he was on his decline by then. he knew it and he was strugling with everything he was very ill and suffering from an identity crisis from being dusalusioned with the world . he had his heart broke many times by then. im convened he was sick and tired of the persona he built and was just ready to be elvis eron presley , when he died I was 7 and it wrecked me. you couldn't have convinced me he was on his decent from his heights. would have called you a liar . I was naive. i loved him like i knew him . he will live in my heart until I expire. GOD bless the king. he blessed us all with him.
I think too many times people focus on saying Elvis was high and on drugs and all that. I try to focus on how extremely talented this man was. How he can interpret a song better than anyone else. A very unique voice. Check out his gospel songs you'll see how good this man was.
He had glaucoma, sleep insomnia, severe depression, body dysmorphia, extreme constipation and twisted liver. He poured his soul into this performance, would out perform so many today. He could hardly stand and talk and gave us this
I think EVERYONE should read " Destined to die young" & DR Forrest Tennants (World renowned Neurologists, was present at all 4 of Elvis Autopsies, was the state hired Medical Expert for Dr Nichopoulos trial VS the Tennessee medical board & The State of Tennessee wrongful death trial. He is the only person who has has Elvis ENTIRE medical files from Birth to death, has written hundreds of medical articles in the New England Medical journal on Elvis, podcasts, blogs all with Dr Nick & was the Medical Expert also hired in Howard Hughes 1970's trial, and STILL practices medicine). Elvis had MAJOR health problems from birth. There is WAY more to that story. His mom, Grandma Doll & 6 of his 8 uncles all died in their 40's. Elvis suffered 4 traumatic brain injuries the last being in 1967. He tripped over a television cord in the bathroom and he was unconcious for over 8hrs before he was found! According to his medical records and everyone around him he was never the same. He suffered from massive migraines and developed glaucoma hence the shades you start seeing in 1969. It's what made his eyes water on stage so much. According to his autopsy findings a piece of his brain tissue was jarred loose passing thru his brain barrier. His body began attacking it like a foreign substance and lead to an Autoimmune inflammatory disorder. Then his body began to attack itself. In 1967 they had NO CLUE about Brain Injuries and just how they affect the body. They noted on his medical records at the time that he had 'post concussion syndrome'. By 1970 Elvis was having major problems with his memory , remembering lyrics and names, severe body aches & chronic pain. His joints and limbs, even his lower spine to the point he started using a cane. He wouldn't do Karate as much on stage and he started needing much stronger medications. By 1971 he was seeing 13 specialists trying to diagnose exactly what was causing so many ailments. They had NO MRI's or CT scans, only XRays! He took perscriptions to deal with his Genetic health problems (now we know found at all 4 Autopsys), his enlarged paralyzed colon, Glaucoma, Antitrypsin Deficiency, a condition which can result in lung and/or liver disease both of which he had severely at the time of his death. Elvis was never a smoker or drinker. He had Together with the immune system disorder, hypogammaglobulinemia, which plagued Elvis all his life and caused him to constantly fight various infections. His “inherited” weak heart, reactive arthritis, and the impact of his nocturnal lifestyle, resulting in a lack of vitamin D, the effects of which contributed to respiratory infections, reduced immune function, and inflammation. He had Cytochrome disease a defect in his CYP2D6 gene that can convert Coedine into Morphine in the body. Which is why he developed Cushings Disease. He had spinal blocks in 1975 in his spine which caused Cushings. He stopped breathing and was placed into the hospital, his face, and Abdomen were huge and would never fully go down. The press was calling him fat, but he was so sick. Only a handful of people knew what really was going on. Dr Forrest Tennant a world leading Neurologists was given all Elvis medical files and was at all 4 autopsies. He represented Elvis Dr Nick Nichopoulos at his trial in the State of Tennessee & against the Medical Board. He was the specialists in Howard Hughes Medical Trial too. He had written a book on this, numerous blogs, medical journal contributions, and even a podcast. He is still practicing medicine and talks openly about how this lead EXACTLY to Elvis death. People are still repeating the same uneducated guesses that 4 autopsies have disproven and medical science keeps proving were wrong. Of the 11 bodily systems that operate to keep us alive and hopefully healthy. Critically, Elvis suffered disease or disorder in nine of them! And five were present from birth and pre his fame. His heart (circulatory system), his lungs (respiratory system), and his bowels (digestive/excretory systems) required medication. Insomnia affected his nervous system……His immune system was compromised. His urinary system was not functioning properly. At one point there was even talk of dialysis. Often he is dismissed as just another rock ‘n’ roll drug addict. He wasn't taking street drugs. He was taking perscriptions not to "ESCAPE" he was taking them to try to maintain some sense of normalcy as himself in a time where the medical field was limited. No DNA, Genetics, No MRI's, little known about the addiction, his dystrophy & No understanding of Vitamin D even. Looking at the illnesses and disorders, that mounted upon each other over the decades, it’s no coincidence that Elvis’ prescription drug use increased as his health declined. From ear infections to chronic tonsilitis to recurrent flus to eye infections and glaucoma…..these arguably insignificant ailments independently, grew into something more. As his body broke down, alongside multiple immune system disorders and genetic complications, prescription medication and his handy PDR tried to fill the gaps. When that no longer worked, hospital stays became the norm and his list of ailments grew. The sicker he got, the more prescriptions he was prescribed. He was seeing a cardiologist before he bought Graceland. He was 20yrs old. They have gone through Elvis's entire life of medical records & now have an entire different story now. This is all the facts Geraldo & 20/20 never stated. He accidentally took the Codine the dentist's gave him that night due to the volume found in his blood at autopsy. His Genetic condition of Cytochrome Disease of his CYP2D6 defect caused his Coedine to build up in toxic levels to which he was deathly allergic to. He had been hospitalized twice before and had stopped breathing on a previous flight from. It caused his massively enlarged heart that was already failing to stop. His heart was 3 times a natural size weighing 520grams. It was missed in all 3 of his last medical visits. It had given him problems from records stating ATLEAST age 19. Hastened along by an rich Southern diet & an Autoimmune inflammatory disorder poor Elvis didn't stand a chance. Science wasn't even to the point where they could have helped him.
As Bruce Springsteen once said of Elvis Presley. "It's like he came along and whispered a dream, and somehow we all heard it. There have been pretenders and contenders, but there's only one King" Undoubtedly without question, one of the most brilliantly, remarkably talented, gifted, mesmerizing, captivating, spellbinding, magical entertainers to have ever graced the world stage. Elvis Aaron Presley, the echoes of the incredible legacy, artistry he left behind, will never cease reverberating throughout the pages of time because the sun never sets upon a legend. Rest easy Hillbilly Cat. You are immeasurably, immeasurably loved, and truly, deeply, sincerely missed.
@BigMuggs21 Couldn't agree with you more. Aa Elvis himself would say "I'm not the King of anything, I'm just an entertainer", there's only one King and that's Christ Jesus".
I just love this song no matter who sings it, but when u see Elvis sit down, looking so overweight and knowing he is not well and actually near death you can't believe what come out of his mouth. He effortlessly belts out this wonderful rendition and does it sooo well it makes you cry. The high notes and the low ones and the emotion he puts into it is outstanding. I LOVE IT.
Elvis was musically trained. However it didn't occur until 1959 while he was in the Army. Charlie Hodge, who is holding the microphone in this video tells the story of Elvis' music training. Charlie who was also a singer met Elvis in Germany while both stationed there. In their second year in the Army Elvis rented a home where he lived with Charlie, and other friends along with his father. During that year, Elvis continuously worked on his vocals with Charlie. Elvis was a huge fan of Pavarroti, and other masters of opera, listening to the freq. Charlie said by the time the year was up, Elvis range had increased another octave. You can hear the difference in the music he released in the early 60s. 2 of his songs that demonstrate his operatic style incorporated in his music are "Surrender" and "It Now or Never" ( O Sola Mio). Btw Pavarotti was a great fan of Elvis, once commenting, "Elvis can sing Pavarroti, but Pavarotti can't sing Elvis. Love this! Thanks
Elvis was also a huge fan of Mario Lanza. I think at some point Elvis was disappointed that he never made an opera record in his career, which I'm sure he could have it would have been tremendous. Imagine if Elvis had lived at least into the late 90s or early 2000s....... for a new twist in his career he could have joined with the Three Tenors (Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras) and it could have been "Quattro Tenoli" - The Four Tenors!
This is incredibly sad. His voice is so beautiful, but it's clear he is having trouble breathing. At the age of 42, so many people are accomplishing incredibly physical feats at this age. Just 7 years prior during the Vegas "That's The Way It Is" performances, he looks like a superhero. He aged incredibly in a few short years. My eyes are welled up with tears and I've scene this many times before. Thanks for taking one for the team, Lauren. It's not an easy one to get through.
After his passing I was not able to look at this footage for at least 10 years. I found it too confronting to see him in such pain and discomfort. Great reaction.
no auto tune with Elvis....all RAW talent ...no one will sing better than him. even artists have said once Elvis sang their songs they didnt want to do them again as he done it better
Bob Dylan said of the thousands of covers of his songs, it was the one covered by Elvis that he cherished most. It was either Jerry Hopkins or Dave Marsh who said that Elvis always found something in songs that even the composer didn’t know was there.
