Nothing could be more of a cliffhanger than ending an event with a song full of built-up affection emotion and love. At the same time, the very song bids farewell but plants in the legacy of the legendary Elvis Presley who had impressed it on the hearts of the masses like a never-ending rapid flow of the rivers.
Concert Tours Cut Short
On June 26th, marks the 43rd anniversary of the last concert tour of our King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley in 1977.
Unplanned as it may seem, the journey of this legendary artist ends on a whim, unable for him to finish his tours due to heart failure from a cardiovascular disease on his way to his last minute concert in Portland. People all around the world, including mass media and communication groups, weep as they reminisce of Elvis Presley’s memories outside Baptist Memorial and Graceland Mansion that night.
In Europe, two radio stations immediately ceased their regular on-air programs the instance Presley’s death was announced. Luxembourg, the most listened radio station, cancelled their commercials just to play his music non-stop. His mansion was then for the first time opened to the public for the viewing of his remains and an estimate of 50,000 to 100,000 people appear to pay their respects to him.
Although life holds an ill-fated event for him, his final concert in Indianapolis ended in big success. Elvis Presley’s legendary band supported him for the first hours of the show, acting as the audience’s warm ups before the arrival of the king. They presented a huge roster of songs to entertain the crowd starting with: Also Sprach Zarathustra, See See rider, I Got a Woman / Amen, Love Me, Fairytale, You Gave Me a Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, O Sole Mio (sung by Sherrill Nielsen) / It’s Now or Never, Little Sister, Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel, Please Release Me, I Can’t Stop Loving You, Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Elvis Presley’s Stage Finale
Elvis Presley was soon introduced but the band played four more songs afterwards being: “Early Morning Rain,” “What’d I Say,” “Johnny B Goode,” and “I Really Don’t Want to Know.”
The man of the hour then took the center stage. He sang his two classic tunes ,“Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog.” He also sang a cover of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by singers Simon and Garfunkel. He then presented his somber number “Hurt”.
Presley also did not forget to give special thanks to the people who made the tour possible then proceeded to his closing title, one of his hits and a poignant ballad, “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. He left the stage afterwards telling his audience “We’ll Meet You Again, God Bless, Adios.”
“Can’t Help Falling In Love”
His finale song was composed in 1784 by French composer Jean-Paul-Égide Martini. It was originally titled “Can’t Help Falling in Love with Him” for a woman. That explains the inconsistencies in the lyrics such as lines ending in “sin” and “in”.
Elvis Presley’s version was covered in his 1961 movie “Blue Hawaii.” His version took the #1 spot on the British charts in 1962 for four weeks. Since then, he used the song to end his concerts leaving the audience with an indescribable feeling of sadness yet at the same time, thrill.
The lyrics where it said that we can never control the flow of the rivers is testimonial to Presley’s end. Nonetheless, we are blessed that he left behind great contributions to the music industry and his influence on people’s culture.
Countless artists continue to revive his legacy by presenting different angles of the song but in the end, it all traces back to the mementos of the King of Rock n’ Roll. Elvis Presley may have left the building, but his legacy will never fade away as long as there are new people who appreciates his art.
A Memorial Marker for the King
Just as all things on earth will eventually cease to exist, Market Square Arena in Indianapolis was demolished in 2001. It is now a parking lot for the newly built structures. But in commemoration to the King of Rock n’ Roll, they placed a memorial marker to remind people that there was once a great person who performed in that place. It also served as a time capsule meant to be opened in 2102. That will be the 100th year since the marker was placed meant to unravel the legend’s prowess for the future generations to come.
Here’s Elvis Presley’s Final Concert