Elvis Presley Sings 1969 Single ‘In The Ghetto’ Without Any Instruments

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An Emotional Song That Sparked A Comeback

In 1969, Elvis Presley made a major comeback when he released his recording of “In the Ghetto.”

The song was a major hit for Presley, and it peaked at the third spot on the charts in the U.S. and hit number one in West Germany, Ireland, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand. 

The mournful song tells the story of a boy who is born into poverty and continues to struggle throughout the rest of his life. He turns to violence to get by, passes away before his own child is born, continuing the tragic cycle.

Elvis’ Version Stands Out

Although many artists have recorded the song over the years, Elvis’ remains the most memorable version.

Part of the reason his version has stuck out so much in people’s minds is because of the amount of emotion he packed into each and every word.

Since Presley’s delivery of the song was so moving, fans wondered how it would sound without any instruments. Eventually, a completely a cappella version of Presley’s song surfaced, with no instruments except for the backing track.

Similar clips have surfaced online of others singers, such as Johnny Cash. In the below clip, you hear nothing but “The Man in Black’s” vocals as he sings “Ring of Fire.”

This Will Hit You Hard

The stripped down version of Presley’s “In the Ghetto” hits you straight in the heart. With only his voice left to tell the story, Presley instantly draws you in to the heartbreaking tale of poverty and loss.

Presley’s original recording of “In the Ghetto” was already filled to the brim with power, and this a cappella version made the cup overflow. Listen to it in the clip below, and we guarantee you won’t regret it.

Are there other songs of Presley’s that you’d like to hear in an a cappella style like this one?