Elvis Presley & The Black Community - That Echo Will Never Die
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- Опубліковано 3 січ 2012
- "...a lot of people in retrospect attack Elvis for stealin` the black music and making it white. I say Elvis Presley had a black soul with a white face..." - Michael Ochs (Rock`n`Roll Historian)
www.meenacryle.com
To quote Little Richard, "Elvis was an integrator and blessing for black music, they didn't let us black singers in but Elvis opened the music gate for us."
Little Richard is exactly right. He grew up in a black neighborhood for some his childhood.
We know alot more. You guys will def. like the family friendly stories. The Smiths have been sharing alot! We update on a small blog and Several Elvis social media groups!
@@raycarter8070
BS fantasies 🤣
the fuck?@@Robin.2226
@andrewdaffin8222 I guess it's fantasies now dude 😂
Elvis was a good man. He had his faults, some deep, but he wasn't a racist. My aunt was over at the Buick-Olds-Cadillac dealership in Memphis one day windowshopping. Elvis came in to buy a new Cadillac. He came out to talk to my aunt and my uncle (he recognized my uncle from church) and asked them if they were looking for a Cadillac. My aunt laughed and laughed and said "Mr. Elvis, we can't even afford a Chevrolet!" And he said "You can now, it's my treat." My auntie was black but I think she turned white for a few moments. She said that there was no way in Earth she could accept such a gift, and Elvis nodded his head, and said, "You're right, a new Cadillac is a lot to put on somebody. But an Oldsmobile isn't!" so my auntie and my uncle drove off with a brand new Olds 98 that day courtesy of Elvis Presley. He didn't do that because there was a camera around him, or because he needed the publicity. It was one human that saw another human in need, and he was in a position to help. If anyone says that Elvis was racist then they're a damn liar.
Marvin Harrison Smith II Great story.
From what I found there are many other similar stories like that as well.
Not only did he do nice things for black folks but he called out some of his white people on their racism. There are white folks that have given interviews that witnessed him do that and there are black folks that also witnessed it.
Elvis didn't play that racist stuff AND he was generous, as your families story verifies.
That car would be priceless now.
oh my gosh I heard that story way back in the 1970s as a child in Africa, the world is such a small place nowadays
Marvin Harrison Smith II wow!!!
A beautiful soul. His childhood Tupelo friend, African American Sam Bell "didn't have a racist bone on his body". "He was poorer than us, my parents adored him".
The fact that Elvis grew up around the most racist people but never actually became one should be recognized more than anything
100%
elvis if i can dream singt kein Rassist so überzeugend!!!
That's not an achievement. Is the bar so low that we're now applauding white people for not being racist?
@@deviantmoore9744 bro what? White men never get applauded for not being racist, but we do however automatically get cancelled for one statement. Elvis grew up around racists but never followed them. But theres snowflakes now a days are going back to every little comment and trying ti find something on him. All im saying is dont be surprised if you find some comments that seemed ok when he said them during the time. But if he was a true racist, you would know it already.
@@deviantmoore9744 pretty much, back then yes.
Wow. I had no idea. I am so glad this history of Elvis is coming out. He was beyond his era. My respect to this Titan!!!! He left way too soon.
I'm black and l love Elvis because he was a man that respected everybody 🥰❤️🖤💚
“Before Elvis, everything was in black and white. Then came Elvis. Zoom, glorious Technicolor.”
Keith Richards
That's true
That sums it up.
he was stoned when he said that.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 you confuse with yourself
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 one can have quite amazing revelations whilst stoned.
He was raised around black music and gospel, it's not appropriation, it's appreciation. As someone who grew up in a black neighborhood I can say that you are inspired by the things you love, and there was a lot of things I experienced in that neighborhood that helped shape who I am and the music I love. So many great people have taught me so many great things.
Well you aren’t black… so your comment is stupid
@@xoxo7132 It's tragic that your views on race are so myopic that you allow your limited worldview to keep you from making more intellectual and informed observations about the world around you. Once you denigrate my viewpoint as being stupid solely on the fact of my not being black., shows how limited your argument is. I know I'm not black. I'm so white I reflect the sun, but that doesn't mean I'm not affected by those I grew up with and were an integral part of my life while I was growing up. Your argument rings hollow, my friend.
@@xoxo7132 if you judge people by the color of their skin, you are a racist.
@@xoxo7132 no it isn’t 🤦🏾♀️
Thank you exactly
I’ve never seen Stevie Wonder without glasses
Me either! It really just reinforces what a genius the man is!! All that vision without any sight
I'm black, I really like Elvis he had a brothas soul
Skins Trap na he had a brothas sound......
@@jamesyoung5615 and soul with it.
@Skins Trap you don't speak for everyone in the black community.
@@bleau9584 did he ever state that he did?
@@fintanoclery2698 ...i didn't state that, either. I'm merely pointing out the fact that they do NOT speak for every single person in the "black" community!
Elvis and frank sinatra...had every opportunity to treat the black community poorly....but rose above the hate....and embraced the very ppl who helped them in their own youth and communtites....so important to understand....those r role models
Exactly
Role models for white folks and not for the Black community...
BB King was pure class. I’ve literally never heard anything but good things about that man.
Got to see him live in Portland Oregon. It was amazing.
Yes, and he showed himself to be a class act by being able to recognize and appreciate the talents of others.
Elvis couldn't help that he came up in the nasty segregated times that he did. He wasn't racist even while being surrounded by that dark energy. He brought forth light, energy, kindness, love & mutual respect for all those he came in contact with. He didn't steal music, it was music he grew up listening to!! He had every right to record it. Heck, back then they were putting white images on covers of black artists music just to get it to sell!! I am a person of color and I have nothing but love & respect for Elvis. 🥰💯❤❤❤️🔥
Awesome comment, thank you Blair. ❤ I'm also a person of color and I love Elvis too.
Terrific comment. So what was Elvis' actual contribution to music? I agree with you. To ME, it was specifically love, timing, environment and distribution. Ok so Rock music is mainly made up of Country (mostly white artists), Gospel (50% white 50% black artists) and the Blues (mostly black artists). Lets add to that the legendary song writers (such as Leiber and Stoller). Thats where rock and roll sprang from. Elvis was uniquely born at a time and place, Tupelo (SHAKERAG) AND Memphis (BEALE STREET) when so much new music and dance were happening. Elvis was TRAINED BY BLACK MUSICIANS in black churches (and white churches) in the 1940s BEFORE most of the black legends like Little Richard or James Brown or Chuck Berry rocked the world.
