We've had 46 presidents, but we had only ONE king. Elvis transported music to a level that only a few singers since him could emulate. Pure music and talent. No auto-tune, lip syncing, or distractions.
Elvis Always Sang From His Soul ! That’s The King Right There ! The Best Entertainer To Have Walked This Planet ! ❤Revolutionary Elvis ! Music Would Not Be What It Is Today If Not For Elvis ! Like John Lennon Said Before Elvis There Was Nothing !
I love that you've discovered Elvis and the power of this song. It gives me good hopes for the future to see young men like you be moved by this. Elvis is timeless.
MY Point was that Elvis passed away 45 years ago, and his audience increased by 8 million just on Spotify since the New Elvis movie-- introducing him to a younger generation.
He stood up for humanity and compassion. In te day... and probbaly since he was the loudest advocate for the black comminities and those in poverty, which is where he came from
I genuinely think his goodness, humility and generosity transcends his music. This man had a big big heart, his donations eradicated Polio, he bought cars and houses for friends, employees and STRANGERS. He had his jeweller set up and gave out gold and jewellery to his fans. We love him for that alone, before we even get to his inimitable voice and stunning looks. And he was hilarious, rarely took himself seriously ❤
Elvis vocalized what we were all feeling in 1968 when we lost both MLK & Bobby Kennedy; the whole country was shocked & horrified by their deaths. There was such a deep feeling of loss & despair; that is what Elvis was expressing in this song.
Great reaction. You and Elvis would have got on great. He was way way ahead of his time. Elvis stood up and spoke his message of peace and respect and love your brother human beings.
Yes, he was leaps and bounds ahead of his time. That's why he is still relevant and will be forever timeless. It's not the music we love, it's HIM and everything he stood for.
I remember watching this performance with my family. When the song was done we were silent for about 20 min. 68 was a tough year. We lost RFK MLK and the Vietnam war was full blown. This song resonated with all of us and lives on in our memories even today.
Never feel embarrassed for wiping a tear from your eyes when listening to this song. It means you are a real man who sees that we all can do better. Elvis did, he face harsh criticism and risked losing a large part of his fan base by performing this song. But he did it anyway. No matter who you are or your color, you have to respect that. I’m 62 and tear up every time l hear this song. I’ve seen a lot of changes for the good, but we still can do better. I haven’t given up hope, neither should the next generation. God bless.
Elvis and his parents were dirt poor. He grew up in predominantly poor, black neighborhoods in Tupelo, Miss & Memphis, TN. In high school he sang Gospel in a Black Baptist Church. He grew up with black culture, including its music genres. This was in the 1930 to 1950’s. Search for “Elvis Presley and the Black Community”. There are Parts 1 &2 !
Please at least watch the documentary it even if you don’t react to it. Elvis is considered racist by a lot of the black community and it’s because of two things, at least from what I’ve read. First, he was a culture vulture to some. They don’t know his background though. He grew up in Tupelo in one of four houses designated for white residents in an otherwise black neighborhood, during segregation. The only time he saw white kids was at school, where he was ostracized. His friends were his black neighbors. He hung out at their houses and went to church with them. He grew up on the same music they did so I could argue that it was his culture as well. He also gave credit where it was due and considered Fats Domino the king. Second, the April 1957 issue of Sepia magazine, a tabloid aimed at black readers, included an article where an anonymous person said they’d heard Elvis say the ‘only thing a [ethnic slur] can do for me is buy my records and shine my shoes’. Jet magazine investigated this at the time and reported that it was false. In the first part of the black community doc you’ll see how much the racist white people hated Elvis. Sepia magazine was owned by a WHITE man and based in Ft Worth, Texas. I find it mind blowing that a lot of people (and from what I’ve read it includes Chuck D from Public Enemy) believe a rumor started by a white man.
Elvis was never a racist. He treated everyone with respect. He loved his back up singers and treated them as equals. Some people were jealous of his stardom and wanted to tarnish his image.
King, I have watched your reaction of this song a few times. I read that his back up singers said they never saw Elvis sing a song with this much emotion. At the end they were all cry including Elvis.
Kudos to you for explaining the backstory of the song. Many people don't understand the tribute to Rev. Dr. King. Some people think Elvis is plagiarized the late reverend. Many people don't understand the risk Elvis took for performing this song LIVE on TV (an era of only 3 TV channels so everyone was watching). Happy birthday to you. And don't forget, as long as a man has the strength to dream, he can redeem his soul. Kindness is free ☮️
Elvis picked the subject and he wanted it to hearken back to Martin Luther King and his "I Have a Dream speech". I was only 16 at the time but this song affected everyone who watched the program, when my family heard it there was complete silence in the living room watching and hearing the song. As far as we were concerned it affected the whole nation, everyone talked about it for days after.
Elvis didn't pick the subject, nor request it reflect MLK's speech. Per 68 Special producer, Steve Binder, preliminary work began on the Special 2 days before Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot. When the news of RFK came on the TV, everyone gathered together & spent the night watching, crying & talking & they got to know Elvis in a way they otherwise never would have. After seeing how deeply affected Elvis was by both MLK’s & RFK’s deaths, & other world issues, Binder went to musical director, Billy Goldenberg, to write an inspirational closing song, reflecting Elvis’ feelings. Billy was going to write it with Walter “Earl” Brown, but Earl wrote it all that same night. Earl said he drew inspiration from Sam Cooke’s song, A Change Is Gonna Come &, of course, MLK's speech. Earl also said, the next day, he was playing it for the producers & Col. Parker didn’t want Elvis to sing it, but Elvis overruled him.
Elvis was and still is the real deal, as relevant today as he was then. He had the voice, the looks, the heart that he loved everyone with. Thanks for your fine reaction. Keep playing Elvis, you won't regret it.
Thanks for keeping Elvis alive. Thanks for taking time to learn who he was and what he stood for. Elvis did a lot more than just music. He was a generous man and fought for people. He saw no color or class. It didn't matter who you were if Elvis could help he helped. He didn't even have to know you. And he never backed down what he wanted he got.
