Elvis Presley is one of the greats, there’s no denying that. But this video of a live performance from The King during his “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert in 1973 proves he really is the best.
Singing “My Way,” a song that was popularized by Frank Sinatra, Elvis belted out at the top of his lungs and showed the world why exactly he is considered to be The King.
Elvis Presley (1973), (RB/Redferns via Getty Images)
The song started with a pensive piano melody before Elvis began singing the opening lines: “And now, the end is near / And so I face the final curtain / My friend, I’ll say it clear.” The King was onstage with his backing band, and already his many fans could be heard whistling and cheering him on.
He wore his trademark white jumpsuit that was emblazoned with hundreds of studs and rhinestones, and additionally, Elvis had a bright yellow lei around his neck — a clear signifier that the concert took place in Hawaii.
Singing in his signature low voice, the song started off quite serious and slow. Soon the music kicked in, and while the song didn’t speed up, it did elevate in theatrics. About halfway through, Elvis began singing higher and louder, with the music helping to add grandiosity to his already magnificent voice.
By the end, Elvis showed off those vocal cords and his range, hitting the high notes and low ones with equal skill. As he sang the final memorable words: “The record shows I took the blows / And did it my way,” it became clearer than ever why exactly Elvis is The King.
The “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert was a historic event worldwide. Taking place on Jan. 14, 1973, at the Honolulu International Center Arena, the event was beamed live via Globecam Satellite the next day to many countries across Asia and Europe.
Although the United States was behind the satellite innovation, it was not aired stateside until April 4, 1973, as the event took place on the same day as Super Bowl VII. This decision to delay the stream paid off for NBC, however, as when it did air, it attracted 51 percent of the television viewing audience, making it their highest-rated program of that year. Costing $2.5 million to produce, “Aloha from Hawaii” was the most expensive entertainment special at the time.
Eventually, over 40 countries and close to 1.5 billion people witnessed the concert, which was a global ratings smash, and marked Elvis’ place in music history as a performer who was able to hold the world’s attention.
The concert showed Elvis in his full glory at the peak of his superstardom, in which he gave one of the best performances of his career — and that is clear from this incredible video.
Are you an Elvis fan? What did you think of this incredibly powerful rendition of “My Way”? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to any fans of The King!