Footage of a tour stop by Elvis Presley in Rapid Ciy, SD in 1977 was recently uncovered. His mid-concert performance of Unchained Melody reinforces why Elvis was and remains one of the pivotal artists in American music history. Before moving over to the piano to begin the song, he told his audience he had only recorded it about two weeks earlier.
He was visibly tired, sweating, out of breath, and out of shape when he performed the song on piano. A band member held the microphone for him. Elvis started the song solo and his band, orchestra, and backup singers slowly phased in.
He delivered what might be the most powerful and moving delivery of any ballad in recorded music history. His root influences of pop, blues, and gospel were shown throughout his four and a half minute version.
By the time the Rapid City show came, Presley’s health had dangerously deteriorated. He was said to have been very nervous and nearly unable to speak on stage that night. Viewers of the footage can formulate their own opinions, but a seminal moment in American music history was captured in Rapid City. Elvis died at his Graceland Mansion two months later.