Rev W Herbert Brewster of the East Trigg Baptist Church asked Elvis to join when he was 13ish as soon as he moved to Memphis. They were jamming before and during the legendary black musicians got heard. AND as soon as ELVIS started to make money THEY ALL MADE MONEY!
Little Richard talked about this: "He sung my Tootie Fruti & by him singing it, made it bigger & made ME bigger" And then he said: “I thank God for Elvis Presley. I thank the Lord for sending Elvis to open the door so I could walk down the road...”- Little Richard
The NUMBER ONE talent who helped shape Elvis from a child is Reverend W HERBERT BREWSTER of East Trigg Baptist Church in Memphis. In the 1940s Elvis was jamming with black and white gospel choirs and quartets. Much of his soul comes from these sessions. Much of ROCK AND ROLL came from those 1940s sessions. Elvis WAS part of the change. He WAS a pioneer. Its not culture appropriation / culture vulture when you are a pioneer of a sound. Elvis never stole a song. He credited everyone. He jammed with those that came before him. He was friends with all the legends.. BB, Otis Blackwell, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino.
You cant STEAL "COOL"... You cant steal "RHYTHM"... You cant steal "SOUL"... You cant STEAL "HOW TO DANCE"... You can't steal "HOW TO SAAANG"... You either HAVE THESE SKILLS, or you do NOT. Elvis was ABLE TO MERGE MUSIC AND CULTURE better than any one else alive at the time. So thats what made Elvis so unique in those days, and controversial because today people don't understand who the good guys and bad guys were and all the details of the day.
Its hard to look back and see who exactly were the thieves and who was trying to HELP. Elvis didnt only help, that man tore down walls of racism for everyone. He stood up and did it a man's way. Without concern for his own health and safety, his career, and his quality of life. This got talked about by the great, late Reverend himself in this video.
I agree. I heard they witnessed horrible acts ( grandma and him as a kid). They did not put it in the film but it’s the truth!!! I honestly think his younger years expanded alittle bit would make for a more exciting film. But it would be too political and poloarizing lol. If that makes sense? I’m just glad they gave back and showed a lot more of the real story. I never thought it would happen lol.
Relax on the comments lol. They were real relaxed folks. Also there some rough times. My dad says that I’m sugarcoating it. But we’re trying to be respectful to his family and my grandparents that recently passed away.
@@raycarter8070 definitely agree. Glad they put that in the film, or at least touched on it.
That's cool about your grandmother being friends with him when she was little. I'm curious to ask if you are willing to share what her name was and what neighborhood she lived in that she was acquainted with Elvis?
I mean whatever extra info you're willing to share.
I think people need to know this stuff so it's always cool if somebody has extra rare info they can share, how she knew Elvis? what she thought of him? Etc
We have always loved Elvis Presley and will always remember him as the King. Most people don't even know that James Brown was the first person who started calling him the King! James Brown taught him how to dance and helped him with his music. Elvis Presley was always in Black neighborhoods.
Elvis learned nothing from Brown.
+TheOnlyOneKingElvis would you say that he learned rhythm from attending those black churches?
Dutch Crutch No you cant learn rhythm it is something you have or don't, look at Pat Boone.
TheOnlyOneKingElvis well, I guess Elvis Presley got his rhythm from his mother's Black ancestors, huh? You go and hang out in ghetto as Elvis did, you will see many white kids learning from Black kids how to dance. I have taught white kids rhythm. Apropos, Elvis Presley himself admitted he was inspired by Black people, and he would go and sing in the Black churches because he said the white churches were boring. He would even admit he loved Black women, but they would turn him down.
When my uncle used to run James Brown's radio station, Elvis Presley was always hanging out with James Brown. He would even go to James Brown's house. Just because Black people did not try to capitalize on his fame it doesn't mean we didn't know him. My family knew Elvis Presley's family far before he was famous. Gladys Presley, Elvis' mother has Native American and Black heritage that goes back to the beginning of the 1800s, and his father was of European heritage. Elvis and his uncle Vester used to tell stories about their families. When they were young, before Elvis' mother Gladys married Elvis' father Vernon, Vernon and his uncle Vester dated his mother Gladys, and her sister Clettes dated Vernon, Elvis' father.
However, Elvis' mother Gladys did not like Vester's wild side so she broke up with him. Then Vernon went after Gladys and eloped. Elvis parents did not own slaves. In fact, they worked in the cotton fields with the slaves, and when they bought their own property and cropped their own land, they paid their Black friends who asked for work. So, Elvis' family taught him to love and help everyone regardless of race, and that is exactly what he did.
Moreover, if you don't like that then you won't like this either: King Elvis Presley has a Black princess! Yes, there is a Black woman who is Elvis Presley's daughter, and Elvis Presley has always taken care of her. However, it was her family who never wanted the public to know about it. Now, kick that Plymouth Rock! 😏
"He would even admit he loved Black women, but they would turn him down." Oh stop....no woman black or white turned Elvis down.
Muhammad Ali said Elvis was the sweetest man he ever met.
"Elvis was the greatest of all time. I'm a Muslim who's black who stands up for what he believes. I don't have to say what I don't feel, I'm not false, I don't have to say this." Ali, 1985.
Yeah and Quincy jones an actual musician said he was extremely racist try again
@@mrlofi333 and Quincy was wrong
@@mrlofi333 Quincy never met Elvis so he wouldn’t know, try again
Anybody can be fooled
That lady saying, she watched him move his hips and gyrate, I'll bet she couldn't turn away
😂😂😂
She def sounded flustered 😂
Bet she got all buttery in the nether regions.
@@PHILPOP2 And she clutched her pearls
;P
"Oh God,Look at that dirty man!Oh yeah!So..so..naughty,oh,unh,unh,uhn,yeahhhhhh.............."
I'm black can't nobody tell me anything bout Elvis! He was such a kind hearted beautiful man.😊
Sure your black LMFAO
No your not.
2nd best after Michael Jackson.
don james lol nah
@@fender1000100 nope Micheal was great but only one Elvis
God bless black America for their unparalleled contributions to this country. Black America is a beautiful thing and they gave us so much and forgave us for being awful to them. Elvis loved blackness and he credited as he should've and they loved him till the end.. The hate lost and love won. ❤️❤️❤️
We love you Elvis !
“Blackness” lol
Amanda tompkins You’re not forgiven, because God is not forgiving you
Amanda tompkins - I don’t “forgive” you people at all.
@@hueykhalidX I'm German, and as you may know we have our own terrible history!
And we are so thankful that most of the people/ country's did forgive us for the things certain (not all) people did!
I'm sure not all, but i hope the most!
I said certain people, because i know that even 150 years ago there are people who did believe that all people are equal! Otherwise the American Civil War not would have been happened I guess!
Correct me, if i'm wrong.
