So Wrecked, Couldn’t Speak, But Sang Oh, My. 46 Years Later, It Still Resonates

Elvis Presley, an enduring icon of music and culture, tragically passed away on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, after battling prolonged abuse of prescription medications and alcohol. His final public appearance occurred in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 26, 1977, just weeks before his untimely death. Prior to this, two of his performances were captured on film: one in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 19, and another in Rapid City, South Dakota, on June 21, for a planned television special.

The resulting television special, “Elvis in Concert,” aired posthumously six weeks after Presley’s passing. Initially intended to showcase his talent and stage presence, the special faced criticism for portraying Presley in a deteriorated state, leading to it being infamously referred to as the “Fat Elvis” concert due to his physical appearance at the time.

One of the poignant moments from these final performances was the encore in South Dakota, where Presley delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Despite struggling with the spoken parts of the song, Presley’s vocal performance remained remarkably strong. Observers noted that while he often playfully altered lyrics and interacted with the audience during his performances, his spoken words during this song were noticeably more difficult to understand, indicating his declining health. Some experts have suggested that medical care should have been prioritized at the time.

Reflecting on personal turmoil, including his 1973 divorce from Priscilla Presley, Elvis introduced “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” with a poignant remark: “This one is called Are You Lonesome Tonight? I am, and I was.” Despite challenges during the spoken part, Presley regained his composure and delivered the song’s lyrics with his trademark emotional depth. Notably, earlier in the concert, his rendition of “Unchained Melody” showcased his vocal clarity and ability to connect with his audience.

The emotional impact of Presley’s final performances continues to resonate with fans. One YouTube commenter, Mikey, reflected on the final moments of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”: “That final glance as he finishes the song…it’s incredibly moving. My father took us to Graceland four times during my childhood. I understand now, Dad. Such a remarkable voice. Such a big heart. The King, eternally.”

The contrast between the clear delivery of “Unchained Melody” and the challenging spoken segment of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” underscores the toll of Presley’s health issues and exhaustion on his performances. Despite these challenges, Presley managed to complete a significant number of shows in the first half of 1977, demonstrating his dedication to his craft and his fans.

Jerry Schilling, a close confidant of Presley, reflected on the decision to film the concerts despite Presley’s declining health. According to Schilling’s memoir, questions were raised about the wisdom of proceeding with the filming, with Colonel Tom Parker, Presley’s manager, ultimately affirming that it was Presley’s decision to go ahead as planned.

In retrospect, Presley’s final public concert serves as a testament to his enduring talent and the complexities of his personal struggles. Despite facing significant health challenges, Elvis Presley’s voice and presence left an indelible mark on music history, ensuring that his legacy as “The King” lives on.

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