The culmination of an entire CHILDHOOD and TEEN YEARS going to church in the poorest black and white ghettos in the South during the Great Depression and Segregation ... without a pot to pee in. Brother buried in a shoe box they was so poor. I think when you have all of God's gifts of singing abilities and all that real-life experience....born in that historic time period... with a brave yearning for the harmony of people, you get something like this to occur, once in a millennium. I've never heard a greater social justice song than this. This is sung with superhuman conviction.
Elvis grew up in the church & specifically in a black church that was near his home which welcomed hiim & his mother.. gospel music was his absolute favorite & he had the largest collection of gospel music in america at one time... the network was opposed to his doing this song but he had so much respect & admiration for dr. king & took inspiration from him he stood his ground & basically said no song.. no special.. the infulence of his church upbringing is so up front in this performance & he literally did take us to church with this Thank you for sharing such an honest & heart touching reaction with us check out his performance of how great thou art the best video version is of him in a blue jumpsuit from 1972
The most powerful song Elvis has ever performed ,this song was also written for Elvis because of the senseless killing of MLk and Robert Kennedy,and Elvis loves everyone no matter what race they are,great message song ,
I still think this is one of the greatest performances ever. Especially given the timing. He's got so much soul and so much gospel in him. Did you hear how deflated he was at the very end when he put the mic up to his mouth and said thank you, good night and kind of almost panted once? He put his heart and soul into that and you can hear the pain in his voice like he's a wounded animal almost but then when he is authoritative, he is extremely authoritative. Still makes my allergies act up every time. There is another example of him really taking a risk and standing up for others. It was a couple years later after this when he was starting to play and tour a whole lot again, or actually I think it might have just been in the next year later, so 1969 maybe? And the Astrodome in Houston Texas was fairly new at the time and I'm not sure if anyone had ever played an arena concert there before, maybe, I'm not sure though. But you know how it's inside but they can open up the roof to let it partly be outside and all that kind of thing? Well that's the way they had it configured that day in the end. But, rewind a few days, and at some point the promoters setting up this huge gig for him at the Astrodome informed him that he can leave the black people behind. He had several black backing singers and a black clarinet player and not sure what all else, but when he heard that he got really angry. I read one account where those around him didn't even know at the time what he was dealing with when they were telling him that on the phone. All I know is he was on the phone with the promoters and he started to get really red in the face and he got really angry, and he started hurling furniture across the room and shouting into the phone. This is where the huge risk comes in. Once he calmed down, he gave them an ultimatum and said that if every member of his band cannot be there, then he will cancel the gig. Apparently it took them until the next day or something, and they finally got back and said Okay, you can bring the black people. So then he doubled down on it and he put his backing choir of all black women in this open convertible and made them part of the procession driving onto the baseball field to take a lap in front of this sold out stadium crowd and then over to where the stage was where they would perform. So they totally had the spotlight on them. 100%. But anyway, after he finished singing the song and he sounds just kind of exhausted afterwards? Apparently he went backstage and just cried for hours.
@Steve Dahlberg yes I've heard he did cry and I belive this man with this song, just truly sang his heart & spirit from the depths of his humanity..that takes a toll. I love love this plea of the song he's desparte for us to get it together. I'm not sure how many channels I've watched this performance, yeah I can't listen one just has to see his whole being, vulnerability pouring out. Well, we've another year to try and do better, not looking for utopia, though walking hand & hand as kids do when on their way to the playground, seems pretty perfect to me..💞☮💞
Coming out of London England, beautiful performance, born and raised dirt poor in tupelo, sorounded by gospel and the blues this man never saw a mans colour, humble and generous to all people , many people might not know but elvis had a twin sibling who sadly passed at birth , imagine two elvis dueting, many people tried to stop elvis performing this song but he believed like MLK, that through redemption and forgiveness we could make a better world, RIP ELVIS AARON PRESSLY
One of his greatest performances. Elvis grew up very poor in a black community. The best way that I have heard it described is that Elvis was color blind. He loved everyone for who they were and could not understand why things were the way that they were. He fought so hard for change. It is said that after this performance he collapsed to hus knees and cried in his dressing room. I love your reaction thank you for sharing such a special sing. TCB 👑⚡️
A friend of mine in his late 70s does If I Can Dream at Karaoke ... proper belts it out and gets the whole place going ... makes me quite emotional. Never forgotten Elvis ... NEVER!!
Absolutely everyone was against Elvis doing this song, from the TV executives to Elvis' own people. They all said the song was too controversial, especially as there were race riots going on at this time after MLK's murder, and Bobby Kennedy's as well. Elvis told his manager that the only way he wasn't going to perform this song was over his dead body. He stood his ground until he won. That's how important this plea for racial equality was too him. Keep in mind that this was 1968 when equality was not at all accepted and segregation still existed. It was extremely brave of him to take a public stand and risk everything. I have to tell you that I have watched lots of reactions to this song but enjoyed yours the most! First, you actually presented the background information that makes the song more impactful to those hearing it for the first time. Second, you really listened to the powerful lyrics and reacted to the actual message, whereas some reviewers say rather shallow things like that Elvis was saying to follow your dream whatever it is; no, he was saying that MLK's dream of social equality should come true. Some reviewers simply comment that he looked sharp in the white suit, not getting the point that Elvis was dressed simply, like he was going to church, rather than in a flashy costume, out of respect to MLK and the serious subject of the song. Your emotion at hearing his emotion was so touching. You showed that you understood the man's heart and recognized his courage in insisting this song end his comeback special, even against stiff opposition. Bravo to you for being the kind, caring person you seem to be!!
Happy Birthday Week !! Thank You so much for your thoughtful reactions of Elvis. Here are two more Elvis songs with a message: ELVIS - "WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES" (Special Edit) 1970 Live Las Vegas AND Elvis - "In The Ghetto" Official Music Video 1970
Hey King, thanks for sharing your honest review of Elvis Pressly. I am 64 years old and this song brings strong emotions every time that I listen to it. Elvis was not a perfect man, but he had the ability to captivate millions of listeners and viewers through his music and acting abilities. Women and even men found themselves unable to understand why they fell in love with his abilities to this day! Just like Michael Jackson and other great musicians, he was one of a kind!