First from a third generation Elvis fan thank you for keeping Elvis alive in 2022. Next, there is nothing sadder than this performance to an Elvis fan expect for long black limousine his funeral procession. I have been watching the performance for over 30 years and it still makes me tear up. He was an amazing man gone too soon. Elvis would be glad we didn't forget him. Thanks again
I agree, however, his Are you Lonesome Tonight from the same set of shows is pretty heartbreaking, especially that moment where he's forgotten the words and said 'why did you ever do it you fool...' Oh, and his performance of I'm so Lonesome I could cry, from the Aloha from Hawaii. Again, especially when the teardrop tumbles down his cheek. But I have always, and will for evermore, be a huge fan. His talent soars far above the all others... and there are some outstanding vocalists out there.
This is so bittersweet for me knowing now how sick he was then. That being said, his voice never failed him. We're so lucky that God gave Elvis to us if only for a short time and that we have all of his music and performances for a lifetime. There will NEVER be another like Elvis.
I love Elvis and will always do that, I love his music and most of all his humanitarian side. I have been to Graceland last year, I hope to one day be back, but not on a charter trip, but with a friend. This song made me sad, because he was so sick here, that is why I will put some poems in here, one that is a bit happy and one a little sad. I wrote these two poems several years ago, before I got hit in the head by a Tram, I hope you like them Today. You have today, it's yours Yesterday has past it's gone You don't have any promises about tomorrow You have today, so fill it with something, so that someone tonight are happy that you exist ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lost I feel a great pain in my chest and tears are falling They are falling down like raindrops over my cheek My eyes are burning and every breath feels painful It feels like something is crushing my lounges I'm trying to think of something else, but I can’t My thoughts keep pounding in my head What is the point of living, who will die next Perhaps I should end it all Those thoughts keep pounding in my mind When I try to talk to people, then none listens Can't they bear to listen, or do they just not care Aren't I worth listening to Why did she abandon me, am I condemned to live all alone If that is the case, why am I alive at all then All I know is that I feel abandoned and alone Yes I should perhaps end it all Who is then going to talk about her No, I have to live on and talk about her In a way she is living through me Someone might do the same for me sometime
My husband & I watched the new "Elvis" movie recently. It ends with this clip of Elvis singing "Unchained Melody". I find it very heartbreaking watching this performance as Elvis was not well at all. But he still had a great voice right to the end.
I've managed to watch this video only once, thats enough, I cried. The way he looks at the audience like a little boy, as if asking them, am I good enough? After every show he asked the same question. Mr Presley was too good for this world, too soft, too caring for others, he was used, he had no life at the end, Ginger has just said in an interview, paid l expect, he wouldn't come out of his bedroom his last weeks, she had to sit in there with him. A beautiful man inside and out, his fame killed him in the end. The king is dead, long live the king ❤
While Elvis never went to a conservatory, he did rely on his Gospel quartets, The Jordanaires, The Imperials and The Stamps, for coaching and advice. But he was just the most gifted of all singers. Wonderful and meaningful reaction!
,, You made the statement to appease this girls need for validation of her coaching profession. furnish a source for your assertion that Elvis was coached by any of them. A quote by any one of his close friends or the those you named. I'll wait here.
@@warrendelay Gordon Stoker of the Jordanaires on Sirius satellite radio . Elvis was recording surrender. He asked how to hit the final note. Gordon referred and directed Elvis to the muscle group in his stomach They were all music teachers and steeped in theory.
@@Matrim42 you can blame his stupid manager to getting him hooked on them as well he should of been thrown in prison along with the doctor who gave him the medication
@@Matrim42for this specific performance he was reportedly clear headed. I’m not sure if that means he was completely without drugs or just enough to function or only what was medically necessary. But not high at any rate
clue to the ignorant. The reason Elvis died was because of the drugs he was abusing....If you ever bothered to read anything about drug abuse, you would realize how it destroys the body, bringing on ailments that didnt exist prior to the drug abuse.....Do yourself a favor and stop saying dumb things.
He was amazing. He died 3 days after my 9 birthday. I didn't know he had past away during that day - Aug 16th. It was an odd night. My parents went to bed early and left me watching the tv - for the news to come on. They showed Elvis swinging a torch around - the clip was from Aloha from Hawaii and they said he was dead. I just started balling and it ruined the rest of my summer and I was devastated for years. My parents didn't have the heart to tell me --- face to face. I get it - it was ok. I went to the Austin Butler Elvis movie and wept about 10 times during the movie. Long live Elvis and rock and roll ! He was amazing. PS: the first 45 rpm record I bought in 1975 and it was "Hound Dog" and "Don't Be Cruel."
It's January 5th, 2024 when I found this. I was in the 7th grade when Elvis came over the radio in S.E. Kansas. A great time to be alive:) Having listened to this performance on youtube a few years ago..... today was the first "review" I have seen and thank you very much for the manner in which you presented this. Thank you!
I don't think Elvis was high for this performance. Was he sick? Yes absolutely. He had alot of medical issues going on in 1977. This performance just 6 weeks before his death he still gave a great rendition of this song.
You can tell he has heart issues. Fluid overload. Instead of giving him a medication he should have been seen by a heart doctor. God was ready to bring him Home and he was ready to go home. Now he has Lisa Marie by his side❤️
@@brandonvandine1695 I would say he was highly medicated. At this point in his usage he probably felt 'normal' when he was dosed up, but it was killing him also. Treating his ailments + loads of pain meds ate him from the inside out.
I hate to hear people talking about his drug problems before they do research on why he was on so many drugs. He had so many health issues and he didn't use drugs to be high. He was and still is the best entertainer of all times. He was pure talent. No choreography. No auto-tunes. One and only, the KING 💋❤❤❤
Yes Elvis was a drug addict ! Yes we all loved him and his talent …. But don’t be so ignorant . Elvis pharmacy shopped and had several physicians to write duplicate scripts …. That is fact ! His talent unequaled for sure .. his heart and soul beautifully endearing and no others can match him ……. No malice though in stating facts about his demons !
@dllavid Great post dllavid I was going to respond with similar opinion as yours. People are so mislead about Elvis's drug problems. Sure, he was on medication for alot of ailments, but he was also taking many other prescription meds to function every day. His own Memphis mafia group of men say the same thing, that Elvis was an addict. They all took drugs back in the day..together as a group, so it wasn't just Elvis. They / Memphis mafia men may not have been addicts but they all heavily participated which I'm sure didn't help Elvis's worsening drug problems. Elvis kept taking stronger and stronger meds as well. His own Dr filled prescriptions for him by the thousands (of pills) I believe another Dr stated the amount of drugs that were prescribed to Elvis equaled 48 pills a day, which is alarming, but that was the extent of medication that he was able to get, and take and I believe that's just one Dr. in Memphis. He had more Drs in Vegas so you can imagine the access to prescription drugs that Elvis had when home or away in Vegas. He was no doubt one of a kind for sure, but his death was on him. People from all areas of his life tried to help him. A few directly involved had mentioned that Elvis was a grown man..he made the decision to not seek help for his drug problem and for alot of health conditions he had. You can't force an adult to get help if they refuse and don't want it. Unfortunately, he's 1 of many musicians whose deaths involved drugs. The only difference was Elvis's talent..it was far beyond the greats back in the day. It's amazing that he's been gone 46 years this year, and he is still missed and adored by millions, as if his death just occurred. His legacy will surely live on forever.
Ya'll act as though Elvis was the only entertainer who used drugs! There are many entertainers who uses drugs. Stop stereo typing the most famous person of all time. "The King of Rock n Roll" look at Michael Jackaon he was a drug addict amongst thousands of others!!!!!!! Also, there's not 1 perfect person on this earth. So, keep you ignorant comment to yourself you look like a fool!
@@dllavid- I agree, 100%, so many people want to believe Elvis was not on drugs. He was just sick and swollen. Elvis was on drugs, practically his whole adult life. He just got worse each decade. That doesn’t mean we don’t love the 👑 of rock ‘n’ roll, and his beautiful voice,
This. We can’t say that he didn’t or that he did get “high,” but we can certainly say that at least some of the drugs he was on were necessary for the very serious chronic illnesses Elvis struggled through.
No one puts emotion into a song like Elvis. There's a song for every mood. A lot of people who worked with him say he was an excellent interpreter of songs even getting more out of the song than the original artist thought possible. The vocal capability is made even more impressive considering he had asthma and COPD.
Elvis is a point of light for humanity. Across cultures and generations his greatness has persisted, not only because of talent, but his genuineness. He IS and ALWAYS will be the king.
If I may, contrary to popular belief, The Righteous Brothers, also covered this song: it wasn’t their composition. They certainly popularised it, and a lovely version it was too, but Elvis always makes the definitive version, I’d suggest. A lovely day to all.
This was Elvis's last performance. If you really listen and watch him on a very deep level. You will hear his soul singing this song to God. It was as if he somehow knew. And that brings me to tears every time.
Exactly Im a grown ass man, 60 yrs old, retired military. Dont tell anyone cant allow people around to see,only his voice in this song makes my eyes tear up alot.
NOT his last performance. This was in Rapid City, SD on June 21, 1977. This was the last videoed performance for the CBS special which was released after his death. Two of my sisters were at this concert.
Un Rey como la copa de un pino, canto con el corazón, hizo un esfuerzo brutal, para alcanzar las notas mas altas, y módulo su gran voz, le costaba respirar, estaba en las ultimas, pero dejo una vez más su capacidad vocal increíble.Es Elvis the King.
