The final years of Elvis Presley have been well documented. Elvis, once known as ‘The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,‘ had devolved into a bloated, dysfunctional shadow of his former self. However, when he died in 1977, the world came to a halt.
Before his death, the media widely publicized Elvis’ health problems. However, they did not make the full extent of his problems public. Presley led an extraordinary life with little time to rest, and his hectic schedule would have caused problems for anyone. However, in 1977, the general public was less aware of the dangers of celebrity, and few sympathized with Presley’s situation.
Elvis had become reliant on drugs to sleep and perform, which had a significant impact on his image. He was no longer the sexualized teen idol. And in many people’s eyes, Presley had become old news. However, he was still performing in large arenas shortly before his death. It was his final show that took place on June 26th, 1977, at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.
On August 16th, Presley was found unresponsive in Graceland. The iconic singer was on the floor in the master suite bathroom.His fiancée Ginger Alden found him, and despite being rushed to the hospital, it was too late.
An initial autopsy revealed that Presley died as a result of a “cardiac arrhythmia“. And drugs was not the factor in his death. However, further examination revealed that Elvis had high levels of several types of opiates in his system. It included codeine and the sedative methaqualone.
Following his death, President Jimmy Carter appropriately grieved. “His music and personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture.” His fan base was enormous, and he was a symbol to people all over the world of his country’s vitality, rebelliousness, and good humor.”
While Presley had no idea it would be his final performance when he took the stage in Indianapolis, he delivered a symbolic performance. Elvis told those in attendance as he left, “We’ll meet you again.” God bless, and good luck.” Unfortunately, there was no follow-up encounter.
He included classics such as ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ and a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ in his set. To close the show, Presley performed fan favorite ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’. It was a fitting way for him to close the curtain on an iconic career that forever altered the fabric of pop culture.
‘Can’t Help Falling In Love‘ was the closing track during his sets for over a decade. It was the perfect way for him to end the show. In 2001, they demolished Market Square Arena, which played an important role in his legacy, and turned it into a parking lot. Although a memorial exists on the unassuming site, allowing fans to pay their respects to Presley’s final performance.