I like your reaction a lot, man👍 This song is timeless. Elvis is timeless. The song is based on the assasination of Martin Luther King that year and his speech I have a dream. Elvis was very shocked about the killing of MLK and he cried for him. Elvis was a very religious and humble man. Also Elvis was the one, who connected and mediated between black and white in the 50's when he started out. Elvis mixed differend genres of music togehter, like Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel and Country music and created a new style of of music and change the face of pop(ular) music forever. He was a revolution in many ways. In social things like hairstyle, clothes, sexuality, the way of thinking, the separation of black and white and more. He was criticized by the hardest by the etablishment. The police filmed his live shows in order not to move like a black singer in public. They showed him from the waist up in TV, because of his moves. But Elvis went his way. The rest is history. Elv1s has the biggest impact and influence. Most of the black musicians prefer Elvis when it comes to their influence. Elvis opened the door for everyone, also for white singers. Also white musicians prefer Elvis when it comes to their influence and inspiration. Many stars have come and gone, but Elv1s 👑 is the whole universe and the big bang 💥 Please react to BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER, LIVE 1970: ua-cam.com/video/70dT1-WhBFM/v-deo.html It will also overwhelm you!
He never sang that song again. After this performance he went backstage and broke down. MLK was murdered where Elvis grew up. Elvis' family was very very poor and he grew up in the ghetto's of Tupelo, Mississippi and Memphis TN. There's a lot of great things Elvis did for others. He was way ahead of his time with his music and his views. So happy to see the younger generations finding him and enjoying his music. Elvis will always be the 👑 KING! ❤️
Elvis was a southern boy and was raised in poverty and in a time of hate. He was one of those that didn’t believe in hate, he was kind and shy. He was different then the places he was raised. He wanted people to love and have peace. Love your brothers and sisters. ❤
Elvis is endlessly fascinating and a true historical figure. You could read about his interesting life without the music, especially in terms of his kindness, generosity, and respect for other people. Sadly, he and his reputation have been exploited, misunderstood, and in some cases, knowingly misrepresented by others for their own purpose so people don't know that Elvis did things like help get the Pearl Harbor Memorial finished, sponsored the first St. Jude's Hospital, and gave out thousands every year (at Christmas) while never taking a tax break. Learn more about him, I promise that he's worth it.
Loving your sincere and honest reaction. It’s wonderful that you are discovering Elvis for yourself and now sharing him on your channel. Elvis was a very loyal , kind and generous man, you’ll find his fans are also loyal and will appreciate your reactions to his records and especially his live performances. Thank you 👌💕🕺
I'm in my 70s, a fan of Elvis since I was 12. They wanted him to sing a Christmas song. He said no. I don't know if anyone fought him on it but it's true, he loved MLK and RFK. He was devastated when they were killed.
Hey sweetheart, I just love your beautiful Elvis reaction to this powerful performance, he puts his all in everything he touched and he really put his career in the line because of this beautiful song by Elvis, I think this beautiful song by Elvis should be shown on the TV commercials around the world, we need it now just as bad as then, tell all your friends and share the Elvis journey with them, his music and performances are timeless,, love your dedication to listening to the words so clearly , and yes he meant everything he was singing, great reaction to Elvis. TCB 1935🕺🕺🕺⚡⚡⚡⚡👑👑👑🎵🎵🎵🔥🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Elvis had to play in the Houston Astrodome but they didn't want his back up singers to sing. Elvis said if they can't sing I won't either. That says alot about Elvis's character. U need to do some research on what had to go thru in the 50"s to sing his music. U will be amazed.
I don't know if u were told this but but Elvis wanted to be sure this song was included in his Comeback Special. He was still hurting over the assassination of Martin Luther King. Stories told by people who were with him the day he saw it on TV or heard on radio, I forgot which, they say Elvis was so upset. It affected him deeply. If I Can Dream was a song which he wanted to perform in honor of Mr. King.
Man - love your reaction to this - I feel Elvis needs to be brought back and respected - I totally get why I saw my dad cry for the first time when Elvis died - I'd love more people to find him - he was a King for a reason - what a vocal?
Thank you. You are one of the first reaction videos that said, "Times were way worse then". The others all say, "we are still struggling with this". Yes we are but in 1968 the world is WAY different than it is today.
Elvis and MLK were friends. His assassination hit him hard. He made this song dedicated to him. He put all his heart and soul into this song. He meant every word. They said when he finished singing it he was wrecked. They found him curled up in a ball crying his eyes out. His manager didn’t want him to sing the song saying it was too controversial, but Elvis didn’t care. This was very important and meaningful for him so he sang it anyways
Merry Christmas and a happy and Healthy 2023 to you and your family King D. Elvis loved giving.. and gave away just about everything he made… almost every dime. He bought a few grand things for himself… but most grand thing he bought to give to others. Elvis bought a yacht- gave it to St Jude’s and with the money built the very first legendary St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Imagine how many children that hospital saved???
Everything in this performance has a purpose. The song itself was written by Earl Brown, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech…I Have a Dream. The song was written with Elvis in mind & is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mr. Brown was aware of Elvis’s love for Dr. King. He also knew that Elvis was devastated by the news of Dr. King’s assassination. Less than 9 miles away from Graceland (Elvis’s home). The white suit was also worn to accompany the song’s dream for better days. At the time, the conflict in Vietnam was heart wrenching. In remembrance, of the lives lost during the Vietnam war. The burgundy colored scarf Elvis wore around his neck, was for them.
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
Great reaction..being new to Elvis you should check out Elvis and the black community..that echo will never die..it's extremely interesting with a lot of good information..Thanks ✌️
I’m pretty sure Elvis only performed this song live one other time. Dr. King getting assassinated a few months prior absolutely shattered him. Emotionally this song was just too much for him.
