By
Jazmin Kylene
Published 5 hours ago
Jazmin Kylene is a Miami-bred writer and editor with a decade-long career that spans all editorial genres, though she has a particular passion for music journalism. Upon graduating Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Multimedia Journalism, she went on to write dozens for outlets and interview counless artists.
When Jazmin isn't typing the day away, she enjoys exploring nature, taking dance classes, going to the movies, and hanging out with her besties (mom and dog.) You can find her on Instagram @JazminKylene.
If there was anything Elvis Presley was defined by, it was his electrifying performances that captivated massive crowds and set him far apart from his peers. Crowned the "King of Rock and Roll,” his ability to become the music and allow it to move through his body felt like a gift possessed by something bigger than himself. He took that ability as far as one could, solidifying himself as one of the most culturally significant figures of the 20th century, as well as one of the best-selling music artists in history.
What’s even more impressive is that in 1958, Presley was drafted into military service. And yet, he came back two years later and continued to make some of the most commercially successful work of his career, selling an estimated 500 million records worldwide. However, he didn’t always get to stand at the height of his glory. Presley’s raw, final televised performance of “Unchained Melody" in 1977, just weeks before his untimely death, is widely regarded as one of his most emotional and heartbreaking performances of all time. The fatigue and emotion in his trembling voice were unequivocally palpable, a hint of the tragedy that was to come. Here’s a closer look at the haunting last recorded and televised Elvis Presley performance and why it firmly holds the slot as history’s most heartbreaking last fall from grace.
Elvis Presley’s Final Performance in 1977
When Elvis Presley was at the top of his game, he was widely regarded as the industry’s most provocative and charismatic performer. Despite many critiques of his sound and style exploiting that of marginalized Black communities, he continued to hold half of the nation firmly under his spell. Sadly, Presley’s life came to a halt following a poor diet, prescription drug reliance, an enlarged heart and ongoing digestive issues. This all resulted in a devastating toll, as he passed away due to cardiac arrest at the young age of 42.
But before his death, he took to stages across the nation for his final tour, and there was one particular performance that stood the test of time as his absolute saddest yet most powerful. A concert held on June 21, 1977, in Rapid City, South Dakota was filmed for a TV special titled “Elvis in Concert,” which ended up being released after his death on October 3, 1977. During this performance, Elvis sat at a piano and sang “Unchained Melody,” summoning everything he had left to give. The song was basically performed solo, with only minimal accompaniment. Just centered on piano and voice with no flashy production to take the focus away from Presley’s prowess, this gave the rendition a particular sense of intimacy, only adding to how deeply personal it felt. Despite his declining health at the time, his voice shook and soared, reminding the world one last time of his unmatched talent and the heart he was willing to pour into his art.
The Emotional Night Elvis Bids Farewell
If there was anything Elvis Presley was defined by, it was his electrifying performances that captivated massive crowds and set him far apart from his peers. Crowned the "King of Rock and Roll,” his ability to become the music and allow it to move through his body felt like a gift possessed by something bigger than himself. He took that ability as far as one could, solidifying himself as one of the most culturally significant figures of the 20th century, as well as one of the best-selling music artists in history.
What’s even more impressive is that in 1958, Presley was drafted into military service. And yet, he came back two years later and continued to make some of the most commercially successful work of his career, selling an estimated 500 million records worldwide. However, he didn’t always get to stand at the height of his glory. Presley’s raw, final televised performance of “Unchained Melody" in 1977, just weeks before his untimely death, is widely regarded as one of his most emotional and heartbreaking performances of all time. The fatigue and emotion in his trembling voice were unequivocally palpable, a hint of the tragedy that was to come. Here’s a closer look at the haunting last recorded and televised Elvis Presley performance and why it firmly holds the slot as history’s most heartbreaking last fall from grace.
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Elvis Presley’s Final Performance in 1977
When Elvis Presley was at the top of his game, he was widely regarded as the industry’s most provocative and charismatic performer. Despite many critiques of his sound and style exploiting that of marginalized Black communities, he continued to hold half of the nation firmly under his spell. Sadly, Presley’s life came to a halt following a poor diet, prescription drug reliance, an enlarged heart and ongoing digestive issues. This all resulted in a devastating toll, as he passed away due to cardiac arrest at the young age of 42.
Elvis-Presley-king-of-Rock-n-Roll
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But before his death, he took to stages across the nation for his final tour, and there was one particular performance that stood the test of time as his absolute saddest yet most powerful. A concert held on June 21, 1977, in Rapid City, South Dakota was filmed for a TV special titled “Elvis in Concert,” which ended up being released after his death on October 3, 1977. During this performance, Elvis sat at a piano and sang “Unchained Melody,” summoning everything he had left to give. The song was basically performed solo, with only minimal accompaniment. Just centered on piano and voice with no flashy production to take the focus away from Presley’s prowess, this gave the rendition a particular sense of intimacy, only adding to how deeply personal it felt. Despite his declining health at the time, his voice shook and soared, reminding the world one last time of his unmatched talent and the heart he was willing to pour into his art.
The Emotional Night Elvis Bids Farewell
Elvis-Presley
Image via Cover Images
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At this point in his career, Presley had become a mere name consumed by fame and media hunger. He was talked about with much ridicule and little concern for his genuine humanity. While he once seemed to encapsulate the American Dream realized, he would soon become a well-recognized symbol of excess, addiction, and gluttony. This particular performance captures Presley at his most fragile state, vulnerable yet willing to still try. He was unconsciously reminding the world of the trauma that took him so far away from himself, displaying a voice that still held magic, though not unaccompanied by the toll of his suffering. Even amid his personal struggles, Presley still maintained talent and emotional depth.
Presley’s very last concert took place June 26, 1977, at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, yet his Rapid City set was the last to be televised and on record. With the knowledge that he passed away only seven weeks later on August 16, 1977, the heartbreak of that performance now carries extra weight for Presley’s devoted fans, who find it to be a final farewell beyond all else. From a global rock-’n’-roll icon, to a Vegas act, to one last final tour, Presley left a nation behind to mourn while giving “Unchained Melody" the last he had in him.