Imagine watching one of the last performances ever by the King of Rock and Roll. This video shows Elvis Presley singing “Are You Lonesome Tonight” just weeks before he passed away. You can see both his famous charm and his struggling health, and it is a decisive and emotional moment that shows the real person behind the legend.
This performance happened in 1977 during a very difficult time for Elvis. He was dealing with serious health problems that affected his energy and memory. During this very song, he sometimes forgot the words and would laugh it off with the crowd, and this showed his incredible ability to connect with people even when he was not feeling his best. These final concerts were filmed for television and remain a lasting memory of his incredible talent.
Elvis Presley – Are You Lonesome Tonight – Live Omaha, NE (June 19th, 1977)
Fans have mixed feelings about this performance. Many feel sadness seeing their hero in poor health while others appreciate his fighting spirit and willingness to perform. It remains a touching reminder of his humanity and the price of fame.
Now watch a completely different side of Elvis from years earlier. His 1968 comeback special shows him at his absolute best. He performs “Jailhouse Rock” with amazing energy and that famous hip shaking movement that made him a star. This performance reminded the world why he was called the King and it brought his career back to life and showed his incredible power as a live performer.
Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock (’68 Comeback Special)
These two videos show the dramatic journey of Elvis Presley’s career. One shows his early explosive energy that changed music forever and the other shows his final days still performing despite great difficulty. Together they tell the full story of a legend who gave everything to his fans.
Follow official Elvis Presley social media pages to enjoy more of his incredible music legacy. You can discover rare performances and learn about his lasting impact on music and culture around the world.