Story Behind the Song: 'In the Ghetto' by Elvis Presley

The Story Behind the Song 'In the Ghetto' by Elvis Presley. Mac Davis — a singer, songwriter and actor wrote the song and other classics for Elvis Presley before becoming a multitalented star in his own right.

[sillyoldfrog]

In The Ghetto was one of the best songs ever written, and the sad part, is it still fits in today's world we live in.

[AlanRoehrich]

Mac Davis was an incredible talent, he was song writer, a singer, an actor, and an all around entertainer.

[rickwells]

Every now and then a song writer comes along and writes a song that is timeless...Mac Davis is one of those writers.

[DawnDriggers]

I still cry every time I hear this song, one of the greatest songs that was ever written and nobody could have sang it better than Elvis

[danielhaynes]

I met Mac Davis back in 1978 when I was a 17-year-old busboy at my hometown country club in Henderson, KY. He and his band had just entered our club's "19th Hole" bar after a round of golf and some of the local members swarmed around their table making small talk. Mr. Davis politely excused himself from the group and walked up to the bar where I stood in my ugly yellow-gold busboy jacket, keeping vigil for members' needs for water or butter. I'll never forget it. Mr. Davis ordered his drink from the bartender and then turned to me with a nod and warm smile and asked how my day was going. Somehow, I managed to reply and summoned the courage to ask if he had a good round of golf. He nodded and (I believe) he said something along the lines of "Yes, sir. Pretty fair." ~ Now, this was 40 years ago and I will NEVER forget the warmth and generosity of this huge celebrity. I now live in Texas and am personal friends with 3 different international female singing stars and I have repeated this story to each of them, citing Mac Davis as a shining example of celebrity generosity. And I would just like to say that, if you're reading this, Mr. Davis, THANK YOU for the warmth and kindness you once showed a zit-faced 17-year-old busboy! "He" has never forgotten and will remember to his dying day.
Now that I think about it, I believe it was actually 1977, right before "North Dallas Forty" was released. And I was 16, not 17 as I first mentioned. 🤔

[dannyvannfostercaresurvivo]

Mac’s right - dead silence every time I sang this song on stage. I received hundreds of standing ovations over the years of my entertainment career. Thank you Mr. Davis - now I’m reaching back to help those stuck in the vicious circle of trauma, abuse, and neglect. Thanks for your inspiration!

[rosalynrose]

Every since I was old enough to own my feelings and understand the stories behind a song, this is one that I cry over everytime I hear it. I grew up in the ghettos of Chicago. I've witnessed murder and the bloody streets the next day. I've seen a mother running up our street screaming and crying and just grieving like I've never seen since. That street was the 5300 block of Hermitage Avenue. I was born in 1965 at Cook County Hospital, this song still sends me back to smells, sounds and events like it was just yesterday.

[randallflagg]

Mac Davis is one of the greatest songwriters, ever. too many have no idea how many great songs were actually written by him

[UKNOBTS]

I just heard that he passed. I'm so sad. I have loved Elvis since I was 7 yrs old, im 55 now. And I used to watch Mac Davis's show with my Mom I thought he was so handsome. Had a huge crush on him and Elvis lol. what a huge talent. 😢❤

[soulfireonfire]

When Elvis sang that song, it was a hit because that was Elvis!

Elvis was born in the ghetto. Lived in the Ghetto. Then moved to government project housing which actually back then was still in many areas considered the ghetto but was a step up from where he was born .

[meldridge]

Mac You Will Always Be Remembered and Loved! Elvis had many people helping make him the Greatest Ever!

[chipcremeans]

Mac Davis has just passed away earlier this week may he rest in peace.

[sandralybrand]

We really lost a Gem in Mac Davis! RIP Mac

[qso]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview, hearing Mac's backstory of In The Ghetto, and hearing him play & sing. Such a fantastic song, just one of many he wrote for Elvis. I don't believe Mac ever got enough credit for those wonderful songs.

[issylindstrom]

Mac makes it look easy to be humble... even though he's a genius.

[greenhornet]

Can’t imagine my life without that song. Simply one of the best ever written and only Elvis could sing it so perfectly. Mac Davis wrote so many great songs. What a gift.

[johnpunchard]

Mac Davis was a class act! RIP 9-29-2020!

[swishh]

Thanks for this story!! So sad that we don't give the songwriters their due on all the fantastic songs that are written. Had no idea Mac Davis wrote that song! May he rest in peace.

[sarashelby]

Being from the same town of Lubbock, Texas we were always proud of Mac Davis. I always got chills when the backup singers sang the last part of "In the ghetto."

[tapper]

A giant in music - Mac Davis - September 2020 RIP ...