The person holding the microphone is Charlie Hodge, who Elvis met in the service. He was Elvis ‘s right hand man all those years. If one just listens to this performance w/o seeing his appearance, it is magnificent.
For someone who would be dead 6 weeks later, this was the performance of a lifetime delivered with unbelievable power & control considering that on a physical & emotional level everything was falling apart
This man literally gave his life to his fans just got served his country and while he was serving his country his mom died and that devastated his world he would never be the same again he had to leave his family and go back to to Germany this man literally gave his whole life to his people. He was so scared that he would not be the same person he was before the army. I think he got out of the army in 1960 keep in mind he didn't perform live until 68 this man was so fucking nervous he called it quits and showed up at the last minute to do it. I'm obviously a huge Elvis fan. Elvis Presley gave everything he had until he died. He hated the movies it was so mundane and boring read the stories read the biographies watch the movies watch the shows. I say this with tears as an Elvis fan. Elvis gave his life for his fans. He hated the last 8 years of his life. He was depressed and he missed his mother. Elvis is my hero Elvis is my musical icon THE BEST MUSICIAN EVER ALL TIME. When I hear people talk about Elvis can't sing Elvis can't play Elvis can't do this I was can't do that I'm just did everything that every musician nowadays looks back on and thanks for their career
5.47 mark....the last ROAR of a once mighty lion .....heartbreaking / beautiful .....futhermore ....4.37 and before smiles in this vid ...ohh that million dollar smile at the bitter end , it makes you and the world before this time feel warm / sweet / happy ....and now in this tragic situation at the end ......respectful / brave / heartbroken but PROUD of this lovely soul being in your life .....thanks for vid ....grateful
I am a lifelong Elvis fan (since I was 10 years old). This performance is utterly heart-breaking, but Elvis's voice never ever gave up on him. The smile at the end was a glimmer of brightness in that he even knew he still had it. The King.
Excellent reaction. However, one thing you got wrong is that Elvis did not get high as he never consumed illegal drugs. His physical appearance was the result of a deadly combination of issues. 1. Enlarged heart and colon due to a rare and painful inflammatory disease 2. Hectic schedule combined with severe sleep loss 3. Diabetes 4. TBIs - traumatic brain injuries from falls / football / martial arts 5. a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a major cause of intractable pain and other chronic health problems. 6. Over prescribed Codeine pain killer and other drugs prescribed to him by his personal physician Dr. Nick. Some combination of the above in addition to his heart disease caused a perfect storm and tragically took him life. Elvis needed rest in the form of a special clinical vacation of say six months , and specialist doctors to work together in tandem to treat Elvis, instead of his single doctor Dr Nick who was not working in Elvis’ best interests but in Tom Parker’s best interests.
In fairness, Elvis had several doctors at his disposal and I think Dr. Nick did his best to try and control the meds. But if Nick didn’t give Elvis what he wanted, he’d just go to another doctor and get it from them.
@@Ash-pc2uw You're absolutely right, Dr Nick not only failed morally, he also violated his sacred Hippocratic Oath. he was not blind to Elvis's addictions to medically unnecessary medication. obviously Elvis's demise was self inflicted. but Dr Nick and ANY doctor that prescribed meds that were not medically essential was guilty of malpractice. as for folks like Steven Pomeroy that claim to know all about Elvis's illnesses when in fact there is no evidence but conjecture and speculation on many of them.. They are simply enablers and excuse makers attempting to excuse Elvis of his own weaknesses and abuses. As one of his close confidantes stated (I think Lamar Fike or Marty Lacker) "Elvis took drugs BECAUSE HE LIKED THEM".. and that's it in a nut shell... and they killed him.
i am a huge Elvis fan, but let's be honest. You do not need illegal drugs to get high!!! Dr Nick prescribed what Elvis needed to get through those last days. So the comment was not wrong...
He wasn't singing the Righteous Brothers arrangement in this video. He was singing the 1955 Roy Hamilton version. I watched this in it's entirety when it was released in October 1977 and I can assure you that Elvis was NOT high. This concert showed how badly he was struggling. He was bloated, sweating profusely and forgetting some lines in songs. His eyes were bright, his pupils normal. His respiration was normal until he let his voice shine and belted away. Anyone looking could see he was singing his heart out and that voice didn't fail him but those around him did...including his father. No one wanted to upset their cash cow and it resulted in his very young death. I would love to know the names of the vocal coaches that worked with him. He will always be the King.❤
This man was never coached just raw talent he was born with who created rock and roll and so much more that everyone since has tried to follow or copy there will never be anyone like Elvis ever again Greatest Entertainer and vocalist of all time 😁
you should listen to Elvis' version of Never Been to Spain. it truly shows the range of his voice. others to consider, American Trilogy, What Now My Love, & Bridge Over Troubled Water.
He didn't do drugs. I doubt he was "high". He was on prescription medications. He had some serious health issues, which, caused him pain. His body was failing, but his voice never left him. It only grew stronger.
Prescriptions can make you “high” especially in large doses. As someone who has been prescribed Percocet & other meds for pain - I know what legal “high” feels like. It gets you through things otherwise impossible.
@@SN-sz7kwPercocet will undoubtedly make a person feel "high", if that same person is taking it recreationally and without medical necessity. Whereas, a cancer patient can take the same amount of Percocet and not feel "high" whatsoever. Relief from legitimate pain is not the same as "getting high". My statement comes from personal experience. So, unless you can also share relative personal experience, I suggest you not try to lay claim that you know how a person feels. Regardless, medications are notorious for affecting people differently. So your idea that anyone taking a prescription opiod medication will get "high" like everyone else is not only ludicrous but ill-informed as well.
Elvis Presley put his heart and soul into his singing and he set levels in music that people are still to this day trying to equal! He was truly Blessed with a talent that only a few ever have! What amazes me is that men today are still mimicking his music only to fall way short! I grew up with Elvis and watched his career blossom and soar then dwindle only to be revived after his death!
His final performances of this, “My Way”, and “How Great Thou Art”, were definitely soul driven. I wonder who you thought his vocal coaches were. In everything I’ve read, seen, or heard, that has never been mentioned. People around him talk about him sitting at the piano by himself and singing. I suppose in the movies he had some direction.
Elvis never went to take vocal lessons as we know it, but Ray Walker of the Jordanaires coached Elvis often to hit some very tough notes. Also Ed Enoch of the Stamps Quartet didn't officially give Elvis lessons, but they would collaborate on the best way to deliver the notes in certain songs. Elvis was just a naturally gifted vocalist, but he was surrounded by professional vocalist who occasionally would give Elvis tips to improve a note, but only if Elvis asked for their advice. I had the pleasure of getting to meet and perform with many of Elvis' original band members in my short career as a singer/songwriter, and all of them had unique stories of how Elvis personally touched their lives in a positive way.
I attended his concert in Atlanta on Dec 30th 1976, and he performed this song...Incredible live... One note...the band coming in at the end is an edit. That was actually the closing vamp edited in... the band did not actually cut in, but neither either or there, Great review.
I like everything about this reaction honestly. Spot-on. I read some comments below that seem critical but all of what you said makes sense to me. It's too that he did not have formal vocal training but especially as you got later in his career he did have coaching to help keep his voice in shape and just to move them along to the next step which has musician myself, that's what we all do. I didn't take any lessons on anything after taking serious classical piano from kindergarten to ninth grade in that set everything up, it set the stage to be able to self teach myself everything else and the same as two of my singing I didn't have any training there and I'm nowhere near on the level of Elvis, but I can truly appreciate how good he was and I honestly believe that his Mastery and control of his voice and delivery kept going up up up and up right until the day he died, I mean, just contrast his 1972 performance of How Great Thou Art to the performance of that same song in this same concert here eight weeks before his death. Not only is he borderline operatic here, what he asked of his backing vocalist is also just astounded. In comparison I mean. It's wild to contrast the two. And as far as being high, people are saying that you meant that he was using illicit drugs when that word is used in so many ways, and I'm sure you meant it as just he was on lots of medication. Some of my friends growing up use the word not only to describe pop but also just to only describe sometimes getting really buzzed on alcohol. They were like yeah I was high man. So I don't know why people would single that out. I can't remember what your previous Elvis video was but I'm pretty sure it's the reason that I had previously subscribed has this just popped up in my feed and I looked at it and realized I definitely was subscribed. But there is so much and I really love your take on things as a vocal instructor I really do. I would love to hear you respond to him singing bridge over troubled water from the 1970s Vegas live concert or How Great Thou Art from this exact same final live show. I would also say my way, either one of the most popular TH-cam results oh, and also, what now my love. Just fantastic singing performances. And of course I loved all his early stuff especially the more rockabilly hard-driving stuff, I've covered some of those in bands that I have been in.
I was 14 in 1977 as I watched this Live Performance on our new Stereo Console 27" (Big Screen) TV. It gave me the Chillies then and still does today, no matter how many times I watch. Even at that age I knew he was in trouble. He was High as a KITE but he was also having breathing issues. We now know he had Heart trouble, enlarged and blocked. Diabetes he wasn't tending to at all and was so strung out on RX pills and shots, Uppers AND Downers, he didn't know if he was coming or going. I had watched my Mom going through the very same thing just 5 years earlier until she died on Labor Day, 1975. I had found her on the brink of death in 1972 but ultimately couldn't save her from the RX doctors were doling out in the 1970s. Momma's Little Helpers they called them.