I don't know if you believe in God.
Forgiveness is one of the main themes in the Bible, especially
in the NT.
I guess you know it.
I know that sometimes it's hard to forgive.
I made my own painful experiences!
Btw i'm don't believe in everything
what's in the bible and i hate words like "blackness" or all these words that seperates people!
Here in Germany it's called a "free mind believer". For example i'm not the person who thinks, that love can heal everything. It has to be, but it's not the case!
Hope my translation is right.
In case not you must think i'm completley insane!
Maybe i am, but i believe in forgiveness!
Would you tell me why you won't, or why you are not be able to forgive?
I only want to understand, mabye because of my own history!
❤💕💕💕❤💋
Love the way that Stevie Wonder refers to Elvis as a "Caucasian Brother."
@Dawn Parrish - Yeah, Stevies' comment also reminded me Cornel West referred to Elvis the same way... "Our Caucasian Brother"
Jackie Wilson and James Brown said the same while many others expressed things that would align with the sentiment. There was a time when only black artists were on the R&B charts except Elvis. He was regarded by many as 'one of their own'.
So despite all the black artists praising Elvis people still call him racist. Unbelievable...
its 2019, you can be racist for doing anything now
@@brotheldan2009 they do the same shit to black artist
@@courtneywhite6036 its ridiculous like noone knows whats racist anymore so in 2020 everyones racist for saying the littlest things
@@brotheldan2009 How is ridiculous moron it's the truth
U can call a black guy black and people think its racist its got so bad nowadays u talk facts and people get offended its fucked
This is a great tribute to the genuine heart of love Elvis had for all people.
There have been some true soul brothers and sisters that see black people as people
@@dominiquejones3805 There are a lot of people who see Black People as people! Everyone I know does! Bless your heart. I apologize if you have ever been treated like you were less than anyone else. We are all precious in the sight of the Lord. We are made in His Image!
I agree. We're working on more projects for the you guys. He was a good man!
I'm gonna set the record straight, I was born in 1940 so elvis cane out in my teen years like most of my favorite artists. The 50s was a very different time (a better time) when everyone had respect for each other (even if you hated them). Elvis did not "steal" any songs. Back than if you wanted to cover someone's song you could. He never once said he wrote those songs. Back than you could cover a song and no one would judge you. Elvis was a good man and a good musician.
RIP ELVIS
The 50's was a better time for you jim crow loving white people.
Many people were extremely disrespected in the 50’s. C’mon, we’re talking about a time when black performers couldn’t even use the same entrance.
@@Music73777 LATE 50s I should have cleared up, by 1958 most states had banned jim crow, especially in the north. Elvis was from Tennessee, they banned jim crow in the mid 50s. They were the first southern state to do so.
Facts
define musician.
Elvis you died on my birthday and I think of you every year! It didn't matter to Elvis if you were Black or White! The World misses you Dear Sweet Soul!
My birthday too.
The Blues Legend B.B. King wrote in his autobiography 'Blues All Around Me' - “Elvis didn’t steal any music from anyone. He just had his own interpretation of the music he’d grown up on. Same was true for me; the same’s true for everyone. I think Elvis had integrity.”
Furthermore in regards to the racist claims, B.B King summed it up the best - “With Elvis, there was not a single drop of racism in that man. And when I say that, believe me I should know.”
Other Rock’n’Roll legends also made the following quotes:
“Describe Elvis Presley? He was the greatest who ever was, is or ever will be.” - Chuck Berry
“Elvis was God-given, there's no other explanation. A Messiah comes around every few thousand years, and Elvis was it this time.” - Little Richard
He married a 14 year old
@@anthonybonner1230 He didn't - but you clearly have a lingering affinity with 14-year-olds... how old are you?
@@twangbarfly I think he's confused with Jerry Lee Lewis .
Back in those days .. marrying a girl in her mid teens was somewhat acceptable. For some - it was considered "intelligent". .. because some old dude wanted a young , legally and religiously bound "caretaker". All in context to the times. There's no need to wed a child today - nobody is living in the middle of nowhere anymore.. and nobody has a life expectancy of 55 - 60 years old . Context.
@@anthonybonner1230 he did not that's lie
He married Priscilla when she become 22 years old
Elvis was no black no white he was just himself, people cant stop saying bullshit about colour... Get over it people and enjoy the music
L'Quik Suárez um he help bridge a gap btwn white and blacks.. And white where mad about it
Today's Democrat party is the root cause for the toxic division in the country.
Let the music bring us together, not apart! That is what the video is all about, and what Elvis was about.
Jabbar Peterson
I Think Your The ignorant one .
Jabbar Peterson
That's All You Can Say So Pathetic Grow Up Please.
Mate, I just replied the stupid guy above. I don't agree in nothing that he said.
Craig I am not saying that elvis was that.
I agree Samantha ☺️💖
I just recently saw the movie "Elvis". It really changed my opinion of him as a man and artist. I grew up thinking he was racist and didn't appreciate his roots. It's terrible how Col Parker took advantage of him throughout his career. Parker was like Elvis's. Rasputin. He died so young and miserable because he was controlled and overworked by that man. Elvis is truly loved and one of the greatest. May he continue to Rest in Peace.
People say he stole his music from black people but what people don’t realize is that Elvis was the first to say so. He has been on record saying his music was something black people have been doing for ever in his home town of Tupelo.
No.
Elvis stole nothing.
His initial sound at sun studio in Memphis was PROGRESSIVE.
the fusion.
The fresh and unique fusion of white country and bluegrass with black blues. That's REVELATORY!
ONLY low IQ racists say he stole.
That's not stealing - it was the music of the culture he belonged to.
I've never thought Elvis was racist or anything. Of course he was influenced by black music (blues, gospel) but there is nothing wrong with that. He drew inspiration from music that spoke to him and found his own style. It sucks that he was alive during such an awful time for race relations. I believe that he just wanted to make music.
It's not his style
He never said it was his music. He gave credit by saying it’s the music of the black community. The black musicians of his days didn’t see him as stealing, if they did why would BB King and Sammie consider him a friend? They saw a white man who grew up in the ghetto who was colour blind and that the soul and music flowed through him because he grew up amidst them. He opened people up to accept the same music he embraced. He truly loved and respected the music.
