Taking the stage for what would be his last recorded concert performance in July 1977, Elvis Presley drew crowds of thousands to an arena in Rapid City, South Dakota, and poured out his heart and soul into “Unchained Melody.”
While Elvis appeared at a few more concerts following this CBS Elvis In Concert special, this was one of his last and most notable performances before his untimely death in August 1977.
One of the most performed and recorded songs in the 20th century, “Unchained Melody” was made famous by The Righteous Brothers in 1965.
Heart, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, LeAnn Rimes, and of course – Elvis also recorded the song.
Presley’s version of the song became one of the most notable in music history, selling millions of copies and forever etching his recording as a classic piece of the rising era of rock and roll.
Arguably one of the most popular Elvis concert videos, this recording shows that The King wasn’t feeling well. He appeared to struggle to catch his breath as he spoke to the crowd before he sat down at the piano to accompany himself. But, once he started singing, Elvis’s rich voice was strong and beautiful as he delivered the familiar tune.
Watch this must-see final recording of Elvis singing “Unchained Melody” in the video below.