Elvis Presley's performance of “Unchained Melody” at Ann Arbor Michigan's Crisler Arena in 1977 Is the final song on the soundtrack to "Elvis." Elvis also performed at Saginaw Michigan's Dow Event Center inside Wendler Arena on April 25th and May 3rd in 1977.
This performance was in Rapid City, South Dakota. It wasn't his last live performance. That was five days later on June 26th in Indianapolis, Indiana. What you're watching is from Elvis In Concert that was created from two different shows: one on June 19th and the other on June 21st. It didn't air until after his death.
Know leave Elvis what happened going here so sad camera believes dead heart failure knows 1977 August 16 age 42 Heaven You can't wait black to white old man with birthday 1935 alive 85' you walk Elvis presley legend l love singing Esther moments Elvis presley amazing beautiful voices Rest in peace Elvis 🕊
Great evaluation of the performance. No question he was in a lot of trouble as he would pass away just six weeks later after this performance. Even on his deathbed, He gave a bare knuckles performance that other artist only dream of giving on their best day.
No ONE TOLD ELVIS WHAT TO DO.., He absolutely did a song the way he felt it. He was the producer and always in control… There will never be anyone like him again Elvis WAS TRULY THE MAN THAT REVOLUTIONIZED music and gave people what they needed something that belonged to them, his cultural impact is still felt today, just think about that for a bit, it’s pretty amazing,,,! He has been gone longer than he lived & he is still a huge part of our pop culture..Name any artist that comes close to that even a little… Elvis was and still is that once in a lifetime talent that just is unexplainable!! 😻 🎉❤
Six weeks after this performance, he was gone. The prescription medication is well documented, but consider the physical pain he was enduring and the myriad medical issues he was facing, despite being just 42. There has never been a voice like his and like never will be.
Hi Lauren, I never felt Elvis was " high" during this performance. He was very physically unwell and consequently passed 6 weeks later.That voice was a gift from God. What a selfless ,beautiful soul.
I don't know if 6 months ago when you pinned this on here Lauren, anyone told you in the comments that Elvis performed 6 concerts after this one, with his very last being on June 26th 1977 in Indianopolis, Indiana, USA. THAT is a fantastic concert which was longer by far than all his other shows at the time, maybe he knew? Anyway unfortunately though it says that the 'full' performance of that show is on line, it's best to get hold of a 'preferably instead of cd 'vinyl record bootleg version of his 'Whole Full Last Concert!! Love you lots. Maybe we'll meet and marry one day.♥😀😘
I believe Elvis was singing this song to his mother on that final tour. Elvis at this time was dealing with not being able to sleep and not being able to 💩 - he had an impacted colon. So I can only imagine the discomfort he was going thru. I don't know about y'all, but if I'm not sleeping right and not 💩 ing right I'm one miserable SOB.
Elvis wasn't high, he was doped up on pain killers because he was in agony, and yet he could still put in a performance like this. Sadly six weeks later he would leave this world forever.....
oh my god , in my opinion on this last performance ever , we can see the power of human passion, his voice is so powerfull!!!! AMAZING!!!!! gosebumps....
This song just knocks every one else out of the running. What volume he has. I don't think he was having problems with breathing as much as he Wanted to put power into the words. Boy did he.
What was it about ELVIS He had everything’ in one package I have watched him sing Unchained Melody both on TV in England back in the day and many times on videos posted Even 26th June 1977 only weeks before he died his VOICE NEVER let him down For me it’s hard to watch and I cry buckets but he gave his all 😢😢😭😭🙏🙏⚡️⚡️⚡️🤩🤩♥️♥️♥️🏴🏴🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
This was actually recorded at one of his last performances (River City, Dakota, 21st of June 1977). His last concert was on the 26th. He would die just short of two months after this recording.
I saw this special when it first aired. It was aired several weeks after Elvis died. The ending with Vernon Presley, was a gut punch! To get the full emotional effect of this clip, it's vital to watch from the moment he walks to the piano, and does a few false starts, it seems at first that he was failing, but, it may have been a joke. Then when he does settle down, and begins playing, it is electric!
You have to remember elvis wasn't high on drugs it was perscription medications for many illness . Now for vocal coaching he asked his back up singers the joardanairs for advice . In the song Surrender he wanted advice for the end and the bass singer helped him . He was never afraid to ask for help or advice
Thank you! Elvis was hating street drugs. He was very ill. I‘m mad at people to say he was high or drunk. They don‘t know much from Elvis. They should read „Destined to die young“.
Most of Elvis' drug use in his final years were used in almost always unsuccessful attempts to sleep. He had insomnia through out his life and it worsened in his final years.
Well no worries.....I cried as hard as I always do when I watch this one. He truly was a master and nails it..& as you clearly state....in spite of his poor health. I guess that's the part that makes me cry the most.....I seriously feel the emotion of his pain. Now that's art!
Context matters and compassion is everything! Did the uppers and downers Elvis took give him a high, sure… but first of all saying he was high in a reaction video in which this video may have been the first time for another individual to be introduced to ELVIS PRESLEY is an example of why many associate Elvis with this disrespectful stigma that breaks my heart. He was a cultural icon for reasons people don’t understand because many make flippant comments about his prescription drug use, his weight and diet in the late 70’s, etc., and the knowledge of Elvis stops. This man was a one of a kind singer, artist, producer (yes, he produced his music and was incredibly talented), performer, entertainer, sex icon, humanitarian… the list goes on and on. At this point, an amphetamine such as Ritalin was being used to keep him awake because of the toll sleeping medications had on his body not functioning properly, as well as him having a twisted colon, hyper tension, glaucoma, and other health issues he had prior to prescription drug use, it was genetic. He also always had intense insomnia, his girlfriends prior to him going to the army such as Dixie, June, and Anita all attested to his insomnia. He was not known to have never taken any sleeping medications prior to being exposed to Dexedrine in the Army to keep him away to perform duties. I truly believe at this point the feeling of being high wasn’t a factor, I think he was in survival mode and drugs were used to stimulate his body to work properly. Context matters! And he endures a huge blessing and burden being skyrocketed into a level of fame that has never been equally matched. He had no peers to relate to and there had to of been loneliness and depression associated with all of his success. Lisa Marie’s song “Nobody noticed it” is a beautiful song written about her daddy who she was fiercely protective of, rightfully so. AS FAR AS BEING COACHED… what made ELVIS a universal household name, no last name necessary, was his GOD GIVEN TALENT and his SOUL. Those Beale Street Rhythm & Blues roots.
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he was on his decline by then. he knew it and he was strugling with everything he was very ill and suffering from an identity crisis from being dusalusioned with the world . he had his heart broke many times by then. im convened he was sick and tired of the persona he built and was just ready to be elvis eron presley , when he died I was 7 and it wrecked me.
you couldn't have convinced me he was on his decent from his heights. would have called you a liar . I was naive. i loved him like i knew him . he will live in my heart until I expire. GOD bless the king. he blessed us all with him.
When that man smiled, it is impossible to not smile back.
He smiled with his mind, body & soul!
🙌 YES!!👏
I think too many times people focus on saying Elvis was high and on drugs and all that. I try to focus on how extremely talented this man was. How he can interpret a song better than anyone else. A very unique voice. Check out his gospel songs you'll see how good this man was.
He wasn’t high. He was sick. Very, very sick.
He was never high!!! Annoys me when they say this. Medicated maybe but never high!
I agree
Totally agree elvis was never high just so so ill and his doctor subscribed to many medicine to elvis. R.i.p
Elvis’ gospel music is excellent.🕺
His voice never left, his talent continues today. Only one Elvis, forever!!
The only built ONE no others compare.
He had glaucoma, sleep insomnia, severe depression, body dysmorphia, extreme constipation and twisted liver. He poured his soul into this performance, would out perform so many today. He could hardly stand and talk and gave us this
All that is what I have.
Also hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
I think EVERYONE should read " Destined to die young" & DR Forrest Tennants (World renowned Neurologists, was present at all 4 of Elvis Autopsies, was the state hired Medical Expert for Dr Nichopoulos trial VS the Tennessee medical board & The State of Tennessee wrongful death trial. He is the only person who has has Elvis ENTIRE medical files from Birth to death, has written hundreds of medical articles in the New England Medical journal on Elvis, podcasts, blogs all with Dr Nick & was the Medical Expert also hired in Howard Hughes 1970's trial, and STILL practices medicine). Elvis had MAJOR health problems from birth. There is WAY more to that story. His mom, Grandma Doll & 6 of his 8 uncles all died in their 40's. Elvis suffered 4 traumatic brain injuries the last being in 1967. He tripped over a television cord in the bathroom and he was unconcious for over 8hrs before he was found! According to his medical records and everyone around him he was never the same. He suffered from massive migraines and developed glaucoma hence the shades you start seeing in 1969. It's what made his eyes water on stage so much. According to his autopsy findings a piece of his brain tissue was jarred loose passing thru his brain barrier. His body began attacking it like a foreign substance and lead to an Autoimmune inflammatory disorder. Then his body began to attack itself. In 1967 they had NO CLUE about Brain Injuries and just how they affect the body. They noted on his medical records at the time that he had 'post concussion syndrome'. By 1970 Elvis was having major problems with his memory , remembering lyrics and names, severe body aches & chronic pain. His joints and limbs, even his lower spine to the point he started using a cane. He wouldn't do Karate as much on stage and he started needing much stronger medications. By 1971 he was seeing 13 specialists trying to diagnose exactly what was causing so many ailments. They had NO MRI's or CT scans, only XRays!
