into a ball and cry for hours. The guy actually gave a shit. I believe you can hear that pain and Agony in his voice in this performance.
New favorite comment of yours “you can’t hate on Elvis.” Lol. Seriously. I don’t trust people who don’t at least have a positive perception of E. Like not trusting people who don’t like dogs. Lol. Elvis forevvvvva!
It was a tribute to DR.KING.
Great reaction please could you do Elvis the Wonder of of you for all those on the front line at the moment at this time 🙏🇬🇧
This is a response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech 2 months after MLK was assassinated in Elvis's hometown.
That's how you do that!
Elvis Presley dedicate this song to Martin Luther King Jr. after he got assassinated we are equal love is stronger than hate God bless the king
For decades after, people thought 1968 was the worst, bloodiest year they'd ever see in their lifetimes. Or even in their children's lifetimes.
Well, it's been replaced. "Right now!" is now a plea for 2020, not for the terrible year in which he recorded it and performed it on television.
This was sung live, not lip-sync'ed, on June 30, 1968, later broadcast on December 3, 1968.
wonderful , HalleLuYAH :) ..........
I’m sure it’s been answered but this his tribute to MLK he had written by someone else. He loved MLK so at the time he was hammered and didn’t care. Btw, Whitney Houston’s mom was one of his backup singers. She said he was the most beautiful man, inside and out, she ever knew
They didn't have music videos in 1968. This was live. No autotune
The King.
A tribute to MLK and Bobby Kennedy, 2 months after their assassinations
His manager told him not to do it. His producers told him not to do it. NBC refused to play it because it stood up for the black movement. He did it anyway!
😢🙏
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I think this was take 4.. he sung this over and over to get the perfect take for this show 👊 alternate takes are on youtube 👍🏻
He sang this in 1968 in memory of Martin Luter Kings assasination .
Lissen to elvis song Suspicion from 1961 Thanks x
Raw
Elvis was onely 33 years old in this video.
awesome , love you
🔱❤🔱❤🔱❤🔱❤🔱
Help me please can you contact all your friends on UA-cam and Let try and get this Elvis Song and Video to be put into the music Charts it would be a huge hit for this Time!! Iam sending this message to all the others that have played this . Black Lives Matter!!
I love your comments
XTE KING FOREVER.
A.K.A ELVIS JUNKIE
damn
There were no music videos 51 years ago! :)
And he cared about everyone
THE SONG WAS 4 DR, KING HIS FRIEND WHEN HE WAS KILLED
.o singer today could match Elvis
no electronics all voice do have any singers anymore that sing like men think how if he would have been with all the media today. We have streaming etc, he had only one to two media outlets when he come out mind blogging how much bigger he would have been
Elvis was all that and a bag of chips
68 was a crazy year MLK, RFK killed War lot shit going on !!!