Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe

Black Ensemble Theater (BE), founded in 1976 by the renowned producer and playwright Jackie Taylor—best known for her memorable role in the 1975 film Cooley High—has emerged as a cultural landmark in Chicago. Located at 4450 N. Clark Street, this theater is known for its vibrant musicals, which prominently highlight the exceptional talents of African Americans within the music industry. Since its inception, Black Ensemble Theater has served as a platform for aspiring young actors and playwrights. The mission of Black Ensemble Theater is profound and socially significant: to eradicate racism and its damaging effects on society. In our current political discourse, which seems to divide the races, Jackie Taylor remains fiercely committed to bridging divides and fostering unity among diverse populations through her artistic vision. By using storytelling as a tool for social change, the theater not only entertains but also provokes thought and inspires action, a trait we should all emulate.

In "Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe," Taylor invites the audience into the intimate inner circle of her life and family experiences, weaving a heartfelt and engaging narrative. Dedicated to her parents, sister, and brother and mainly a story about the life of her brother Joe, "all who are now on the other side," Taylor aims to illuminate the hardships faced by residents of Cabrini-Green. This poignant narrative resonates deeply with anyone who has encountered challenges in life. Her heartfelt storytelling captures deep emotions, and her fervent admiration for Elvis Presley might catch some off guard, yet I grasp entirely the bond she feels. As a child, I enjoyed watching Elvis's films, mesmerized by his charisma with the ladies. Growing up as a Black individual in the 1950s and '60s, my experiences, like many other blacks living during that time with music and television, were often limited, leaving little room for personal choice in what I could hear or see. Those art forms became a window into a world that sometimes felt out of reach and helped my understanding of cultural gaps and the social complexities of race.

Elvis Presley, a cultural icon of the 20th century, is celebrated for his revolutionary music and unique style, which were deeply influenced by a diverse array of talented black artists, including Fats Domino, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Jackie Wilson, and others not named in the play, like sister Rosetta Tharpe and Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup. His love for black artists was well-known, but still, he faced unjust accusations of racism, including a fallacious quote, "The only thing Negroes can do for me is shine my shoes and buy my records." This false narrative was published in Sepia by a white businessman via an article called, What Negroes Think About Elvis. The comment was rigorously investigated and debunked by Jet magazine, a weekly American magazine focused on news, culture, and entertainment related to the African-American community, founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson and published by Johnson Publishing Company, showcasing the power of integrity and the importance of standing up for the truth in the face of adversity.

In Taylor's touching play, she offers a heartfelt tribute to her admiration for Elvis, the iconic rock and roll star, and her brother Joe. The play explores the contrasts in their lives. Elvis, raised in the humble town of Tupelo, Mississippi, was shaped by Southern gospel and blues. At the same time, Joe grew up in the Cabrini Green Projects of Chicago, a community marked with trials and tribulations. Despite their different backgrounds, their stories intertwine to reveal shared struggles and aspirations. Taylor's narrative prompts audiences to confront the complexities of identity and the cultural connections between them, ultimately inviting reflection on the idea that Elvis Presley was, at his core, a Black man named Joe. Elvis faced numerous personal struggles throughout his life, and the narrative of rock 'n' roll is saturated with instances of white artists stealing or, as the play states, borrowing the work and influence of Black musicians. This complex history highlights the challenges of cultural recognition and the often-overlooked contributions of Black artists to shaping the genre.

Narrated by Rhonda Preston, who plays the present-day Janet, the play is seen through flashbacks to her home in Cabrini-Green, where young Janet (Britt Edwards), Joe (Dennis Dent), Melanie McCullough, and Jaitee Thomas play the role of mother and father. Young Janet and Joe are obsessed with Elvis Presley, listening to his music and movies. The parallels between Joe and Elvis extend beyond their shared experiences of enduring challenging economic conditions during their formative years. Both men donned military uniforms, serving their country in Germany. Tragically, they also faced personal demons in the form of substance abuse, a battle that ultimately proved to be their undoing. What truly distinguishes the narrative is the profound love that binds Janet and Joe's family together. As they navigate their rapidly changing world, their belief within themselves shines brightly, showcasing the love of the black family over life's challenges. The BET cast radiated their signature charisma and style, captivating viewers with their soulful songs. The heartfelt chemistry between Britt and Dent was beautifully illustrated, showcasing their sibling love with a genuineness that resonated deeply. The remarkable chemistry between Thomas and McCullough elevated their performances, making their marital dynamic genuinely outstanding. Taylor's poignant storytelling particularly moved me as she shared her upbringing. Her narrative delved into the complexities of the Black experience, unveiling the profound conflicts that arise from navigating a world that often feels out of sync with our identity.

Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe isn't just about Elvis, Joe, or Taylor's family. It's more about Taylor's love and opening up to the world about the loss she experienced.

Well Done, Ms Taylor.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Black Ensemble Theater

Jackie Taylor: Elvis Presley was a Black man Named Joe

Written and Directed by Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor

March 1 – April 20, 2025

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