... I also heard him say, once, that Brook Benton was his favorite singer. He got a kick out of people thinking he was Black, when local stations started playing his blues sides. Back then, many stations wouldn't play "Negro Music" and some of his records were questionable on "Hillbilly" radio stations. Elvis had a great "gospel" background, too... but he really crossed the genres.
... As a young man, he dressed and looked "part-Black," according to some. Many people did think he was Black, in some part/way, and he did little to distance himself from the characteristics.
... In the film "Flaming Star" he played a "half-breed" and said there would be no light-hearted soundtrack LP. As mentioned, the management did not want him to conclude that 1968 TV Special with "If I Can Dream". When he stood up to Parker, and the studios, he excelled (he should have made it a routine!).
... He certainly was acquainted with racism, being a poor southern country boy. He may have even had some self-reflecting to do... but a true racist of the era would not behave as Elvis Presley did.
... Of course, that's all just my opinion!
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