He took perscriptions to deal with his Genetic health problems (now we know found at all 4 Autopsys), his enlarged paralyzed colon, Glaucoma, Antitrypsin Deficiency, a condition which can result in lung and/or liver disease both of which he had severely at the time of his death. Elvis was never a smoker or drinker. He had Together with the immune system disorder, hypogammaglobulinemia, which plagued Elvis all his life and caused him to constantly fight various infections. His “inherited” weak heart, reactive arthritis, and the impact of his nocturnal lifestyle, resulting in a lack of vitamin D, the effects of which contributed to respiratory infections, reduced immune function, and inflammation. He had Cytochrome disease a defect in his CYP2D6 gene that can convert Coedine into Morphine in the body. Which is why he developed Cushings Disease. He had spinal blocks in 1975 in his spine which caused Cushings. He stopped breathing and was placed into the hospital, his face, and Abdomen were huge and would never fully go down. The press was calling him fat, but he was so sick. Only a handful of people knew what really was going on. Dr Forrest Tennant a world leading Neurologists was given all Elvis medical files and was at all 4 autopsies. He represented Elvis Dr Nick Nichopoulos at his trial in the State of Tennessee & against the Medical Board. He was the specialists in Howard Hughes Medical Trial too. He had written a book on this, numerous blogs, medical journal contributions, and even a podcast. He is still practicing medicine and talks openly about how this lead EXACTLY to Elvis death. People are still repeating the same uneducated guesses that 4 autopsies have disproven and medical science keeps proving were wrong.
Of the 11 bodily systems that operate to keep us alive and hopefully healthy. Critically, Elvis suffered disease or disorder in nine of them! And five were present from birth and pre his fame. His heart (circulatory system), his lungs (respiratory system), and his bowels (digestive/excretory systems) required medication. Insomnia affected his nervous system……His immune system was compromised. His urinary system was not functioning properly. At one point there was even talk of dialysis.
Often he is dismissed as just another rock ‘n’ roll drug addict. He wasn't taking street drugs. He was taking perscriptions not to "ESCAPE" he was taking them to try to maintain some sense of normalcy as himself in a time where the medical field was limited. No DNA, Genetics, No MRI's, little known about the addiction, his dystrophy & No understanding of Vitamin D even.
Looking at the illnesses and disorders, that mounted upon each other over the decades, it’s no coincidence that Elvis’ prescription drug use increased as his health declined. From ear infections to chronic tonsilitis to recurrent flus to eye infections and glaucoma…..these arguably insignificant ailments independently, grew into something more. As his body broke down, alongside multiple immune system disorders and genetic complications, prescription medication and his handy PDR tried to fill the gaps. When that no longer worked, hospital stays became the norm and his list of ailments grew.
The sicker he got, the more prescriptions he was prescribed. He was seeing a cardiologist before he bought Graceland. He was 20yrs old. They have gone through Elvis's entire life of medical records & now have an entire different story now. This is all the facts Geraldo & 20/20 never stated. He accidentally took the Codine the dentist's gave him that night due to the volume found in his blood at autopsy. His Genetic condition of Cytochrome Disease of his CYP2D6 defect caused his Coedine to build up in toxic levels to which he was deathly allergic to. He had been hospitalized twice before and had stopped breathing on a previous flight from. It caused his massively enlarged heart that was already failing to stop. His heart was 3 times a natural size weighing 520grams. It was missed in all 3 of his last medical visits. It had given him problems from records stating ATLEAST age 19. Hastened along by an rich Southern diet & an Autoimmune inflammatory disorder poor Elvis didn't stand a chance. Science wasn't even to the point where they could have helped him.
What is twisted liver.
Twisted coon,compacted bowel, not twisted live, asthma. His heart was also nearly twice the size it should have been.
As Bruce Springsteen once said of Elvis Presley. "It's like he came along and whispered a dream, and somehow we all heard it. There have been pretenders and contenders, but there's only one King" Undoubtedly without question, one of the most brilliantly, remarkably talented, gifted, mesmerizing, captivating, spellbinding, magical entertainers to have ever graced the world stage. Elvis Aaron Presley, the echoes of the incredible legacy, artistry he left behind, will never cease reverberating throughout the pages of time because the sun never sets upon a legend. Rest easy Hillbilly Cat. You are immeasurably, immeasurably loved, and truly, deeply, sincerely missed.
You have described Elvis to a T. . What a wonderful person he was. No one will ever replace him.
King of rock that is, the Christ is king 👍✝️
@BigMuggs21 Couldn't agree with you more. Aa Elvis himself would say "I'm not the King of anything, I'm just an entertainer", there's only one King and that's Christ Jesus".
I just love this song no matter who sings it, but when u see Elvis sit down, looking so overweight and knowing he is not well and actually near death you can't believe what come out of his mouth. He effortlessly belts out this wonderful rendition and does it sooo well it makes you cry. The high notes and the low ones and the emotion he puts into it is outstanding. I LOVE IT.
Elvis was musically trained. However it didn't occur until 1959 while he was in the Army. Charlie Hodge, who is holding the microphone in this video tells the story of Elvis' music training. Charlie who was also a singer met Elvis in Germany while both stationed there. In their second year in the Army Elvis rented a home where he lived with Charlie, and other friends along with his father. During that year, Elvis continuously worked on his vocals with Charlie. Elvis was a huge fan of Pavarroti, and other masters of opera, listening to the freq. Charlie said by the time the year was up, Elvis range had increased another octave. You can hear the difference in the music he released in the early 60s. 2 of his songs that demonstrate his operatic style incorporated in his music are "Surrender" and "It Now or Never" ( O Sola Mio). Btw Pavarotti was a great fan of Elvis, once commenting, "Elvis can sing Pavarroti, but Pavarotti can't sing Elvis. Love this! Thanks
Elvis was also a huge fan of Mario Lanza. I think at some point Elvis was disappointed that he never made an opera record in his career, which I'm sure he could have it would have been tremendous.
Imagine if Elvis had lived at least into the late 90s or early 2000s....... for a new twist in his career he could have joined with the Three Tenors (Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras) and it could have been "Quattro Tenoli" - The Four Tenors!
WRONG, no one on planet Earth ever "musically trained" Elvis. His was a pure, raw, natural talent.
This is incredibly sad. His voice is so beautiful, but it's clear he is having trouble breathing. At the age of 42, so many people are accomplishing incredibly physical feats at this age. Just 7 years prior during the Vegas "That's The Way It Is" performances, he looks like a superhero. He aged incredibly in a few short years. My eyes are welled up with tears and I've scene this many times before. Thanks for taking one for the team, Lauren. It's not an easy one to get through.
Apparently he was on a steroid for his colon that would get twisted up which caused his bloated appearance in this video
I love this -- they blended this live performance into the ending of the Elvis movie which featured Austin Butler.
After his passing I was not able to look at this footage for at least 10 years. I found it too confronting to see him in such pain and discomfort. Great reaction.
no auto tune with Elvis....all RAW talent ...no one will sing better than him. even artists have said once Elvis sang their songs they didnt want to do them again as he done it better
Yes, like Paul Simon's reaction to Elvis covering Bridge Over Troubled Water ...Once Elvis covered a song, there was no topping it.
Bob Dylan said of the thousands of covers of his songs, it was the one covered by Elvis that he cherished most. It was either Jerry Hopkins or Dave Marsh who said that Elvis always found something in songs that even the composer didn’t know was there.
Agree totally.
I agree bridge over troubled water just amazing❤
When Elvis sings a song he owns the song. Does not matter who wrote it or sang it.
Oh yes 🙌🙌
So TRUE
First from a third generation Elvis fan thank you for keeping Elvis alive in 2022. Next, there is nothing sadder than this performance to an Elvis fan expect for long black limousine his funeral procession. I have been watching the performance for over 30 years and it still makes me tear up. He was an amazing man gone too soon. Elvis would be glad we didn't forget him. Thanks again
I agree, however, his Are you Lonesome Tonight from the same set of shows is pretty heartbreaking, especially that moment where he's forgotten the words and said 'why did you ever do it you fool...' Oh, and his performance of I'm so Lonesome I could cry, from the Aloha from Hawaii. Again, especially when the teardrop tumbles down his cheek. But I have always, and will for evermore, be a huge fan. His talent soars far above the all others... and there are some outstanding vocalists out there.
This is so bittersweet for me knowing now how sick he was then. That being said, his voice never failed him. We're so lucky that God gave Elvis to us if only for a short time and that we have all of his music and performances for a lifetime. There will NEVER be another like Elvis.
When he smiles, he's with us again, even through the pain and drugs.
Love Elvis. He was the best, such a beautiful generous soul
I love Elvis and will always do that, I love his music and most of all his humanitarian side.
I have been to Graceland last year, I hope to one day be back, but not on a charter trip, but with a friend.
This song made me sad, because he was so sick here, that is why I will put some poems in here, one that is a bit happy and one a little sad.