This song always gives me goosebumps every time I watch it the sheer emotion in his voice is unreal I think he came up with this,song after the shooting of Martin Luther King
This is the song,he sang his heart and soul out he gave so much in this song(when he left the stage and he literally passed out from exhaustion (it truly happened
Elvis was born in a 2 room shack of a house his dad built with money he borrowed from his boss on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. That's how dirt poor they were. He was one half of identical twins; the other boy - Jesse Garon - was stillborn. They were so poor, that Jesse Garon was buried in a shoebox in an unmarked grave. At Graceland they have a plaque with his name on it in his memory. Elvis always got along with the black community and learned a lot about music from his friends of color. Also, according to the one drop rule, Elvis would not be considered white, since he has Cherokee ancestors on both the Smith (his mother) and the Presley (his father) sides of the family. His paternal grandfather was not happy that his two sons, Elvis' father Vernon and his brother Vester, married two sisters, Gladys and Clettes who were known to have Cherokee blood in their family tree. But he was in denial about the Cherokee blood in his own family tree. As a child, Elvis already had many friends in the black community at the time his family was one of 4 "white" families that lived in the predominantly black neighborhood The Hill, just across from Shake Rag. His childhood friend Sam Bell said that some of the (black) kids in that neighborhood had lighter skin than Elvis (ua-cam.com/video/LrFCyNMvZWk/v-deo.html). One of Elvis' bodyguards once said that he thought it was a miracle Elvis got into Humes High School in Memphis, because it was "lily white". Elvis wanted to be more open about his Native ancestry, but his manager "colonel" Tom Parker (real name Andreas van Kuijk) was against it because he was afraid it might cost Elvis fans (and himself money). They did have Elvis play characters in his movies though where he had Native American blood (Flaming Star, G.I. Blues, Stay Away Joe). Once Elvis had his own (apprentice) job learning to be an electrician, he saved up his money and bought his clothes in the same style that many of his friends of color wore. He was called a (forgive me, just stating facts here) "n-lover" and got beaten up several times too. Later, when he was an established star, he would not perform at places where the members of color of his back-up band/orchestra weren't allowed.
You're so full of malarky, all of the Elvis had dark skin stuff is BS. and I have watched the interview with his friend He never says Elvis was as dark as the light skinned blacks. also I'm 65 years old, grew up for years in Mississippi and I've never heard of the "one drop rule". tell us your source for all of your claims about his grandparents being upset about Vernon marrying Gladys for some reason about her bloodline. also your source about how he "got beaten up several times too " (we all know about Red saving him ONCE) do you just make this shit up as you go?
@@warrendelay Wow, for an Elvis fan you sure are very ignorant about his history and facts. I did not say Vernon built the house (small as it may have been) ON January 8, 1935. Blame it on punctuation, but you should read it as the day Elvis was born in the house that Vernon built with materials bought with money he borrowed from his boss. Anyway, real Elvis fans would know how to read that sentence. If you watch and listen carefully to the interview Luhrman had with Sam Bell, you can hear Lurhman say that Sam Bell said that some of the black kids had lighter skin than Elvis. So the part where Sam said that is not actually in the clip, but Luhrman repeats what Sam has just told him. It is also a well known fact that Jesse Dunning Presley (do you know who he is?) was quite the racist a-hole, often drunk and a philandering husband to Minnie Mae (they were actually separated long before they finally divorced in 1954) who was always competing with his sons Vester and Vernon and who was known to abuse his kids when drunk. He knew he had Cherokee blood in his family tree, but was in denial about it and was publicly against race mixing. It was more publicly known that the Smith family had Native blood in their family tree, so when both his sons fell for 2 Smith sisters and Vernon, on top of that, was still a minor at 17 when he eloped with Gladys who was 4 years older than him, Jesse was totally pissed off. No malarky, just facts that real Elvis fans know. And not knowing about the one drop rule only proves you don't know much about general history, either. Have a good day!
I love that you showed so much emotion..It actually made me cry to see that Elvis is still touching ppl with his messages.. It's what he wanted and loved all ppl... Thank u again
I know you did this reaction a while back, I just found it. I've seen many reactions to this song. YOUR reaction is my favorite. You are the only person who found out about the song BEFORE you listened so it gives your understanding depth....so well done, Sir.
It is a tear filled pleading prayer to God on behalf of the loss of Dr. King with every fiber of his being all of his love and because of him...mine too
We've had 46 presidents, but we had only ONE king.
Elvis transported music to a level that only a few singers since him could emulate. Pure music and talent. No auto-tune, lip syncing, or distractions.
He and his backing ladies cried after this song was finished that's how emotional he was, not only that he grew up dirt poor.
Elvis Always Sang From His Soul ! That’s The King Right There ! The Best Entertainer To Have Walked This Planet ! ❤Revolutionary Elvis ! Music Would Not Be What It Is Today If Not For Elvis ! Like John Lennon Said Before Elvis There Was Nothing !
I love that you've discovered Elvis and the power of this song. It gives me good hopes for the future to see young men like you be moved by this. Elvis is timeless.
It is said that Elvis dropped to his knees crying immediately after saying "Thank you. Good night." at the end.
I Loved that you Loved it!!! A year and a half ago, 19 million people were listening to Elvis on Spotify..but Now, it's 27 million now.
In the 70 s in Hawaii there was 1 billion people were listening to Elvis when he gave a concert there world wide
Great reaction young man👍🏼🎼💗
Fun fact. Me and my brother had the most time listened to Elvis in the world last year.
I'm surprised we didn't get awarded with a medal of some sort😂
MY Point was that Elvis passed away 45 years ago, and his audience increased by 8 million just on Spotify since the New Elvis movie-- introducing him to a younger generation.
I did not know he was increasing in popularity again. Very awesome info
He stood up for humanity and compassion. In te day... and probbaly since he was the loudest advocate for the black comminities and those in poverty, which is where he came from
Elvis was humble. I don't think he ever forgot where he started from.
He had a good heart and he loved people. His heart shined through. This is why we loved Elvis.
And still do💕
I genuinely think his goodness, humility and generosity transcends his music.
This man had a big big heart, his donations eradicated Polio, he bought cars and houses for friends, employees and STRANGERS. He had his jeweller set up and gave out gold and jewellery to his fans. We love him for that alone, before we even get to his inimitable voice and stunning looks.
And he was hilarious, rarely took himself seriously ❤
Elvis vocalized what we were all feeling in 1968 when we lost both MLK & Bobby Kennedy; the whole country was shocked & horrified by their deaths. There was such a deep feeling of loss & despair; that is what Elvis was expressing in this song.
