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Elvis Hit Sparked Barry White's Redemption
12 Apr
Summary
- Elvis Presley's 1960 song "It's Now or Never" profoundly impacted Barry White.
- White heard the song while serving time in a juvenile detention center.
- The hit inspired White to turn his life around and pursue music.
In 1960, Elvis Presley released "It's Now or Never," a song that became a massive worldwide hit. This iconic track, inspired by the Italian classic "O Sole Mio," reached the pinnacle of the Billboard charts. The song's success, however, extended beyond its musical achievements, profoundly influencing the life of a young Barry White.
At the time, Barry White was serving a four-month sentence in a juvenile detention center for stealing $30,000 worth of Cadillac tires. Midway through his term, Presley's song played, striking White with unprecedented emotional resonance. He described "It's Now or Never" as a personal message, urging him to change his ways upon release.
Inspired by this profound realization, White vowed to alter his life's trajectory. He dedicated himself to music, ultimately becoming a celebrated soul legend. White went on to achieve considerable success, with six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts, cementing his legacy in music history.