@@H00dN3rdz Is it Michael Jackson's "style" when you can see James Brown's inspiration in his dance moves? Or did his inspiration allow him to take what came before him and create his own unique style from it? If so, why would what Elvis did be any different? Elvis grew up around and was immersed in black culture. He sang in a choir in the black church he attended. Hung out on Beale street listening to black musicians, not because he had a devious plan to "copy" them. He did it because he loved their style of music and the passion and soul they put into their music. Did you expect him to imitate white singers like Frank Sinatra and Pat Boone after coming from that background? Elvis actually created a bridge to close the race gap in music. Once he opened the door, black artists were more accepted by mainstream society. It is sad and unfair that it had to take him to come along for that to happen but those were just the times. He never kept it a secret that he was inspired by gospel and rhythm and blues. How is what he did any different from what Eminem is doing today?
but that's the point... he didn't make music... he continued the time white honored practice of taking music that blacks "made" and putting a white face on it... and marketing it to a white audience... the fact that he did it a little better than pat boone means nothing...
@@jaye501 Are you familiar with Charlie Pride? One of the greatest Black country music singers? Do you think he "stole" white country music by singing like "white" country singers that came before him? I don't. I think he sang what he was influenced by and loved. Everything has to be about race and the perception that people were intentionally screwed over by Elvis. Elvis just sang what he loved. He had no conspiracy to steal anything. In fact, he made it easier for Black artists to reach white audiences once he broke the music segregation barrier. “By Elvis singing my Tutti Frutti, he only made it bigger, and made me bigger”
- Little Richard
That said, I respect your opinion. I have not walked in your shoes, so I see things differently.
Amazing video and Elvis was amazing. Also, in my eyes Elvis was and still is the most gorgeous man to EVER walk the earth. Thanks for posting.
Elvis Presley, 1968, head to toe in black leather. A damn sexy man.
@@GeorgeKiernan Single baddest thing to ever happen in the history of rock and roll. That was The King at the height of his powers, reclaiming the throne after a long time away. When I visited Graceland, I was walking through the clothing gallery and came across the '68 Comeback Special black leathers, and nothing else on the entire property stopped me dead in my tracks like they did. I thought I might kneel and genuflect.
And man, those SHIRTS! Pretty damn natty for a Mississippi country boy.
@Jordan Trimmingham Ok we all have our opinions!
@RevengeMoney oh girl you’re so lucky Elvis was a cutie for sure 😉
Sellout
He was a bundle of energy set to music, and that echo will never die.
2:15...It Amazes me...that a Man who is Blind...Can see so Much More..Than those of us that have Eyes!
bilvis48 he called elvis racist before, fuck that blind racist liberal fucker
ooh why? 😁
@@darthsoros787 when, where, what occasion and what year?
@@darthsoros787, what do you think about the old men calling my people the N word in this video? I didn't read your comment on their racist ass but yet you comment on something you heard and yet you said anything about them and you watched and heard those words come out of their mouths, Elvis was a beautiful and sweet person to many of my people. And you're not a blind liberal fucker.Then maybe you are.
RIP ELVIS🙏❤
@@darthsoros787 proove it
Elvis was badly mistreated and exploited by that evil man, The Colonel. He took advantage of his youth and naivety and ultimately ended up with 50% of all of Elvis' earnings. The Colonel worked him to death. Elvis seemed like an absolutely beautiful human being, very flawed, like all of us, but he had a mission while on this earth and did his best at achieving it. May The King RIP forever. I have learned so much about him these past few days. He deserves everyone's respect, Black, White, all of us.
No one should hate Elvis. He was a special soul who loved all. And anything music he touched turned into gold. I mean the man had a golden voice. If anyone hated Elvis, I would say, they were jealous of him, his looks and beautiful voice that touched people not only in America but all over the world, Elvis was appreciated.
yes
wonderful comment. very true! tcb
BECAUSE YOU ONCE THREW YOUR PANTIES AT HIM , IT DOSENTMAKE HIM SOME SORT OF GOD
He is some sort of god - just like Bob Dylan is...
That`s just the way it it :)
Wairimu Mutiti listen to of i can dream hes flawless
One thing that's rarely mentioned is that Elvis made a lot of money in publishing royalties for black songwriters (and not only for the songs that he covered). There were several black songwriters who wrote songs specifically for him via his publishing company Hill & Range. These included Claude Demetrius, Winfield Scott, Rose Marie McCoy, Jessie Mae Robinson, Clyde Otis, Ivory Joe Hunter and of course Otis Blackwell. There were also several black musicians who recorded & performed with him - these included pianist Dudley Brooks, singer Kitty White, trumpeter Teddy Buckner, vocal groups The Jubilee Four, The Blossoms & The Sweet Inspirations, vocalist Cissy Houston (mother of Whitney Houston), sax player Andrew Love, drummers Al Jackson Jr (of Booker T & The MG's) and Jerome "Stump" Monroe. Elvis also performed early in his career in Memphis with jazz pianist Phineas Newborn Jr and his brother, guitarist Calvin Newborn.
My dad also chimed in that you also have to remember that he had a really tough upbringing very poor! Folks need to realize this. It wasn’t easy back then. Great comment.
BB KING: 'Let me tell you the definitive truth about Elvis Presley and racism', The King of the Blues, B.B. King said in 2010. 'With Elvis, there was not a single drop of racism in that man. And when I say that, believe me I should know'. -- BB KING
JAMES BROWN: “I wasn’t just a fan, I was his brother. He said I was good and I said he was good; we never argued about that. Elvis was a hard worker, dedicated, and God loved him … I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother”. --- JAMES BROWN (During Elvis' private family wake, James was the LAST ONE TO LEAVE. 1 hour and 30 minutes later -- it took several of his security guards to help him out of the room. James was devastated -- they sang Gospel together to all hours of the night at each others' homes. James Brown was considered family by the Presley they were so close.)
JACKIE WILSON: "A lot of people have accused Elvis of stealing the black man's music, when in fact, almost every black solo entertainer copied from Elvis." --- JACKIE WILSON (Elvis quietly paid for Jackie's medical expenses until the day he passed away in 1977. Before Jackie's stage accident he would carry a small signed photo of Elvis in his pants pocket. Every day, bar none.)
He stole the music.. Ppl who created it got nothing as he went on to become that.. to a point that, growing up There was a time I didn’t even know RnR was black ppl music.. I’m not saying he was racist or a bad person, but what I know for a fact is that; the standard of a black person for a good white person was very low.. the smallest kindness from a white person to them warranted this kind of praise. Especially when it was beneficial for them to do so.
@@scoffqub8209 nah, you’re wrong. I’m gonna take Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jackie Wilson’s words over yours, some internet troll herb. You a herb son.
@@scoffqub8209 Elvis was a good man , I’m sure your ignorant comment is making him laugh in heaven. Be well
Elvis lived in the black community! If you have ever been to Graceland you would know that most of the people who work at Graceland and live around Graceland are black. He lived right smack dab in the middle of the black community.