He believed every word he sang. What a powerful performance. Wow.
Great reaction. You and Elvis would have got on great. He was way way ahead of his time. Elvis stood up and spoke his message of peace and respect and love your brother human beings.
Yes, he was leaps and bounds ahead of his time. That's why he is still relevant and will be forever timeless. It's not the music we love, it's HIM and everything he stood for.
I remember watching this performance with my family. When the song was done we were silent for about 20 min. 68 was a tough year. We lost RFK MLK and the Vietnam war was full blown. This song resonated with all of us and lives on in our memories even today.
I am so glad to see the people who are discovering what a HUGE Man he was ,and used his fame to further peace between everybody!
Never feel embarrassed for wiping a tear from your eyes when listening to this song. It means you are a real man who sees that we all can do better. Elvis did, he face harsh criticism and risked losing a large part of his fan base by performing this song. But he did it anyway. No matter who you are or your color, you have to respect that. I’m 62 and tear up every time l hear this song. I’ve seen a lot of changes for the good, but we still can do better. I haven’t given up hope, neither should the next generation. God bless.
You're 💯% right about Elvis' passion during this performance. He was in a lot of pain over those assassinations 😭
Greatest live performance ever
Elvis and his parents were dirt poor. He grew up in predominantly poor, black neighborhoods in Tupelo, Miss & Memphis, TN. In high school he sang Gospel in a Black Baptist Church. He grew up with black culture, including its music genres. This was in the 1930 to 1950’s. Search for “Elvis Presley and the Black Community”. There are Parts 1 &2 !
Please at least watch the documentary it even if you don’t react to it. Elvis is considered racist by a lot of the black community and it’s because of two things, at least from what I’ve read.
First, he was a culture vulture to some. They don’t know his background though. He grew up in Tupelo in one of four houses designated for white residents in an otherwise black neighborhood, during segregation. The only time he saw white kids was at school, where he was ostracized. His friends were his black neighbors. He hung out at their houses and went to church with them. He grew up on the same music they did so I could argue that it was his culture as well. He also gave credit where it was due and considered Fats Domino the king.
Second, the April 1957 issue of Sepia magazine, a tabloid aimed at black readers, included an article where an anonymous person said they’d heard Elvis say the ‘only thing a [ethnic slur] can do for me is buy my records and shine my shoes’. Jet magazine investigated this at the time and reported that it was false.
In the first part of the black community doc you’ll see how much the racist white people hated Elvis. Sepia magazine was owned by a WHITE man and based in Ft Worth, Texas. I find it mind blowing that a lot of people (and from what I’ve read it includes Chuck D from Public Enemy) believe a rumor started by a white man.
Elvis was never a racist. He treated everyone with respect. He loved his back up singers and treated them as equals. Some people were jealous of his stardom and wanted to tarnish his image.
Elvis and the black community tells you all you need to know about Elvis.
King, I have watched your reaction of this song a few times. I read that his back up singers said they never saw Elvis sing a song with this much emotion. At the end they were all cry including Elvis.
Kudos to you for explaining the backstory of the song. Many people don't understand the tribute to Rev. Dr. King. Some people think Elvis is plagiarized the late reverend.
Many people don't understand the risk Elvis took for performing this song LIVE on TV (an era of only 3 TV channels so everyone was watching).
Happy birthday to you. And don't forget, as long as a man has the strength to dream, he can redeem his soul. Kindness is free ☮️
It was also for Bobby Kennedy who was assassinated in 1968 also
YES BOBBY IS SHORT FOR ROBERT.....😊
Elvis picked the subject and he wanted it to hearken back to Martin Luther King and his "I Have a Dream speech". I was only 16 at the time but this song affected everyone who watched the program, when my family heard it there was complete silence in the living room watching and hearing the song. As far as we were concerned it affected the whole nation, everyone talked about it for days after.
Elvis didn't pick the subject, nor request it reflect MLK's speech. Per 68 Special producer, Steve Binder, preliminary work began on the Special 2 days before Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot. When the news of RFK came on the TV, everyone gathered together & spent the night watching, crying & talking & they got to know Elvis in a way they otherwise never would have. After seeing how deeply affected Elvis was by both MLK’s & RFK’s deaths, & other world issues, Binder went to musical director, Billy Goldenberg, to write an inspirational closing song, reflecting Elvis’ feelings. Billy was going to write it with Walter “Earl” Brown, but Earl wrote it all that same night. Earl said he drew inspiration from Sam Cooke’s song, A Change Is Gonna Come &, of course, MLK's speech. Earl also said, the next day, he was playing it for the producers & Col. Parker didn’t want Elvis to sing it, but Elvis overruled him.
@@wnsafford1854 100% correct
Elvis was and still is the real deal, as relevant today as he was then. He had the voice, the looks, the heart that he loved everyone with. Thanks for your fine reaction. Keep playing Elvis, you won't regret it.
This is genuine talent... no autotune, a live band. You can feel his emotions
Thanks for keeping Elvis alive. Thanks for taking time to learn who he was and what he stood for. Elvis did a lot more than just music. He was a generous man and fought for people. He saw no color or class. It didn't matter who you were if Elvis could help he helped. He didn't even have to know you. And he never backed down what he wanted he got.
They said after he performed the song he fell down and cried and cried, and said it took a lot to get him back to normal again
My heart is full when I see music that touched my soul many years ago is still touching souls today 💙
The culmination of an entire CHILDHOOD and TEEN YEARS going to church in the poorest black and white ghettos in the South during the Great Depression and Segregation ... without a pot to pee in. Brother buried in a shoe box they was so poor. I think when you have all of God's gifts of singing abilities and all that real-life experience....born in that historic time period... with a brave yearning for the harmony of people, you get something like this to occur, once in a millennium. I've never heard a greater social justice song than this. This is sung with superhuman conviction.
Thanks for enjoying Elvis ... a beautiful man with a stunning voice and a heart of gold ... there'll never be another like him . TCB forever !
