As per Priscilla, this is the melody that Elvis intensely sings with all his feelings.

Elvis Presley’s performance of “If I Can Dream” at his 1968 comeback special is considered to be one of the most iconic moments in his career. Dressed in a black leather suit and backed by a full orchestra, Presley delivered a powerful rendition of the song that showcased his vocal range and ability to convey emotion through music.

The song itself was written by Walter Earl Brown as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. following his assassination in 1968. With lyrics such as “there must be peace and understanding sometime, strong winds of promise that will blow away all the doubt and fear,” the song became a call for unity and hope during a time of great upheaval in American society.

For his performance of the song, Presley chose to wear a black leather suit rather than his usual bedazzled jumpsuits. This choice of attire, coupled with the powerful orchestral backing, helped to create a more serious and emotional tone than audiences were used to from the King of Rock and Roll.

Despite initial concerns from network executives that the song would be too controversial, Presley insisted on performing it and it ultimately became one of the highlights of the show. Today, the performance stands as a testament to Presley’s talent as a musician and his willingness to use his platform to address important social issues.