I'm from Memphis and yes it's an all black community now but in those days it wasn't. It was an all white community and is still called white haven with only a very few whites. I live on whitesboro st which is still a quiet community.
His chef was a black female for over 14years
@@brendagray4958 Elvis was born in Tupelo, Miss. He was born on the poor side of town, In a shotgun house. As a child he would go to the black side of town called "shakerag". He also would go to black churches, because the music had more soul, he said that himself. Mohamed Ali and Elvis was close friends, Elvis had a boxing robe made in the early 70s for him. He would hide out at Ali's training camp In Pennsylvania to get away to himself. I live in South Georgia, even once worked for Elvis's 8th cousin. Long live the King, TCB
And also when he was young, in Tupelo, and then as a teenager in Memphis - also a black neighborhood.
Muhammad Ali
Beautiful video, unfortunately most millennials don’t know Elvis Presley‘s contribution to music.
They do now!
are you talking about Elvis and the black community?
Guys, black people loved Elvis and groups like the Beatles. We just wanted to hear good music it's as simple as that.
The Beatles credited their black influences
James Malik so did Elvis his most famous quote is him thanking blacks and saying that they were rocking way before him.
Roderick Grayson
Well said !!!!!!! You NAILED IT !!! Spot on !!! :)
Billboard seems to have deliberately taken Elvis off the R&B chart at some point (he had lots of R&B hits before that) and deliberately never put the Beatles on the R&B chart when they did sell to black people. It would be like them taking Lil Nas X off the country chart recently, which made so sense (and was racist, really). So they don't seem to know what they're doing at all sometimes with categories and races of individuals.
"She Loves You" was originally released in the U.S. on Vee-Jay, a black-owned label.
@@TheJamesMalik
So did elvis, low IQ boy.
More people need to watch this there are a lot of people specifically in the younger generation that calls him a racist which isn’t true at all he wasn’t a racist.
We're not callin' him racist. We"re calling the people who think he's the "king" racist.
Just saw this short documentary on Elvis. Growing up I watched his movies and liked his voice, but later I-realized how much black artists had a great effect on him and his sound. I don’t call him the King of Rock and Roll, but his talent and color helped the doors swing open easier, than other talented black artists.
He didn't call himself the King of Rock and Roll either. That was a label put on him that he couldn't shake. Even with those moves. 😄
Elvis knew Jesus. When you know Jesus you have unconditional love. You love people.
Growing up, I always thought and heard that Elvis was a racist but seeing all these famous black artists speak of him in such high regard had he wondering.
"Didn't have a racist bone in his body, he wouldn't know how to hurt you" Childhood friend in Tupelo, Sam Bell.
Muhammad Ali loved him (the last time Elvis appeared on a stage was at a random bar because Muhammad dared him to), James Brown loved him, John Lee Hooker loved him. The myth that he was racist was invented by a white-owned tabloid in 1957. Part of the problem with their story that he said it in Boston is he'd never been to Boston. His piano player on e.g. "All Shook Up" Dudley Brooks was black and defended him at the time, black-owned _Jet_ magazine defended him at the time, old friends from Memphis who were black, etc. At one of his birthday parties late in life he invited only three friends and one was black, that's just who he was his whole life. When Sherman Andrus joined an otherwise white gospel group he made a scrapbook about it and gave it to Andrus as a gift. He said he thought the King Of Rock And Roll was Fats Domino. He told reporters at '50s press conferences that black people invented rock and roll and he didn't at all.
People even make up stories arbitrarily such as the idea that songwriter Otis Blackwell must not have liked Elvis; interviewed late in life he said he had no problem with Elvis and liked all that songwriting money he made.
People need to stop assuming a person is racist! Stop listening to people don’t know shit about him! He didn’t have racist bone in his body he loved all people treated them most respect!
@@laurabonnell582 Propaganda is a *POWERFUL* thing.
Ask the Jews from Austria and Germany
Everything’s racist these days. It’s lost all meaning and is mostly used by people on the Left to try and win an argument. No point talking to people like that.
His own white people hated him at 1 point but he carried on regardless after watching this I'm no longer looking at Elvis as a racist, credit where credit is due
Elvis Presley had a God given talent that he shared with the world it's a shame he was taking out quick but his upbringing to his death he never changed he only got messed up with those drugs but he was always the same man I pray he's in heaven
*" He was a Bundle of Energy set to Music and that Echo will never die ".*
There was one thing he never stole from anybody: his voice.
i’m african american and i LOVE elvis, i don’t care what nobody say that man was not a racist. elvis literally grew up with black people and respected us & our culture more than anything, it’s crazy how those rumors still are around today.
He LOVED everyone....ELVIS had a passion for black gospel music!!! He didn't see color...He was a pure heart!!
Lol
ELVIS TOUCHED THE WORLD!
TOTALLY NOT TRUE HE SAID THE ONLY THING A BLACK PERSON COULD DO WAS SHINE HIS SHOES BULLSHIT HE LOVED EVERYONE
Now that's the true Elvis = racist
CHINA SNOW Actually no one knows if he said it or not. That was just a rumor.
I'm a black man and as a small kid up in Lawrence Massachusetts I met Elvis Presley he was fixing a cement wall for an old man that lived in a house where his wife lived and that house I used to see John Saxon going to later on Sally Fields Valerie Bertinelli all lived in that same house I believe the old man was the old man that was in the movie with Elvis He told me who Elvis was
Man, this is the first time I heard people speak good things about Elvis Presley. We can be misinformed about great people
Ok; I can admit I was misinformed!
which honestly makes me wonder how and why this idea of "Elvis: culture thief" got started.
like, I could easily people that *wanted* more tension between black and white people to fuel (unfortunately, I could also see people being jealous etc. and therefore making unfounded claims).
@@xxxaragon let me ask you this, tell me if it is an unfounded claim. After a hat ride show Elvis was plooking a girl, the condom beaks, Elvis shts himself, asks his mates for help, they don't know what to do, so Elvis being the great southern gentleman that he was raised to be, drives the girl to the emergency room, leaves her there gets in his car and drives off. is this an unfounded claim?
Elvis Presley's influence on Americans and American culture aided desegregation and civil rights during his period of influence and helped create “youth culture.” Presley facilitated desegregation through his music genre and selection.
This was amazing to watch. I'd never seen any of these videos. It's great to hear all these things about Elvis. He really was GREAT !
Elvis 🕺 Lives on and had done a lot for the blacks in spite of the Racist rumors. They all spoke well of him. Long Live King 🤴 Elvis 🕺
who the hell said that Elvis is racist.... even the KKK hated him....
what racism rumors?? r u trying to start one with your backhanded compliment?