You can feel his “soul” 💙
Elvis grew up in the church & specifically in a black church that was near his home which welcomed hiim & his mother..
gospel music was his absolute favorite & he had the largest collection of gospel music in america at one time...
the network was opposed to his doing this song but he had so much respect & admiration for dr. king & took inspiration from him he stood his ground & basically said no song.. no special..
the infulence of his church upbringing is so up front in this performance & he literally did take us to church with this
Thank you for sharing such an honest & heart touching reaction with us
check out his performance of how great thou art the best video version is of him in a blue jumpsuit from 1972
The most powerful song Elvis has ever performed ,this song was also written for Elvis because of the senseless killing of MLk and Robert Kennedy,and Elvis loves everyone no matter what race they are,great message song ,
I still think this is one of the greatest performances ever. Especially given the timing. He's got so much soul and so much gospel in him. Did you hear how deflated he was at the very end when he put the mic up to his mouth and said thank you, good night and kind of almost panted once? He put his heart and soul into that and you can hear the pain in his voice like he's a wounded animal almost but then when he is authoritative, he is extremely authoritative. Still makes my allergies act up every time.
There is another example of him really taking a risk and standing up for others. It was a couple years later after this when he was starting to play and tour a whole lot again, or actually I think it might have just been in the next year later, so 1969 maybe? And the Astrodome in Houston Texas was fairly new at the time and I'm not sure if anyone had ever played an arena concert there before, maybe, I'm not sure though. But you know how it's inside but they can open up the roof to let it partly be outside and all that kind of thing? Well that's the way they had it configured that day in the end.
But, rewind a few days, and at some point the promoters setting up this huge gig for him at the Astrodome informed him that he can leave the black people behind. He had several black backing singers and a black clarinet player and not sure what all else, but when he heard that he got really angry. I read one account where those around him didn't even know at the time what he was dealing with when they were telling him that on the phone. All I know is he was on the phone with the promoters and he started to get really red in the face and he got really angry, and he started hurling furniture across the room and shouting into the phone.
This is where the huge risk comes in. Once he calmed down, he gave them an ultimatum and said that if every member of his band cannot be there, then he will cancel the gig. Apparently it took them until the next day or something, and they finally got back and said Okay, you can bring the black people.
So then he doubled down on it and he put his backing choir of all black women in this open convertible and made them part of the procession driving onto the baseball field to take a lap in front of this sold out stadium crowd and then over to where the stage was where they would perform. So they totally had the spotlight on them. 100%.
But anyway, after he finished singing the song and he sounds just kind of exhausted afterwards? Apparently he went backstage and just cried for hours.
@Steve Dahlberg yes I've heard he did cry and I belive this man with this song, just truly sang his heart & spirit from the depths of his humanity..that takes a toll. I love love this plea of the song he's desparte for us to get it together. I'm not sure how many channels I've watched this performance, yeah I can't listen one just has to see his whole being, vulnerability pouring out. Well, we've another year to try and do better, not looking for utopia, though walking hand & hand as kids do when on their way to the playground, seems pretty perfect to me..💞☮💞
Everyone should know Elvis ❤
He was the biggest star in the world. THE WORLD. This song mattered.
Well done. Glad to see another generation hear this message. ❤❤
Coming out of London England, beautiful performance, born and raised dirt poor in tupelo, sorounded by gospel and the blues this man never saw a mans colour, humble and generous to all people , many people might not know but elvis had a twin sibling who sadly passed at birth , imagine two elvis dueting, many people tried to stop elvis performing this song but he believed like MLK, that through redemption and forgiveness we could make a better world, RIP ELVIS AARON PRESSLY
WE ARE ONE ❤
One of his greatest performances. Elvis grew up very poor in a black community. The best way that I have heard it described is that Elvis was color blind. He loved everyone for who they were and could not understand why things were the way that they were. He fought so hard for change. It is said that after this performance he collapsed to hus knees and cried in his dressing room. I love your reaction thank you for sharing such a special sing. TCB 👑⚡️
Elvis was speaking to the entire world with this performance
Right Now! love you Elvis and miss you.....
It's so great to see young people like you finding out about Elvis. He was a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
A friend of mine in his late 70s does If I Can Dream at Karaoke ... proper belts it out and gets the whole place going ... makes me quite emotional. Never forgotten Elvis ... NEVER!!
Elvis, Goat of all times
I grew up in Memphis and it was my job, in the car, to watch for Elvis!! He ALWAYS waved! Forever the King of Rock-n-Roll
Exactly, Elvis was very brave, and definitely stopd for the truth, regardless of the consequences!! Much respect for seeing that!!!
Elvis did this song If I Can Dream, for his friend Dr Martin Luther King. I Had A Dream! There is a lot of emotion in this song by Elvis.
You are very intuitive. Elvis was deeply passionate. He sang from his soul.
Absolutely everyone was against Elvis doing this song, from the TV executives to Elvis' own people. They all said the song was too controversial, especially as there were race riots going on at this time after MLK's murder, and Bobby Kennedy's as well. Elvis told his manager that the only way he wasn't going to perform this song was over his dead body. He stood his ground until he won. That's how important this plea for racial equality was too him. Keep in mind that this was 1968 when equality was not at all accepted and segregation still existed. It was extremely brave of him to take a public stand and risk everything.
I have to tell you that I have watched lots of reactions to this song but enjoyed yours the most! First, you actually presented the background information that makes the song more impactful to those hearing it for the first time. Second, you really listened to the powerful lyrics and reacted to the actual message, whereas some reviewers say rather shallow things like that Elvis was saying to follow your dream whatever it is; no, he was saying that MLK's dream of social equality should come true. Some reviewers simply comment that he looked sharp in the white suit, not getting the point that Elvis was dressed simply, like he was going to church, rather than in a flashy costume, out of respect to MLK and the serious subject of the song.
Your emotion at hearing his emotion was so touching. You showed that you understood the man's heart and recognized his courage in insisting this song end his comeback special, even against stiff opposition. Bravo to you for being the kind, caring person you seem to be!!
He was the nicest man ever ,a Great Humanitarian who tried to help so many !
Happy Happy Birthday 🎉🥳🎊🎈🎈🎈🎈🎁🎊🎉🎈
Elvis stood up for what he believed in! That Everyone..... Is created Equal!!!