I wrote these two poems several years ago, before I got hit in the head by a Tram, I hope you like them
Today.
You have today, it's yours
Yesterday has past it's gone
You don't have any promises about tomorrow
You have today, so fill it with something, so that someone tonight are happy that you exist
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost
I feel a great pain in my chest and tears are falling
They are falling down like raindrops over my cheek
My eyes are burning and every breath feels painful
It feels like something is crushing my lounges
I'm trying to think of something else, but I can’t
My thoughts keep pounding in my head
What is the point of living, who will die next
Perhaps I should end it all
Those thoughts keep pounding in my mind
When I try to talk to people, then none listens
Can't they bear to listen, or do they just not care
Aren't I worth listening to
Why did she abandon me, am I condemned to live all alone
If that is the case, why am I alive at all then
All I know is that I feel abandoned and alone
Yes I should perhaps end it all
Who is then going to talk about her
No, I have to live on and talk about her
In a way she is living through me
Someone might do the same for me sometime
Great review. I still can’t help crying to this performance…
My husband & I watched the new "Elvis" movie recently. It ends with this clip of Elvis singing "Unchained Melody". I find it very heartbreaking watching this performance as Elvis was not well at all. But he still had a great voice right to the end.
Y así logró la mejor interpretación de todos los tiempos y que hace sacar lagrimas.
💔
I've managed to watch this video only once, thats enough, I cried.
The way he looks at the audience like a little boy, as if asking them, am I good enough? After every show he asked the same question.
Mr Presley was too good for this world, too soft, too caring for others, he was used, he had no life at the end, Ginger has just said in an interview, paid l expect, he wouldn't come out of his bedroom his last weeks, she had to sit in there with him.
A beautiful man inside and out, his fame killed him in the end.
The king is dead, long live the king ❤
I'm here for Elvis .It always interests me to see voice coaches analyze his greatness and uniqueness.
This performance makes me sad because I remember watching this back then. He would die soon after. RIP Elvis A. Presley.
Hits you dead in the feels! ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC REACTION MY DEAR🫂🙏🤗🤗♥️❤️
While Elvis never went to a conservatory, he did rely on his Gospel quartets, The Jordanaires, The Imperials and The Stamps, for coaching and advice. But he was just the most gifted of all singers. Wonderful and meaningful reaction!
,, You made the statement to appease this girls need for validation of her coaching profession. furnish a source for your assertion that Elvis was coached by any of them. A quote by any one of his close friends or the those you named. I'll wait here.
@@warrendelay Gordon Stoker of the Jordanaires on Sirius satellite radio . Elvis was recording surrender. He asked how to hit the final note. Gordon referred and directed Elvis to the muscle group in his stomach They were all music teachers and steeped in theory.
One of the greatest live performances by an artist ever. RIP to the King of Rock and Roll!!!
He wasn't high on drugs, he was dying, the medication was keeping him going
I mean, he was also high on drugs. They were a big part of why he was dying.
@@Matrim42 you can blame his stupid manager to getting him hooked on them as well he should of been thrown in prison along with the doctor who gave him the medication
@@Matrim42for this specific performance he was reportedly clear headed. I’m not sure if that means he was completely without drugs or just enough to function or only what was medically necessary. But not high at any rate
clue to the ignorant. The reason Elvis died was because of the drugs he was abusing....If you ever bothered to read anything about drug abuse, you would realize how it destroys the body, bringing on ailments that didnt exist prior to the drug abuse.....Do yourself a favor and stop saying dumb things.
@@GrumpyFlyr1995 ummmm actually he was high....It is quite evident at the beginning of the concert when he speaks between songs.
He was amazing. He died 3 days after my 9 birthday. I didn't know he had past away during that day - Aug 16th. It was an odd night. My parents went to bed early and left me watching the tv - for the news to come on. They showed Elvis swinging a torch around - the clip was from Aloha from Hawaii and they said he was dead. I just started balling and it ruined the rest of my summer and I was devastated for years. My parents didn't have the heart to tell me --- face to face. I get it - it was ok. I went to the Austin Butler Elvis movie and wept about 10 times during the movie. Long live Elvis and rock and roll ! He was amazing.
PS: the first 45 rpm record I bought in 1975 and it was "Hound Dog" and "Don't Be Cruel."
critiques. Feel his voice in my bones! Just beautiful
It's January 5th, 2024 when I found this. I was in the 7th grade when Elvis came over the radio in S.E. Kansas. A great time to be alive:) Having listened to this performance on youtube a few years ago..... today was the first "review" I have seen and thank you very much for the manner in which you presented this. Thank you!
I don't think Elvis was high for this performance. Was he sick? Yes absolutely. He had alot of medical issues going on in 1977. This performance just 6 weeks before his death he still gave a great rendition of this song.
It was his last televised concert, he was suffering from high blood pressure,type 2 diabetes, he was going blind and was not in the best of health
You can tell he has heart issues. Fluid overload. Instead of giving him a medication he should have been seen by a heart doctor. God was ready to bring him Home and he was ready to go home. Now he has Lisa Marie by his side❤️
The producer said he was indeed high love him but he was high
@@brandonvandine1695 I would say he was highly medicated. At this point in his usage he probably felt 'normal' when he was dosed up, but it was killing him also. Treating his ailments + loads of pain meds ate him from the inside out.
@Mary Jane Not five concerts. This was June 21st. His last performance was June 26th. So no, not 5 concerts.
I hate to hear people talking about his drug problems before they do research on why he was on so many drugs. He had so many health issues and he didn't use drugs to be high. He was and still is the best entertainer of all times. He was pure talent. No choreography. No auto-tunes. One and only, the KING 💋❤❤❤
Yes Elvis was a drug addict ! Yes we all loved him and his talent …. But don’t be so ignorant . Elvis pharmacy shopped and had several physicians to write duplicate scripts …. That is fact ! His talent unequaled for sure .. his heart and soul beautifully endearing and no others can match him ……. No malice though in stating facts about his demons !
@dllavid
Great post dllavid
I was going to respond with similar opinion as yours.
People are so mislead about Elvis's drug problems.
Sure, he was on medication for alot of ailments, but he was also taking many other prescription meds to function every day.
His own Memphis mafia group of men say the same thing, that Elvis was an addict. They all took drugs back in the day..together as a group, so it wasn't just Elvis. They / Memphis mafia men may not have been addicts but they all heavily participated which I'm sure didn't help Elvis's worsening drug problems. Elvis kept taking stronger and stronger meds as well.
His own Dr filled prescriptions for him by the thousands (of pills) I believe another Dr stated the amount of drugs that were prescribed to Elvis equaled 48 pills a day, which is alarming, but that was the extent of medication that he was able to get, and take and I believe that's just one Dr. in Memphis. He had more Drs in Vegas so you can imagine the access to prescription drugs that Elvis had when home or away in Vegas.
He was no doubt one of a kind for sure, but his death was on him.
People from all areas of his life tried to help him. A few directly involved had mentioned that Elvis was a grown man..he made the decision to not seek help for his drug problem and for alot of health conditions he had. You can't force an adult to get help if they refuse and don't want it.
Unfortunately, he's 1 of many musicians whose deaths involved drugs.
The only difference was Elvis's talent..it was far beyond the greats back in the day.
It's amazing that he's been gone 46 years this year, and he is still missed and adored by millions, as if his death just occurred.
His legacy will surely live on forever.
Ya'll act as though Elvis was the only entertainer who used drugs! There are many entertainers who uses drugs. Stop stereo typing the most famous person of all time. "The King of Rock n Roll" look at Michael Jackaon he was a drug addict amongst thousands of others!!!!!!! Also, there's not 1 perfect person on this earth. So, keep you ignorant comment to yourself you look like a fool!
@@dllavid- I agree, 100%, so many people want to believe Elvis was not on drugs. He was just sick and swollen. Elvis was on drugs, practically his whole adult life. He just got worse each decade. That doesn’t mean we don’t love the 👑 of rock ‘n’ roll, and his beautiful voice,
This. We can’t say that he didn’t or that he did get “high,” but we can certainly say that at least some of the drugs he was on were necessary for the very serious chronic illnesses Elvis struggled through.
This is why he was the King, he could pour so much emotion in a song, something that is sadly missing these days in most artists.
great song, great reaction. no one gives his all like Elvis did. breaks my heart.
Lifelong Elvis fan, have never read that he had any voices coaches.
His impact will going to stay for ever and ever and ever
No one puts emotion into a song like Elvis. There's a song for every mood. A lot of people who worked with him say he was an excellent interpreter of songs even getting more out of the song than the original artist thought possible. The vocal capability is made even more impressive considering he had asthma and COPD.
Elvis is a point of light for humanity. Across cultures and generations his greatness has persisted, not only because of talent, but his genuineness. He IS and ALWAYS will be the king.
If I may, contrary to popular belief, The Righteous Brothers, also covered this song: it wasn’t their composition. They certainly popularised it, and a lovely version it was too, but Elvis always makes the definitive version, I’d suggest. A lovely day to all.
This was Elvis's last performance. If you really listen and watch him on a very deep level. You will hear his soul singing this song to God. It was as if he somehow knew. And that brings me to tears every time.
Exactly Im a grown ass man, 60 yrs old, retired military. Dont tell anyone cant allow people around to see,only his voice in this song makes my eyes tear up alot.