@@wongjoman1227 "who the hell said that Elvis is racist" A white-owned tabloid made up a fake quote in 1957. Black-owned _Jet_ responded by defending him.
@@thebrazilianatlantis165 glad to hear 🙏
Elvis busted hèll open
You can take away every materialistic product away from a person. But you could never take their Soul. Elvis Presley was all Soul. He was the Real Deal. Long live the King of Rock N Roll.
Amen to that one. Elvis was far more real that a lot of these fake musicians out there today that are money, and power hungry to the point they are all addicted to drugs and want to suicide and act like they know nothing about real love or family, just money, more money and getting richer and richer and flaunting their power around. So sad and a shame. Some don't even really have an respect for those who aren't famous. But like they say, when a person gets too big, God can cut you down to size.
Thank you for that buddy long live the king we all love him blacks whites latinos Asians it doesn’t matter what race you are talent is talent period
Another Amen here! Well said!
Elvis loved black music which reaches deep deep into your soul. Loved his singing, it took me to a place i cannot really describe but i tell you its a great place.
This shows that Elvis wasn't a racist. he loved all kinds of people.
I grew up white in the South Omaha projects in the sixties and seventies and now I hear about all the tension that went on back then between blacks and whites. Which puzzles me because we were one of maybe two white families in a city of black in the projects and I don't ever remember being treated unfairly or anyone being racist against me other than normal kids s***. And I wasn't a big fan of Elvis when I was younger but As I Grew Older I became one and now I am in just complete awe of the man. And this video was very educational and taught me a lot. I'm 61 years old and I'm still not too old to learn something every day. This is a feel-good video
One thing I can say about black people is once we know you are cool and not racist we accept anyone
He borrowed the sound he never stole it,music is for everyone it doesn't have a color.
***** "stole" Whites in general took it up, and benefited from systemic racism. That systemic racism wasn't Elvis's idea or hope. Kitty White sang a duet with him in one of his '50s movies. Black musicians such as pianist Dudley Brooks and saxophonist Clifford Scott played on his records. He even recorded songs by Brooks, which is something he often did for friends to make them easy money.
@@thebrazilianatlantis165 nobody cares that hendrix was kicking ass on an instrument of European origin...
If he borrowed the whole style from Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry etc then he should not be hailed as the king of rock and roll.
DCee73HDD
U a lie
Brian Belcher research the origins of the guitar.
Elvis loved Hawaii...there are more minorities there than any state and he fit right in with them...he was God's child.
It's beautifully ironic that Elvis' music is so loved in the South.
why is it ironic
Because some Southerners objected very loudly to whites doing black-style music. But that wasn't as common as some people think: countless white Southerners bought blues records by Jimmie Rodgers, for instance.
Ummmm correction elvis is still the best selling solo artist for a reason he recently made a huge jump on best selling music artists from 212.6 million to 223.1 million if it was only southerners i gurentee he wouldnt be best selling solo artist
The South invented rock music, country music, gospel-style music, I could go on.
Ballpark Comics no rockin roll came from rhythm and blues wich was black music
I like that serious old preacher's take on Elvis. He knew the kid was touched by the hand of God and would got on to do great things. Elvis has been slandered plenty by creeps trying to undermine his image and memory. The guy was no saint and maybe that's part of his appeal. He was a real dude of humble origins who shook the world and paid a heavy price for his fame and riches. And of all the top performers in the music business, Elvis seemed to have the strongest faith in a Higher power. Elvis and Johnny Cash and maybe a handful of others.
Love your post. What you say is true. "Slander" becomes the game they play when you've got "real talent". They will try to dig up any old dirt on you they can, make up any old lies that they can get people to tell and have people believe them to try to ruin your chances. God knows the truth. People who do that don't realize they "show their true colors right there". They are showing their lack of faith in themselves, their insecurity, their fears, their jealousness, their envy. They've played the same game with me but their games will not stop me from doing what I do best, which they can't do, not the way that I can.
juliano66 that was his preacher
He was a good dude. Tabloids and Conservatives haven't changed :(
I think we all can agree that two of the most proud black celebrities in history are James Brown and Muhammed Ali. Both had their suspicions of whites and rightfully so due to their experiences. James Brown said of Elvis, He wasn't just my friend he was my brother and They'll never be another like that Soul Brother and Me and Elvis are the only two American originals. James Brown and Elvis sang gospel music together at Graceland and he was the first one at Graceland when Elvis died and was given permission to sit with Elvis' body after the funeral. Ali said I don't respect anyone but Elvis was the kindest and most humble person you could ever know. Ali visited Graceland and Elvis backstage and Elvis made him a robe to wear for one of his fights and Elvis spent time at Ali's camp. Ernest Withers the great African American Civil Rights photographer said that his two sons who met Elvis told him that Elvis invited them to come to Graceland when ever they wanted and that when a reporter asked Elvis why he called Withers Sir when he's a "tar boy" Elvis responded in front of all the white journalists "Because he's a person" B/B/ King said there wasn't a racist bone in Elvis' body, believe me I'd know. Elvis and .B.B. hung out together on Beale St, Home of the Blues. Jackie Wilson said that many black male solo artists copied their stage mannerisms from Elvis. Elvis sat with Jackie Wilson while he was in his coma. Elvis refused to accept the massive Astrodome gig if his black girl group The Sweet Inspirations couldn't perform with him as well as receive all the star treatment he and the rest of the and received. Unfortunately the rumor of racism started in the 50s by a disgruntled black reporter who falsely claimed that Elvis said that negros are only good to shine his shoes and buy his records. The smaller magazine was owned by the prominent black magazine Jet who investigated the claim and found that Elvis was never even in Boston on the date the reporter claimed he held the interview and that the reporter never interviewed Elvis at all. Elvis even let Jet on to the set of the filming of Jailhouse Rock and told them that he never said that and if they asked anyone he knew they'd tell them that he would never say something like that. Jet confirmed it as an unfounded rumor. Sadly it was passed on through the decades to many in the black community
Sammy Davis Jr touched me when he almost came to tears talking about his friend Elvis
key word is ALMOST! just not enough to shed one.
Listening to this makes me love & respect Elvis even more. I'm sad he died so young. Isn't it often the good ones that do? UGHHH
Im guessing drugs
This is very heartwarming to know about Elvis .Respect to the king in ur life hopefully you will witness special people that are tagged @ birth to do things that others will not be able to , it’s called being gifted with such talents that puts you in a different space from other human beings I can always remember Eddie Murphy bragging about ELVIS in his stand up comedy routine on how he admired the king it’s just so cool to know that this blue eyed brother epitomized soul and just good plain old fashioned goodness in conjunction with all that gifted talent LIVE ON FOR EVER ELVIS YOU WERE THE GREATEST TO EVER DO IT!!!!RESPECT TO THE KING!!’