Happy Birthday Week !!
Thank You so much for your thoughtful reactions of Elvis.
Here are two more Elvis songs with a message:
ELVIS - "WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES" (Special Edit)
1970 Live Las Vegas
AND
Elvis - "In The Ghetto"
Official Music Video
1970
Hey King, thanks for sharing your honest review of Elvis Pressly. I am 64 years old and this song brings strong emotions every time that I listen to it. Elvis was not a perfect man, but he had the ability to captivate millions of listeners and viewers through his music and acting abilities. Women and even men found themselves unable to understand why they fell in love with his abilities to this day! Just like Michael Jackson and other great musicians, he was one of a kind!
More Elvis please ❤️. Maybe you can start with " Elvis and the black community that eco will never die".
I like your reaction a lot, man👍
This song is timeless. Elvis is timeless. The song is based on the assasination of Martin Luther King that year and his speech I have a dream.
Elvis was very shocked about the killing of MLK and he cried for him. Elvis was a very religious and humble man.
Also Elvis was the one, who connected and mediated between black and white in the 50's when he started out. Elvis mixed differend genres of music togehter, like Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel and Country music and created a new style of of music and change the face of pop(ular) music forever. He was a revolution in many ways. In social things like hairstyle, clothes, sexuality, the way of thinking, the separation of black and white and more. He was criticized by the hardest by the etablishment. The police filmed his live shows in order not to move like a black singer in public. They showed him from the waist up in TV, because of his moves. But Elvis went his way. The rest is history. Elv1s has the biggest impact and influence. Most of the black musicians prefer Elvis when it comes to their influence. Elvis opened the door for everyone, also for white singers. Also white musicians prefer Elvis when it comes to their influence and inspiration.
Many stars have come and gone, but Elv1s 👑 is the whole universe and the big bang 💥
Please react to BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER, LIVE 1970:
ua-cam.com/video/70dT1-WhBFM/v-deo.html
It will also overwhelm you!
Happy birthday young man listening to one n only the king the legend still miss love him all this years😭😭😭😭
He never sang that song again. After this performance he went backstage and broke down. MLK was murdered where Elvis grew up. Elvis' family was very very poor and he grew up in the ghetto's of Tupelo, Mississippi and Memphis TN.
There's a lot of great things Elvis did for others. He was way ahead of his time with his music and his views.
So happy to see the younger generations finding him and enjoying his music. Elvis will always be the 👑 KING! ❤️
You should definitely check out the video “Elvis and the black community. The echo will never die” Great reaction!
2022🤩 The year of Elvis comeback!
Elvis was a southern boy and was raised in poverty and in a time of hate. He was one of those that didn’t believe in hate, he was kind and shy. He was different then the places he was raised. He wanted people to love and have peace. Love your brothers and sisters. ❤
Elvis is endlessly fascinating and a true historical figure. You could read about his interesting life without the music, especially in terms of his kindness, generosity, and respect for other people. Sadly, he and his reputation have been exploited, misunderstood, and in some cases, knowingly misrepresented by others for their own purpose so people don't know that Elvis did things like help get the Pearl Harbor Memorial finished, sponsored the first St. Jude's Hospital, and gave out thousands every year (at Christmas) while never taking a tax break. Learn more about him, I promise that he's worth it.
Elvis Presley LIVES...!!!!
You can hear his Gospel and Blues influences so clearly.
Thank you! I absolutely loved Elvis as a kid and remember vividly the day he died. So glad other generations are appreciating him.
Loving your sincere and honest reaction. It’s wonderful that you are discovering Elvis for yourself and now sharing him on your channel. Elvis was a very loyal , kind and generous man, you’ll find his fans are also loyal and will appreciate your reactions to his records and especially his live performances. Thank you 👌💕🕺
He stood up for everyone and anyone I love this song
I'm in my 70s, a fan of Elvis since I was 12. They wanted him to sing a Christmas song. He said no. I don't know if anyone fought him on it but it's true, he loved MLK and RFK. He was devastated when they were killed.
Hey sweetheart, I just love your beautiful Elvis reaction to this powerful performance, he puts his all in everything he touched and he really put his career in the line because of this beautiful song by Elvis, I think this beautiful song by Elvis should be shown on the TV commercials around the world, we need it now just as bad as then, tell all your friends and share the Elvis journey with them, his music and performances are timeless,, love your dedication to listening to the words so clearly , and yes he meant everything he was singing, great reaction to Elvis. TCB 1935🕺🕺🕺⚡⚡⚡⚡👑👑👑🎵🎵🎵🔥🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Elvis had to play in the Houston Astrodome but they didn't want his back up singers to sing. Elvis said if they can't sing I won't either. That says alot about Elvis's character. U need to do some research on what had to go thru in the 50"s to sing his music. U will be amazed.
I don't know if u were told this but but Elvis wanted to be sure this song was included in his Comeback Special. He was still hurting over the assassination of Martin Luther King. Stories told by people who were with him the day he saw it on TV or heard on radio, I forgot which, they say Elvis was so upset. It affected him deeply. If I Can Dream was a song which he wanted to perform in honor of Mr. King.
Man - love your reaction to this - I feel Elvis needs to be brought back and respected - I totally get why I saw my dad cry for the first time when Elvis died - I'd love more people to find him - he was a King for a reason - what a vocal?
That’s why he’s the King.
This song always gives me chills.
Thank you for letting people know Elvis was a good man, thank you for keeping him in people minds.
Thank you. You are one of the first reaction videos that said, "Times were way worse then". The others all say, "we are still struggling with this". Yes we are but in 1968 the world is WAY different than it is today.
We need to go back Robert Kennedy speech ❤❤❤
Elvis and MLK were friends. His assassination hit him hard. He made this song dedicated to him. He put all his heart and soul into this song. He meant every word. They said when he finished singing it he was wrecked. They found him curled up in a ball crying his eyes out. His manager didn’t want him to sing the song saying it was too controversial, but Elvis didn’t care. This was very important and meaningful for him so he sang it anyways
שיר מדהים מלא רגש.אהבתי מאוד❤🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
Merry Christmas and a happy and Healthy 2023 to you and your family King D.
