The latter years of Elvis Presley have been extensively chronicled. Elvis Presley was once referred to as “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” but these days he is a fat, dysfunctional shell of the man he once was. For a while, it seemed as though he might not live. Yet when he died in 1977, everything came to a standstill.
Elvis Presley’s health issues were widely reported before his passing, but the extent of his issues remained a mystery. Presley led an amazing existence, sleeping for little periods, and his hectic schedule would have been troublesome for anybody. But in 1977, fewer people understood the risks associated with celebrity and showed sympathy for Presley’s situation.
Elvis’ image was severely changed by the fact that he had grown dependent on narcotics for both sleep and performance. Presley had become outdated in the eyes of many, and he was no longer the sexualized teenage idol. Even yet, Elvis continued to perform in large venues until before his passing, with his last performance occurring on June 26, 1977, at Indianapolis’ Market Square Arena.
August 16, a little over six weeks later, discovered Presley unconscious in Graceland. Although the famous musician was swiftly taken to the hospital, it was too late when his fiancé Ginger Alden found him unconscious on the floor of the master suite toilet.
Presley died from a “cardiac arrhythmia,” according to the results of the first autopsy; drug use was not ruled out as a contributing factor in his demise. However, after more examination, it was discovered that Elvis had significant concentrations of codeine and the tranquilizer methaqualone among other opioids in his system.
President Jimmy Carter grieved suitably after his passing: “His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense, and he was a symbol to people the world over of the vitality, rebelliousness, and good humour of his country.”
Presley gave a poignant performance, even though he was unaware that it would be his last performance when he mounted the stage in Indianapolis. Elvis said to those present as he left: “We’ll meet you again. God bless, adios.”
Classic songs like “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and a rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” were all part of his repertoire. Presley sang the crowd favorite “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to end the show, which was a fitting way to cap out an illustrious career that altered pop culture forever.
“Can’t Help Falling In Love” was the ideal way for him to end the concert and was played as the last song during his sets for more than ten years. Regretfully, even though Market Square Arena left a lasting impression on him, the structure was destroyed in 2001 and turned into a parking lot. Though fans may honor Presley’s last performance at the unglamorous spot thanks to a monument.