Wrecked, Incoherent Speech, Sang Oh, My. 46 Years Later, It Still Moves
Elvis Presley, an enduring icon of rock ‘n’ roll, tragically passed away on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, after years of battling health issues exacerbated by prescription drug abuse and alcoholism. His final public appearance occurred in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 26, 1977, just weeks before his untimely death. Prior to this, two significant performances were captured on film: one in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 19, and another in Rapid City, South Dakota, on June 21, intended for a television special.
The television special, “Elvis in Concert,” aired posthumously six weeks after Presley’s passing. Despite initial reruns as per contractual obligations, subsequent showings were restricted by the Presley estate due to concerns over the portrayal of Presley’s declining health, leading to its unfortunate moniker as the “Fat Elvis” concert.
In the final encore of the Rapid City concert, Presley performed “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” This rendition marked his last recorded act. Despite struggling with the spoken parts of the song, Presley’s vocal prowess remained evident. Observers noted that while Presley often playfully altered lyrics and interludes in performances, his spoken words during this particular song were notably more difficult to discern, reflecting his deteriorating health. Medical experts have suggested that hospitalization may have been necessary at the time.
Reflecting on personal turmoil, including his 1973 divorce from Priscilla, Presley introduced “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” with poignant words: “This one is called Are You Lonesome Tonight? I am, and I was.” Despite initial challenges, Presley regained his composure, delivering the song’s lyrics with trademark emotion. Notably, earlier in the show, he had performed “Unchained Melody” with clarity and articulation, highlighting moments of vocal brilliance amidst his physical decline.
The emotional impact of Presley’s final performances continues to resonate deeply with audiences. Commentators on platforms like YouTube, where clips of these concerts are shared, often express profound admiration and nostalgia. One user, Mikey, reflecting on a visit to Graceland with his father, remarked on Presley’s enduring voice and charisma, encapsulating the sentiment felt by many who grew up with Presley’s music.
The stark contrast between Presley’s clear delivery of “Unchained Melody” and the more mumbled rendition of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” underscores the significant health challenges he faced. Despite these difficulties, Presley managed to perform a rigorous schedule of 55 shows in the first half of 1977, demonstrating his dedication to his fans and his craft until the very end.
Jerry Schilling, a close confidant of Presley, recalled in his memoir questioning the decision to film the television special given Presley’s visible decline. However, Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, reportedly affirmed that it was Presley’s own choice to proceed. The enduring quality of Presley’s final public performances serves as a testament to his resilience and enduring impact on music history.
In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s legacy as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lives on through his music, his charisma, and the profound influence he continues to exert on popular culture. His final concerts, captured in “Elvis in Concert,” are poignant reminders of his talent and the complexities of his life and career.