NOT his last performance. This was in Rapid City, SD on June 21, 1977.
This was the last videoed performance for the CBS special which was released after his death.
Two of my sisters were at this concert.
Un Rey como la copa de un pino, canto con el corazón, hizo un esfuerzo brutal, para alcanzar las notas mas altas, y módulo su gran voz, le costaba respirar, estaba en las ultimas, pero dejo una vez más su capacidad vocal increíble.Es Elvis the King.
The person holding the microphone is Charlie Hodge, who Elvis met in the service. He was Elvis ‘s right hand man all those years.
If one just listens to this performance w/o seeing his appearance, it is magnificent.
ELVIS was just natural.......and still the KING!
For someone who would be dead 6 weeks later, this was the performance of a lifetime delivered with unbelievable power & control
considering that on a physical & emotional level everything was falling apart
This man literally gave his life to his fans just got served his country and while he was serving his country his mom died and that devastated his world he would never be the same again he had to leave his family and go back to to Germany this man literally gave his whole life to his people. He was so scared that he would not be the same person he was before the army. I think he got out of the army in 1960 keep in mind he didn't perform live until 68 this man was so fucking nervous he called it quits and showed up at the last minute to do it. I'm obviously a huge Elvis fan. Elvis Presley gave everything he had until he died. He hated the movies it was so mundane and boring read the stories read the biographies watch the movies watch the shows. I say this with tears as an Elvis fan. Elvis gave his life for his fans. He hated the last 8 years of his life. He was depressed and he missed his mother. Elvis is my hero Elvis is my musical icon THE BEST MUSICIAN EVER ALL TIME. When I hear people talk about Elvis can't sing Elvis can't play Elvis can't do this I was can't do that I'm just did everything that every musician nowadays looks back on and thanks for their career
I like how he is telling a story, not just singing.
Charlie Hodge, the guy holding the mic for Elvis, was his vocal coach. He always worked with him to prepare for his concerts. Charlie was a good man.
Elvis is the goat!
His voice is so touching to the heart..😞
Elvis did so many songs better than the original artists! Who else does that? Thanks Lauren!
5.47 mark....the last ROAR of a once mighty lion .....heartbreaking / beautiful .....futhermore ....4.37 and before smiles in this vid ...ohh that million dollar smile at the bitter end , it makes you and the world before this time feel warm / sweet / happy ....and now in this tragic situation at the end ......respectful / brave / heartbroken but PROUD of this lovely soul being in your life .....thanks for vid ....grateful
I am a lifelong Elvis fan (since I was 10 years old). This performance is utterly heart-breaking, but Elvis's voice never ever gave up on him. The smile at the end was a glimmer of brightness in that he even knew he still had it. The King.
The greatest ever
Excellent reaction. However, one thing you got wrong is that Elvis did not get high as he never consumed illegal drugs. His physical appearance was the result of a deadly combination of issues. 1. Enlarged heart and colon due to a rare and painful inflammatory disease 2. Hectic schedule combined with severe sleep loss 3. Diabetes 4. TBIs - traumatic brain injuries from falls / football / martial arts 5. a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a major cause of intractable pain and other chronic health problems. 6. Over prescribed Codeine pain killer and other drugs prescribed to him by his personal physician Dr. Nick.
Some combination of the above in addition to his heart disease caused a perfect storm and tragically took him life.
Elvis needed rest in the form of a special clinical vacation of say six months , and specialist doctors to work together in tandem to treat Elvis, instead of his single doctor Dr Nick who was not working in Elvis’ best interests but in Tom Parker’s best interests.
Elvis was a prescription drug addict
In fairness, Elvis had several doctors at his disposal and I think Dr. Nick did his best to try and control the meds. But if Nick didn’t give Elvis what he wanted, he’d just go to another doctor and get it from them.
Dr Nick wasn’t working in the best interest for Elvis at, Elvis was a cash cow for some of the people that he surrounded himself with.
@@Ash-pc2uw You're absolutely right, Dr Nick not only failed morally, he also violated his sacred Hippocratic Oath. he was not blind to Elvis's addictions to medically unnecessary medication. obviously Elvis's demise was self inflicted. but Dr Nick and ANY doctor that prescribed meds that were not medically essential was guilty of malpractice. as for folks like Steven Pomeroy that claim to know all about Elvis's illnesses when in fact there is no evidence but conjecture and speculation on many of them.. They are simply enablers and excuse makers attempting to excuse Elvis of his own weaknesses and abuses. As one of his close confidantes stated (I think Lamar Fike or Marty Lacker) "Elvis took drugs BECAUSE HE LIKED THEM".. and that's it in a nut shell... and they killed him.
i am a huge Elvis fan, but let's be honest. You do not need illegal drugs to get high!!! Dr Nick prescribed what Elvis needed to get through those last days. So the comment was not wrong...
He hits that piano and becomes Elvis.
He wasn't singing the Righteous Brothers arrangement in this video. He was singing the 1955 Roy Hamilton version.
I watched this in it's entirety when it was released in October 1977 and I can assure you that Elvis was NOT high. This concert showed how badly he was struggling. He was bloated, sweating profusely and forgetting some lines in songs. His eyes were bright, his pupils normal. His respiration was normal until he let his voice shine and belted away.
Anyone looking could see he was singing his heart out and that voice didn't fail him but those around him did...including his father. No one wanted to upset their cash cow and it resulted in his very young death.
I would love to know the names of the vocal coaches that worked with him.
He will always be the King.❤
This is great last performance was absolutely lovely he owes this
This man was never coached just raw talent he was born with who created rock and roll and so much more that everyone since has tried to follow or copy there will never be anyone like Elvis ever again Greatest Entertainer and vocalist of all time 😁
No one comes even close to this man.Coaching never existed for Elvis .Unless you count God who gave him this huge talent.👑
Not a religous person but i cant describe What it is but ELVIS had something in my 60 yrs on planet never seen or heard since.
@@thomasgentry6201 He did indeed.
you should listen to Elvis' version of Never Been to Spain. it truly shows the range of his voice. others to consider, American Trilogy, What Now My Love, & Bridge Over Troubled Water.
He didn't do drugs. I doubt he was "high". He was on prescription medications. He had some serious health issues, which, caused him pain. His body was failing, but his voice never left him. It only grew stronger.
Prescriptions can make you “high” especially in large doses. As someone who has been prescribed Percocet & other meds for pain - I know what legal “high” feels like. It gets you through things otherwise impossible.
@@SN-sz7kwPercocet will undoubtedly make a person feel "high", if that same person is taking it recreationally and without medical necessity. Whereas, a cancer patient can take the same amount of Percocet and not feel "high" whatsoever. Relief from legitimate pain is not the same as "getting high". My statement comes from personal experience. So, unless you can also share relative personal experience, I suggest you not try to lay claim that you know how a person feels. Regardless, medications are notorious for affecting people differently. So your idea that anyone taking a prescription opiod medication will get "high" like everyone else is not only ludicrous but ill-informed as well.
Thank you for playing Elvis Presley love it 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 brilliant song❤
I cry everytime he was and is the greatest singer ever.
Elvis Presley put his heart and soul into his singing and he set levels in music that people are still to this day trying to equal! He was truly Blessed with a talent that only a few ever have! What amazes me is that men today are still mimicking his music only to fall way short! I grew up with Elvis and watched his career blossom and soar then dwindle only to be revived after his death!
His final performances of this, “My Way”, and “How Great Thou Art”, were definitely soul driven. I wonder who you thought his vocal coaches were. In everything I’ve read, seen, or heard, that has never been mentioned. People around him talk about him sitting at the piano by himself and singing. I suppose in the movies he had some direction.
Elvis never went to take vocal lessons as we know it, but Ray Walker of the Jordanaires coached Elvis often to hit some very tough notes. Also Ed Enoch of the Stamps Quartet didn't officially give Elvis lessons, but they would collaborate on the best way to deliver the notes in certain songs. Elvis was just a naturally gifted vocalist, but he was surrounded by professional vocalist who occasionally would give Elvis tips to improve a note, but only if Elvis asked for their advice. I had the pleasure of getting to meet and perform with many of Elvis' original band members in my short career as a singer/songwriter, and all of them had unique stories of how Elvis personally touched their lives in a positive way.
I attended his concert in Atlanta on Dec 30th 1976, and he performed this song...Incredible live... One note...the band coming in at the end is an edit. That was actually the closing vamp edited in... the band did not actually cut in, but neither either or there, Great review.
The man,the music
What an true entertainet.Thats why hes the King!his music lives on for er!
Great reaction, i have another emocional performance by Elvis to sugest:
Elvis Presley- make the world go away 1970
So perfect that this was the last song he ever sang in concert. It's almost like he knew it would be his farewell. The best ever forever.
The last song he sang in concert was actually can't help falling in love
I like everything about this reaction honestly. Spot-on. I read some comments below that seem critical but all of what you said makes sense to me. It's too that he did not have formal vocal training but especially as you got later in his career he did have coaching to help keep his voice in shape and just to move them along to the next step which has musician myself, that's what we all do. I didn't take any lessons on anything after taking serious classical piano from kindergarten to ninth grade in that set everything up, it set the stage to be able to self teach myself everything else and the same as two of my singing I didn't have any training there and I'm nowhere near on the level of Elvis, but I can truly appreciate how good he was and I honestly believe that his Mastery and control of his voice and delivery kept going up up up and up right until the day he died, I mean, just contrast his 1972 performance of How Great Thou Art to the performance of that same song in this same concert here eight weeks before his death. Not only is he borderline operatic here, what he asked of his backing vocalist is also just astounded. In comparison I mean. It's wild to contrast the two.