We gotta get something straight here, Elvis never called himself king of rock n roll it was the newspaper's who called him that, he hated it.
He said the King Of Rock And Roll was his friend Fats Domino and the King was Jesus.
"I ain't the king, Jesus Chris is the king"
@@OrdinaryJack1912 Exactly, I really get tired of people calling Elvis "the king", it shows you what they know about him and are just bandwagon jumpers using Elvis like a fashion accessory or as if he is a football club that is better than the rest it's really pathetic.
@@Elvis-guy1973 well said
I just heard that too. I will say he is a legend though.
No Elvis did not invent rock n roll,but he did do it and he did it well.
I would say he did invent it.
To me, Rock n Roll is the amalgamation of white and black music. Elvis combined blues, Gospel, and R&B with country music.
Before Elvis, the only kind of music with soul was black music. But he changed that.
Obviously, we owe pretty much everything to African American culture because they invented pretty much every genre, but Elvis was the first to combine all the genres.
Point Dexter I’m talking about contemporary music.
Blues, R&B, Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Rap, Reggae ...
All of those genres were crafted by African American/Black artists.
Point Dexter You’re the definition of “pedantic”.
Name the 10 greatest blues artists of all time.
Which of them is not black?
Name the 10 greatest jazz artists of all time.
Which of them is not black?
Name the 10 greatest Soul artists of all time.
Which of them is not black?
Name the 10 greatest R&B artists of all time.
Which of them is not black?
Name the 10 greatest Motown artists of all time.
Which of them is not black?
Name the 10 greatest Funk artists of all time.
Which of them is not black?
Name the 10 greatest Reggae artists of all time.
Which of them is not black?
Name the 10 greatest rappers of all time.
Which of them is not black?
Eminem.
So there’s one. There ya go.
Point Dexter Wow. First, I never said all genres ever created were created by black people. I said most of them were. Next, I said that I was talking about contemporary music. I also said that Elvis blended black music with white music-white music being country.
So you’re just naming stuff that has nothing to do with what I’m talking about.
Next, Rock music that you’re talking about is basically blues. Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones is the blues. All of their influences were black.
You’re once again just being pedantic.
None of those jazz artists you named except for maybe Bill Evans is anywhere near the top 10 greatest.
I listened a lot more genres than you, which corroborates exactly what I said: The vast majority of contemporary music was crafted by black artists.
Point Dexter Lmfao okay guy.
This man was never racist and it’s sad.
I like what that one guy said about how Elvis didn't rip off black people. I've heard someone say that he ripped off black people's music which isn't true. Like he said once something's been exposed it's up to anybody to add or take away from it.
Elvis grew up surrounded by black music. That would be like saying you stole "The Hokey Pokey" from whoever you learned it from. I wonder who Elvis stole "Peace in the Valley" from?
Is Elvis a racist????
@@thatwitch3004 obviously not
@@thatwitch3004 YOUR HERO MJ was a lucky man. He benefited in small part from the fruits of Elvis Presley's labor. Elvis broke racist walls down by lending so much of his platform to black music and the rights and recognition of black artists. To say he did not is lack of research, or lack of ethics, or both.
You gotta thank Ed Sullivan for bringing Elvis on TV and praising Elvis as a fine young performer, and a decent young man.....THAT was a very crucial point in music history...
He had too much fight down by his own kind and that's why he picked up black people's influence and he sounds very black too.. Rest In Peace Elvis..
Thank you brother.
@@johnnyrocker7495 you're welcome..
Elvis was different...i listened to lots of 1940s and 50s R&B and one thing that stands out about Elvis was his ability to make rock n roll, ballads, pop and country records...most artists at that time just focused one one sound and had no versatility like elvis
He married a 14 year old like R kelly
@@anthonybonner1230 Priscilla Presley was born May 24, 1945. Elvis married her May 1, 1967. Your phone, laptop or desktop has a calculator. If you use that you will find that 1967 - 1945 = 22, not 14. Since the marriage was 23 days before her birthday, she was 21.
Elvis is a legend. 👍🏾
@Mr. No Weapon (The Prince Of The Talkbox) no he married with her when she become 22
"Elvis was an integrator, a blessing. They wouldn't let Black music through. Elvis opened the door for Black music" - Little Richard
The Godfather of Rock N Roll the GA PEACH has spoken.........you are welcome Chuck D
Yeah the caucasian knight in shining armour saving the black people....
@@interplanetaryspecies9488
Low IQ comment
they really try to whitesplain
oh yeah and im supposed to believe Vanilla Ice and Eminem did the same for Hip-Hop right?? how about you guys stop callin white ppl kings of black music plz
@Coco Morena now you're the real fool here
He was a bundle of energy set to music and that Echo will never Die !
BB King said it best. Paraphrasing him he said music has no color it belongs to everyone
BB King and Sammy Davis' closing remarks were enough for me!!
I'm spiritual. Elvis was a black man several times in his other life times. That's why it was natural for him to do what he felt he could relate to
Elvis was not a racist, he went to black churches and learned how to sing w soul, and R&b w a tastes of blues, Elvis went to Beale st as a teenager, and absorbed the rhythmic atmosphere and especially..!
💥Well, when Beale st were all black owned, and he refused to perform at arenas that refused to allow his beloved African American background singers to perform.
😊Yep, The Koolest dude with soul, and alike MJ, there will never be another Elvis Aaron Presley...!
🤏😉💥🎸👌you know?!🕺💃💥🤸♀️🥰💥yep👏😆
👏🙄👏😌💥Amen👏🤣
🤷♂️🤷♀️😊💥one baad man!
Everybody black I knew loved him, including me...nothing bad to say about him...my sister used to make me sick going crazy about him, "would you please calm down girl!" Lol, besides that he was and is "the King" without dispute.
Elvis was an appreciator of black music and managed to do a great job at singing it. Truth is no way you can call him a racist. There were some real dyed in the wool sheet wearing racists back then.
Very nice. He liked how the music made him feel and shared it with all of us. I so enjoy just watching the expression on his face when he sings or listens to gospel. He lites up.
I think Elvis was just a good human being with no hate in his heart. That is quite rare. There was no one like Elvis. He will always be the king. He had the complete package, looks and a voice that moved you. He was truly gifted. Growing up in europe I remember when they announced he died. My sisters and friends were crying. I had never seen anything like that before. They had never met Him or knew him yet they knew we all had lost that special someone who touched us. He captured the world with his music.
Elvis is YOUR king!
