Elvis in Concert (album)

Infobox Album
Name = Elvis in Concert
Type = Live
Longtype =
Artist = Elvis Presley


Released = October 3, 1977
Recorded =
Genre =
Length =
Label = RCA
Producer = Felton Jarvis
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|1|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:d9fpxqr5ldse link]
Last album = "Moody Blue" (1977)
This album = "Elvis in Concert" (1977)
Next album =

"Elvis in Concert" is the title of the soundtrack album released in conjunction with the television special of the same name which featured some of the final performances of Elvis Presley. Videotaped and recorded in June 1977, both the special and album were broadcast and released on October 3, 1977, (the single My Way / America the Beautiful was also released that day too) two months after Presley's death.

The show was recorded over two days at concerts in Omaha on June 19th and Rapid City, South Dakota on the 21st. According to "Elvis: The Illustrated Record" by Roy Carr and Mick Farren, the shows were taped with the intent of producing a television special, but Presley's deteriorating physical condition put the project on hold. After his death, they write, it was decided to go ahead with the special as a tribute; Elvis' father, Vernon Presley, recorded a message that was broadcast at the end of the special and included on the soundtrack album. Vernon Presley erroneously states that the performance featured was his son's last appearance; in fact he made 5 more concert appearances after the filming of the special.Elvis' last concert was June 26, 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana

During the special, Presley performs a selection of his hits, along with songs not normally associated with him. Although it was a regular part of his repertoire for years, Presley requires a lyric sheet when he performs Paul Anka's "My Way" (noted for its opening lyric, "And now the end is near/And so I face the final curtain"). He also loses his train of thought during "Are You Lonesome Tonight".

The soundtrack album was issued as a 2-LP package, including a second disc of performances that were not included in the TV special.

Track listing

# Elvis fans comments / Opening riff
# Also Sprach Zarathustra
# See See Rider
# That's All Right
# Are You Lonesome Tonight?
# Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel
# Elvis fans comments
# You Gave Me A Mountain
# Jailhouse Rock
# Elvis fans comments
# How Great Thou Art
# Elvis fans comments
# I Really Don't Want To Know
# Elvis introduces his father
# Hurt
# Hound Dog
# My Way
# Can't Help Falling in Love
# Closing riff
# Special message from Elvis's father
# I Got A Woman/Amen
# Elvis talks
# Love Me
# If You Love Me
# O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never
# Trying to Get to You
# Hawaiian Wedding Song
# Fairytale
# Little Sister
# Early Morning Rain
# What'd I Say
# Johnny B. Goode
# And I Love You So

Professional reviews

About.com gave the album the album a positive review, but conceded that "this album is not a standout Elvis concert. What it is, however, is a vitally important piece of Elvis lore." [ [http://countrymusic.about.com/library/reviews/aaprelvisinconcert.htm About.com Review of Elvis in Concert] ] AllMusic panned the album, giving it only one out of a possible five stars. [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:d9fpxqr5ldse "Elvis in Concert"] review from AllMusic.] Their review went on to say that the record is "Elvis Presley's least effort, as well as his last." [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:d9fpxqr5ldse "Elvis in Concert"] review from AllMusic.]

Charts

* "USA - 1º - Billboard Country and Cashbox Country" - 1977
* "USA - 5º - Billboard Pop" - 1977

Credits

*Elvis Presley - Vocals, Piano and Acoustic guitar
*James Burton, John Wilkinson, Chip Young, Alan Rush - Electric guitar
*Charlie Hodge - Acoustic guitar
*Jerry Scheff, Dennis Linde, Norbert Putnam - Bass
*Ronnie Tutt, Randy Cullers - Drum Kit
*David Briggs - Piano and Organ
*Bobby Ogdin - Electric Piano
*Tony Brown - Piano
*Farrel Morris - Percussion and Bells
*The Sweet Inspirations, J.D. Sumner, The Stamps, Kathy Westmoreland, Sherril Nielsen - Vocals
*Jane Fricke, Lee J. Beranetti, Sherilyn Kramer, Yvonne Hodges - Backing vocals
*Joe Guercio - Orchestra

Recorded: Civic Auditorium, Omaha (June 19, 1977) - Rushmore Civic Center, Rapid City (June 21, 1977);

Released: October 3, 1977;

Production and Arranger: Felton Jarvis and Elvis Presley;