And as far as being high, people are saying that you meant that he was using illicit drugs when that word is used in so many ways, and I'm sure you meant it as just he was on lots of medication. Some of my friends growing up use the word not only to describe pop but also just to only describe sometimes getting really buzzed on alcohol. They were like yeah I was high man. So I don't know why people would single that out.
I can't remember what your previous Elvis video was but I'm pretty sure it's the reason that I had previously subscribed has this just popped up in my feed and I looked at it and realized I definitely was subscribed. But there is so much and I really love your take on things as a vocal instructor I really do. I would love to hear you respond to him singing bridge over troubled water from the 1970s Vegas live concert or How Great Thou Art from this exact same final live show.
I would also say my way, either one of the most popular TH-cam results oh, and also, what now my love. Just fantastic singing performances. And of course I loved all his early stuff especially the more rockabilly hard-driving stuff, I've covered some of those in bands that I have been in.
I was 14 in 1977 as I watched this Live Performance on our new Stereo Console 27" (Big Screen) TV. It gave me the Chillies then and still does today, no matter how many times I watch. Even at that age I knew he was in trouble. He was High as a KITE but he was also having breathing issues. We now know he had Heart trouble, enlarged and blocked. Diabetes he wasn't tending to at all and was so strung out on RX pills and shots, Uppers AND Downers, he didn't know if he was coming or going. I had watched my Mom going through the very same thing just 5 years earlier until she died on Labor Day, 1975. I had found her on the brink of death in 1972 but ultimately couldn't save her from the RX doctors were doling out in the 1970s. Momma's Little Helpers they called them.
Elvis Presley's performance of “Unchained Melody” at Ann Arbor Michigan's Crisler Arena in 1977 Is the final song on the soundtrack to "Elvis." Elvis also performed at Saginaw Michigan's Dow Event Center inside Wendler Arena on April 25th and May 3rd in 1977.
This performance was in Rapid City, South Dakota. It wasn't his last live performance. That was five days later on June 26th in Indianapolis, Indiana. What you're watching is from Elvis In Concert that was created from two different shows: one on June 19th and the other on June 21st. It didn't air until after his death.
Know leave Elvis what happened going here so sad camera believes dead heart failure knows 1977 August 16 age 42 Heaven
You can't wait black to white old man with birthday 1935 alive 85' you walk Elvis presley legend l love singing Esther moments Elvis presley amazing beautiful voices Rest in peace Elvis 🕊
Great evaluation of the performance. No question he was in a lot of trouble as he would pass away just six weeks later after this performance. Even on his deathbed, He gave a bare knuckles performance that other artist only dream of giving on their best day.
No ONE TOLD ELVIS WHAT TO DO.., He absolutely did a song the way he felt it. He was the producer and always in control… There will never be anyone like him again Elvis WAS TRULY THE MAN THAT REVOLUTIONIZED music and gave people what they needed something that belonged to them, his cultural impact is still felt today, just think about that for a bit, it’s pretty amazing,,,! He has been gone longer than he lived & he is still a huge part of our pop culture..Name any artist that comes close to that even a little… Elvis was and still is that once in a lifetime talent that just is unexplainable!! 😻 🎉❤
Six weeks after this performance, he was gone. The prescription medication is well documented, but consider the physical pain he was enduring and the myriad medical issues he was facing, despite being just 42. There has never been a voice like his and like never will be.
Hi Lauren, I never felt Elvis was " high" during this performance. He was very physically unwell and consequently passed 6 weeks later.That voice was a gift from God. What a selfless ,beautiful soul.
Such a mixture of emotions! So sad for him but yet so proud of EP forever! 👑✌️
so high and yet.....he knows the song and remembers the words....was he high really? I think he did fantastically well against all odds...my hero 🥰
I don't know if 6 months ago when you pinned this on here Lauren, anyone told you in the comments that Elvis performed 6 concerts after this one, with his very last being on June 26th 1977 in Indianopolis, Indiana, USA. THAT is a fantastic concert which was longer by far than all his other shows at the time, maybe he knew? Anyway unfortunately though it says that the 'full' performance of that show is on line, it's best to get hold of a 'preferably instead of cd 'vinyl record bootleg version of his 'Whole Full Last Concert!! Love you lots. Maybe we'll meet and marry one day.♥😀😘
I believe Elvis was singing this song to his mother on that final tour.
Elvis at this time was dealing with not being able to sleep and not being able to 💩 - he had an impacted colon. So I can only imagine the discomfort he was going thru. I don't know about y'all, but if I'm not sleeping right and not 💩 ing right I'm one miserable SOB.
Elvis is one of a kind. In 1977 We were shock when he died.
My dad was shook.
Elvis wasn't high, he was doped up on pain killers because he was in agony, and yet he could still put in a performance like this. Sadly six weeks later he would leave this world forever.....
if Elvis is not love....my god....right from the heart....how he loved his talent and we did too.
oh my god , in my opinion on this last performance ever , we can see the power of human passion, his voice is so powerfull!!!! AMAZING!!!!! gosebumps....
This song just knocks every one else out of the running. What volume he has. I don't think he was having problems with breathing as much as he Wanted to put power into the words. Boy did he.
Heartbreaking the beauty of his songing and how ill he is here yet give a world class performance dispite it all.
What was it about ELVIS
He had everything’ in one package
I have watched him sing Unchained Melody both on TV in England back in the day and many times on videos posted
Even 26th June 1977 only weeks before he died his VOICE NEVER let him down
For me it’s hard to watch and I cry buckets but he gave his all
😢😢😭😭🙏🙏⚡️⚡️⚡️🤩🤩♥️♥️♥️🏴🏴🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
My dear Elvis..I love you so much..in my heart forever and ever❤️🩹🪽
Love this performance, powerful in so many ways💔
He was a walking dead man at this point.....but the voice and the passion never left.....he is the King for a reason
This was actually recorded at one of his last performances (River City, Dakota, 21st of June 1977). His last concert was on the 26th. He would die just short of two months after this recording.
I saw this special when it first aired. It was aired several weeks after Elvis died. The ending with Vernon Presley, was a gut punch!
To get the full emotional effect of this clip, it's vital to watch from the moment he walks to the piano, and does a few false starts, it seems at first that he was failing, but, it may have been a joke. Then when he does settle down, and begins playing, it is electric!
You have to remember elvis wasn't high on drugs it was perscription medications for many illness . Now for vocal coaching he asked his back up singers the joardanairs for advice . In the song Surrender he wanted advice for the end and the bass singer helped him .
He was never afraid to ask for help or advice
Thank you! Elvis was hating street drugs. He was very ill. I‘m mad at people to say he was high or drunk. They don‘t know much from Elvis. They should read „Destined to die young“.
@@monikakoch6309
I’m reading that book now! Fascinating! It should be a must-read for those who think EP was “high.”
Most of Elvis' drug use in his final years were used in almost always unsuccessful attempts to sleep. He had insomnia through out his life and it worsened in his final years.
Well no worries.....I cried as hard as I always do when I watch this one. He truly was a master and nails it..& as you clearly state....in spite of his poor health. I guess that's the part that makes me cry the most.....I seriously feel the emotion of his pain. Now that's art!
God. What an Icon. Greatest king to ever sing 🙏🕊️
He was so sick but still gave it his all. Everything ❤
Context matters and compassion is everything!
Did the uppers and downers Elvis took give him a high, sure… but first of all saying he was high in a reaction video in which this video may have been the first time for another individual to be introduced to ELVIS PRESLEY is an example of why many associate Elvis with this disrespectful stigma that breaks my heart. He was a cultural icon for reasons people don’t understand because many make flippant comments about his prescription drug use, his weight and diet in the late 70’s, etc., and the knowledge of Elvis stops. This man was a one of a kind singer, artist, producer (yes, he produced his music and was incredibly talented), performer, entertainer, sex icon, humanitarian… the list goes on and on.
At this point, an amphetamine such as Ritalin was being used to keep him awake because of the toll sleeping medications had on his body not functioning properly, as well as him having a twisted colon, hyper tension, glaucoma, and other health issues he had prior to prescription drug use, it was genetic. He also always had intense insomnia, his girlfriends prior to him going to the army such as Dixie, June, and Anita all attested to his insomnia. He was not known to have never taken any sleeping medications prior to being exposed to Dexedrine in the Army to keep him away to perform duties.
I truly believe at this point the feeling of being high wasn’t a factor, I think he was in survival mode and drugs were used to stimulate his body to work properly. Context matters! And he endures a huge blessing and burden being skyrocketed into a level of fame that has never been equally matched. He had no peers to relate to and there had to of been loneliness and depression associated with all of his success.
Lisa Marie’s song “Nobody noticed it” is a beautiful song written about her daddy who she was fiercely protective of, rightfully so.
AS FAR AS BEING COACHED… what made ELVIS a universal household name, no last name necessary, was his GOD GIVEN TALENT and his SOUL. Those Beale Street Rhythm & Blues roots.
Elvis' need to give and inner pain from years in Mississippi poverty was his downfall