I have heard so many stories of where people were and what happened when he died. In one big city, it came over the radio and traffic stopped. In my huge city, in a day, a tribute was put together for Elvis at a large outside venue. 10,000 people showed up.
Amongst the countless wonderful tributes, stories and fascinating anecdotes that can be found about Elvis on here these on this one say more about the man. In a time when racial tensions in the US were in a bad way Elvis was far ahead of his time. I'm a white middle aged man from the UK but some of the closest people to me are black, I despise and loath racism and inequality in all it's repulsive forms with a vengeance and as such these comments say a lot
i really enjoyed this video and it brought tears to my eyes when the rappers included in the getto music so pleased he made it to the title king because of sales of records you can't steal something from somebody if you are doing the same thing as your neighbors and thats where he grew up
Written by another white man, Mac Davis.
Poor is poor. Hard times are hard times.
Elvis is an important catalyst to the emancipation of the black community in the US.
+Stefan Breton Relatively important. Fats Domino and Chuck Berry both had their first top ten _pop_ hits before Elvis had his first top ten pop hit.
But he was white. Only a white man back then could have bridged the divide between the races.
"Only a white man back then could have bridged the divide between the races." What nonsense. Nat Cole had the biggest national pop hit of the entire _year_ 1951.
+Joseph Scott In a bridge there are 2 sides... This is what six samurai meant to express.
+Stefan Breton By "only a white man" he meant "a black man or a white man"? I doubt it.
Elvis is loved by all music fans period.
Not me and I’m a huge music lover
Well, he is loved by those with any intelligence. Including hundreds of singers and celebs. To this day...46 years after he's gone. A huge hotel next to Graceland now and a 200,000 sq ft complex across the street housing one million artifacts. McCartney was there a few years ago. He owns the bass from the 50's of Bill Black. On You Tube singing Heartbreak Hotel.
Marty Lacker made a comment on this video 8 yrs ago everybody needs to read it he was Elvises close friend he knew who he was as a man.Elvis was liked by every nationality out there an that is why he is still so well known.
Chiamaka
I believe you got it all wrong.
Elvis was not a racist. Just. listen to all the people commenting and you will hear that he was not a racist.
If Elvis was a racist he is a racist that gave Martin Luther king money and cried the day MLK died and bought his african American cook a fricken house
@@timpenfield5 And sang a tribute to MLK on TV later that year even though his money-first manager tried to talk him out of it
ua-cam.com/video/u-pP_dCenJA/v-deo.html
Elvis Presley foi um diamante raro com brilho único e muito especial nascido no berço do blues do Mississippi.
A maior lenda genuinamente americana.
Ele mudou toda a história da música americana , unindo pretos e brancos numa só corrente de alegria.
Merece todo carinho e respeito de todos por isso.
Elvis wasn't only a GREAT Artist, he was more importantly a GREAT GREAT man who showed everyone respect, dignity and humility... Just a Rippin bloke... RIP
Elvis literally broke all records
Black Folk should be thanking Elvis for Helping advance the Black Music art form during his lifetime and beyond, and he eventually started hiring black background music artists, which was rare back in his era. We should remember that he grew up in the Jim Crow South back in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and the black community was getting stonewalled practically all across the country.
RIP Elvis, the bridge to Rock & Roll
lol @ 0:31 " i watched him gyrate his hips" i thought she was gonna pass out from how hot and bothered she seemed by saying that.
etuboldon boldon
Yes, and there she stood with her two children. Wonder how they came to be without some gyration of her and her husband's hips????!!!
Elvis Presley the most brilliant artist of all time.He was talented,beautiful,loving person and when you listen to him you feel you are in heaven.Noone will ever come close to him,noone could ever compare with him.I simply adore you My king!
Ledia Rodhe sorry elvis was cool no doubt,but Michael Jackson is the greatest of all time!
in any respect but Michael copied Elvis in many ways. He was a genius. No question bout that. But Elvis is the man - the King! :)
foxholemusic76 by that logic elvis copied james brown in many ways. So he is no real genius.
foxholemusic76 lol what type hypocrisy is that. You just posted a whole video with proof of Elvis copying from the black man just to tell us about Michael Doing it ? 🤦🏿♂️
@@foxholemusic76 Really in many ways...well name some ways Michael copied Elvis? don't forget who Elvis copied and they didn't get credit for it....and Elvis didn't mention that at all. If you can show me where he said that i be glad to see?
I’ve always been a fan of Elvis Presley and never felt he was racist. I think it’s a compliment if he pulled from the black race or incorporated our style in his performances. Came here because trying to understand why Chuck D called him racist in Fight The Power. I understand in a way where he’s coming from as black artist music was definitely stolen during Elvis”s time. Difference with him though, he respected black artist. I mean look at his back ground singers. Nice to hear other respected black legends speak on his behalf. He had an affect on people that’s rarely seen. I think only Michael Jackson and Elvis had that kind of power and affect over fans. Luckily I had the opportunity to see MJ in concert and there was an atmosphere like none I’ve ever witnessed before. May they both RIP😊💕
@upclose22 - Good comment. Chuck D later did a 180 turn towards respect for Elvis years ago after he had a chance to talk with some old-school R&B blues and Soul artists from Elvis era. They all pretty much spoke up for Elvis and practically defended him.
Chuck has spoke about this himself in past interview.
He learned from people like BB King, Little Richard, James Brown, Ike Turner, Bobby Blue Bland, Funk Legend Rufus Thomas, and some others that Elvis came by his musical roots honestly and always gave a lot of credit in his interviews where it was do.
He caught a lot of hate from bigoted white folks for this too.
BB himself talked a lot about the "Integrity" Elvis had and the "Guts" he also had for publicly defending and praising black artists and black music at a very racism segregated time in America
Chuck later went on to say -
"Elvis was a bad ass white boy that came up through the streets and was legit. It's not like he cheated to get there. And he had a respect for black artists and black people at a time in America when many white people did not". -
I've always given Chuck props for coming clean with it.
Very interesting point that you made about Michael Jackson also and his impact.
Always interesting to me that Blues Legend Bo Diddley (another from Elvis era) had something to say similar about that.. I don't have exact quote in front of me but I have a book at home with interviews from many blues artists and his quote is in there from Bo saying something about the respect he had for Elvis and that only Michael Jackson ...and perhaps Prince ...were the only two other artists he thought that came close to having the positive impact on music that Elvis did.
Quite a compliment coming from Bo, his putting all three of them and good company with each other
I think America has done way to little to show what kind of person Elvis was!
"...the same God that made you... made him too... "
Also I've seen some clips when they call him the king of rock and roll then he always gives tribute to the black artist that inspired him. He never felt comfortable being called a king or he would say point to the heavens and say I'm not the king.