Elvis Presley Performs 1969 Single 'In The Ghetto' A Cappella

Aug 05, 2020 by apost team

Elvis Presley is known as "the King" for a reason. His music is timeless, and he broke musical barriers in ways the world hadn't seen before. But after his career took off in the beginning, it came to quite a halt. Then, in 1969, In the Ghetto changed everything. The King made a serious turn around in his career with the release of In the Ghetto.

When In the Ghetto first released, it was an immediate fan favorite. This hit actually made it to the third spot on the United States' music charts. Outside of the United States, it fared even better. It made it to the top spot in Europe, the UK, and even down under in Australia and New Zealand.

The song itself is one that so many people can relate to. It is a song that relates a tale as old as time. A little boy is born into an impoverished family. Life hits him with tragedy after tragedy, as is common with people who are born into unfortunate circumstances. As the song goes on, his life story continues to be revealed to listeners. Trying to pull himself out of poverty, the boy in the song grows into a young man who resorts to violence to make ends meet. Just as he finds that he is about to be a father himself, his life comes to a tragic end. It is clear that this pattern of poverty to violence is one that will continue for the little one who is born after the song ends.

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Elvis' rendition of this song is one that is particularly haunting and poignant. It is as if the singer transports himself and in turn the listener into the boy's situation. Each and every syllable is filled to the brim with sadness and mourning for the life that the boy could have had if only he were not born into poverty.

This rendition of In the Ghetto is without any instrumental accompaniment, allowing Elvis' vocal strengths to shine through. As it turns out, Elvis was more than capable of bringing this story to life with his voice alone.

There are other songs from talented singers who have also brought sad stories to life, which have then been released without musical accompaniment as well. For example, Johnny Cash's songs Ring of Fire and The Man in Black. This style of appreciating music without instrumental accompaniment touches the soul and hurts the heart. There really isn't anything like an a capella version.

Elvis Presley is known as "the King" for a reason, though, as evidenced by the transformation he creates by stripping the song down to its barest bits. Removing the powerful musical support in the background, Presley forces listeners to really and truly listen to the story. His voice acts as a transporter. You have no choice but to be drawn into the boy's situation and face what he has to face. This unique a capella version of an otherwise powerful song is one that will leave you breathless.

Elvis had a strong career, but his version of In the Ghetto re-solidified his position as one of the greatest singers and artists of his time. It is a perfect song to listen to when you are feeling emotional and in need of a good story. Let us know your thoughts on it below. And for your friends who are looking for a truly inspirational tale, let them see this story and listen to the song that only "the King" could create.