• on The last Elvis performance was mostly unknown until now: listen to the amazing recording…

One of Elvis Presley’s final live concerts was in 1977, and he sang a brand-new song. Its title was “Unchained Melody,” he informed the spellbound crowd, and it will make its debut on his upcoming album. Elvis was in poor condition, but he still found time to joke about in between songs.

As Charlie Hodge, Elvis’ guitarist, fumbles to grasp Elvis’ scarf and microphone, you can hear titters of amusement coming from the audience in the film of this 1977 concert, which is embedded below.

Despite Elvis’ failing health, according to Smooth Radio, his manager Colonel Tom Parker chose to record the performance for a TV broadcast. The special wouldn’t debut until two months after Presley’s passing, which was unfortunate. By that time, his symptoms of ill health—such as his shortness of breath and his sluggish movements—would appear like depressing portents of his imminent demise.

Years of alcohol and prescription drug misuse saw the demise of one of history’s greatest performers at the age of just 42. Picture: CBS

The end of the song brings the end of an era – just 56 days later Elvis Presley would be dead. Picture: CBS

Despite Elvis’ failing health, according to Smooth Radio, his manager Colonel Tom Parker chose to record the performance for a TV broadcast. The special wouldn’t debut until two months after Presley’s passing, which was unfortunate. By that time, his symptoms of ill health—such as his shortness of breath and his sluggish movements—would appear like depressing portents of his imminent demise.

Elvis had five more dates on his tour after this performance. On June 26, 1977, he performed his last. The King of Rock sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as his farewell song at Indianapolis’ Market Square Arena.

These last concerts of Elvis Presley show off his talent, passion, and charisma even if his life ended shortly after. It’s difficult to ignore his untamed emotional strength when you watch the video for “Unchained Melody.”