Elvis Presley - If I Can Dream ('68 Comeback Special) Reaction)

This is not just a song. This is a prayer. Elvis admired MLK, and he loved Memphis, where he lived. The fact that MLK was assassinated in Memphis, of all cities, was more than he could bear.

Many have commented on Elvis's childhood so I won't repeat that. But let's appreciate that the man stood up for what he believed. He got blowback from whites who thought he was too aligned with the black community. Some black artists resented him for being a white guy who got famous off "their" music and saw him as an opportunist capitalizing on their heritage. In reality, Elvis was a country boy with surprisingly simple, straightforward beliefs that we are all humans who deserve dignity and respect. Even though he achieved great acclaim and wealth, he never forgot his roots nor wavered in his convictions. He often chose to use his unique gifts especially as a platform. His stature allowed him to boldly stand up for his values, and though it might have cost him some political points, it gained him great admiration from a generation of fans. Elvis was the real deal.

MLK had a dream. Elvis is echoing that.

Elvis was born dirt poor in Mississippi. his twin brother died at birth.. his Daddy went to jail when he was 2 and his Mama had to raise him alone for 2 yrs.. during the Depression. The church is all they had and helped them through it. Because off these circumstances.. Elvis grew up in the Black Community.. he always fought for equality.

My mom use to say "God was showing off when he made Elvis". Well, mom was right

Sadly, Elvis never had the chance to become old as he died at age 42. Even at the highest height of his fame, he always remained totally humble.

ELVIS MEANT THIS SONG VERY SINCERELY!!

I grew up in Memphis…and vividly remember the day MLK was killed here. Proud that Elvis went ahead and performed this song just a few months after MLK died. Memphis is where Elvis lived. He truly loved what MLK stood for. People don’t realize how Elvis was attacked by the whites for being supportive of the black community. You should go back and watch the documentary on it. As others said he grew up in the housing projects/ghettos here in Memphis. He understood the struggles of the black community and never backed away from his support for them. I wish everyone would listen to this song today…it’s just as valid today as it was in 1968.

This is one of those times when you get pure, raw Elvis, pouring his heart out, and there is simply no equal. If there were no music, it would still give you chills to hear only his voice and witness the power of his presence.

You're one of the only reactions to this song, that noticed the breathless exhale. He was completely spent. Talk about leaving it all on the stage! Nice call!

This was in tribute to martin luther king...he was told not to sing it but he said no i wm singing It!❤

Elvis was , and still is , and always will be THE MAN ... TCB forever!

I'm a 68-year-old baby boomer and I grew up loving Elvis Presley's movies and his music and every time even now when I watch this video of him singing this song it brings a tear to my eye and goosebumps... What's so sad is that so many people did not learn to appreciate Elvis and the beautiful human being that he was until his death, but I love young people nowadays that are trying to learn and are realizing what kind of person he really was and not listening to all the people that didn't know a damn thing about what they were talking about😊❤

MontWRLD....your reaction shows how that song affected you. Elvis could sing anything. From rock to Gospel which was his first love and everything in between. That is why he is known as 'The King'.

That s why he is called The King. No one can compare to this day to Elvis in his voice, looks abd stage presence

I remember watching the 68 Comeback Special when it was on tv. I was 5yrs. old. This song was especially written for Elvis. It's about the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy. Also for all the lives lost during the Vietnam War. When Elvis recorded this song in the studio, he wanted the lights turned off. After he was done, they turned the lights back on and couldn't see Elvis. They found him in a corner, curled up in the fetal position and crying. That was how much that song effected him. WELCOME TO THE ELVIS PRESLEY WORLD. ❤

The G.O.A.T

Elvis was born in 1935 so he was 33 here. He died in 1977 at the young age of 42. ..Such a tragedy for his loved ones, his fans and music history. Imagine what more Elvis could have done. Fortunately for us, he left us with a music legacy that is huge and many fun musical movies. As long as we listen to his music, he will never be gone. And thanks to channels like yours, new generations are getting to discover his music and us oldsters get to enjoy it through new eyes. I have a much greater appreciation for Elvis now than I did when iI was young and he was alive.. We took all of the music of our time for granted. Now we understand how great our music is and how much it contributed to musical history. To get a better understanding of Elvis, watch the video...."Elvis and the Black Community". And watch the movie, "Elvis" that came out 2 yrs.ago. Both of these give a real eye opener into the life of Elvis and what he went through in his life. Success is not always as it seems.

Elvis admired MLK and this was the final song of his 1968 special. It's been said this song is what put Elvisback on the map after all the movies he was locked into. I've read that he literally collapsed after he did this performance. You're right! He was a man for the people. And the people he loved most was his daughter and his fans.

ELVIS. One name!👑👍