Elvis loved giving.. and gave away just about everything he made… almost every dime. He bought a few grand things for himself… but most grand thing he bought to give to others. Elvis bought a yacht- gave it to St Jude’s and with the money built the very first legendary St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Imagine how many children that hospital saved???
Thank You❤️
Welcome to the Elvisfamily, it is filled with LOVE and FUN❤️😉
Elvis King of rock and roll forever💞
Elvis will always........and eventually touch your heart🥰🥰🥰
Everything in this performance has a purpose. The song itself was written by Earl Brown, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech…I Have a Dream. The song was written with Elvis in mind & is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mr. Brown was aware of Elvis’s love for Dr. King. He also knew that Elvis was devastated by the news of Dr. King’s assassination. Less than 9 miles away from Graceland (Elvis’s home). The white suit was also worn to accompany the song’s dream for better days. At the time, the conflict in Vietnam was heart wrenching. In remembrance, of the lives lost during the Vietnam war. The burgundy colored scarf Elvis wore around his neck, was for them.
Put your best Sunday clothes on, because Elvis is taking us to church.
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
Great reaction..being new to Elvis you should check out Elvis and the black community..that echo will never die..it's extremely interesting with a lot of good information..Thanks ✌️
I’m pretty sure Elvis only performed this song live one other time. Dr. King getting assassinated a few months prior absolutely shattered him. Emotionally this song was just too much for him.
You are right. He only performed it once ❤
Powerhouse voice.
GOAT
I enjoyed your reaction and that’s a dream everyone should have every day!! Peace, love, and happiness to you my friend
This song always gives me goosebumps every time I watch it the sheer emotion in his voice is unreal I think he came up with this,song after the shooting of Martin Luther King
Love my man Elvis beautiful inside and out
This is the song,he sang his heart and soul out he gave so much in this song(when he left the stage and he literally passed out from exhaustion (it truly happened
You should watch, Elvis and the Black community, that echo will never die
Elvis was born in a 2 room shack of a house his dad built with money he borrowed from his boss on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. That's how dirt poor they were. He was one half of identical twins; the other boy - Jesse Garon - was stillborn. They were so poor, that Jesse Garon was buried in a shoebox in an unmarked grave. At Graceland they have a plaque with his name on it in his memory. Elvis always got along with the black community and learned a lot about music from his friends of color. Also, according to the one drop rule, Elvis would not be considered white, since he has Cherokee ancestors on both the Smith (his mother) and the Presley (his father) sides of the family. His paternal grandfather was not happy that his two sons, Elvis' father Vernon and his brother Vester, married two sisters, Gladys and Clettes who were known to have Cherokee blood in their family tree. But he was in denial about the Cherokee blood in his own family tree. As a child, Elvis already had many friends in the black community at the time his family was one of 4 "white" families that lived in the predominantly black neighborhood The Hill, just across from Shake Rag. His childhood friend Sam Bell said that some of the (black) kids in that neighborhood had lighter skin than Elvis (ua-cam.com/video/LrFCyNMvZWk/v-deo.html). One of Elvis' bodyguards once said that he thought it was a miracle Elvis got into Humes High School in Memphis, because it was "lily white". Elvis wanted to be more open about his Native ancestry, but his manager "colonel" Tom Parker (real name Andreas van Kuijk) was against it because he was afraid it might cost Elvis fans (and himself money). They did have Elvis play characters in his movies though where he had Native American blood (Flaming Star, G.I. Blues, Stay Away Joe). Once Elvis had his own (apprentice) job learning to be an electrician, he saved up his money and bought his clothes in the same style that many of his friends of color wore. He was called a (forgive me, just stating facts here) "n-lover" and got beaten up several times too. Later, when he was an established star, he would not perform at places where the members of color of his back-up band/orchestra weren't allowed.
You're so full of malarky, all of the Elvis had dark skin stuff is BS. and I have watched the interview with his friend He never says Elvis was as dark as the light skinned blacks. also I'm 65 years old, grew up for years in Mississippi and I've never heard of the "one drop rule". tell us your source for all of your claims about his grandparents being upset about Vernon marrying Gladys for some reason about her bloodline. also your source about how he "got beaten up several times too " (we all know about Red saving him ONCE) do you just make this shit up as you go?
@@warrendelay Wow, for an Elvis fan you sure are very ignorant about his history and facts. I did not say Vernon built the house (small as it may have been) ON January 8, 1935. Blame it on punctuation, but you should read it as the day Elvis was born in the house that Vernon built with materials bought with money he borrowed from his boss. Anyway, real Elvis fans would know how to read that sentence. If you watch and listen carefully to the interview Luhrman had with Sam Bell, you can hear Lurhman say that Sam Bell said that some of the black kids had lighter skin than Elvis. So the part where Sam said that is not actually in the clip, but Luhrman repeats what Sam has just told him. It is also a well known fact that Jesse Dunning Presley (do you know who he is?) was quite the racist a-hole, often drunk and a philandering husband to Minnie Mae (they were actually separated long before they finally divorced in 1954) who was always competing with his sons Vester and Vernon and who was known to abuse his kids when drunk. He knew he had Cherokee blood in his family tree, but was in denial about it and was publicly against race mixing. It was more publicly known that the Smith family had Native blood in their family tree, so when both his sons fell for 2 Smith sisters and Vernon, on top of that, was still a minor at 17 when he eloped with Gladys who was 4 years older than him, Jesse was totally pissed off. No malarky, just facts that real Elvis fans know. And not knowing about the one drop rule only proves you don't know much about general history, either. Have a good day!
I love that you showed so much emotion..It actually made me cry to see that Elvis is still touching ppl with his messages.. It's what he wanted and loved all ppl... Thank u again
One of the tunes that really touch the soul, not only through words but also actions. One world one race. Human xxx❤️
I know you did this reaction a while back, I just found it. I've seen many reactions to this song. YOUR reaction is my favorite. You are the only person who found out about the song BEFORE you listened so it gives your understanding depth....so well done, Sir.
It is a tear filled pleading prayer to God on behalf of the loss of Dr. King with every fiber of his being all of his love and because of him...mine too