There are countless renditions of “Unchained Melody” — from the soul-stirring original by The Righteous Brothers to Susan Boyle’s tear-jerking interpretation. But one version stands above the rest, not just for its musical brilliance, but for the moment in which it was delivered.
In a haunting and unforgettable performance recorded in Rapid City, South Dakota, in 1977, Elvis sat at the piano — visibly unwell, wheezing, and fragile. It had been more than a year since he had released a studio album, and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had arranged to capture this show on film for a planned TV special and live album.
What no one knew at the time was that this would be his final performance.
As he took a seat behind the piano, a hush fell over the crowd. Then came the first few notes of Unchained Melody. What followed was pure magic.
Despite the decline of his health, Elvis poured his entire soul into the song — his voice trembling with emotion, yet filled with unmistakable strength. The King wasn’t just performing; he was saying goodbye.
