Late 70's Elvis Era???? What's it about????

[ehollier]

There is an obvious interest in the late 70's Elvis Era, his music, his style, his performances. While some feel that this was not his best era of performances, some are totally and completely engrossed in this unsettling time in Elvis' life and feel that he was completely the best.

What specifically attracts you to this era of his music? Why do you find it so fascinating? What is you favorite post-Aloha performance?

[hgs262626]

as you know i am a big fan of the 1969 era, however i recognise the perpetual brilliance of his voice. i do find the 1977 june 21st peformance at rapid city very poignant and emotional, you can see he is a man withered by domestic problems, and gnarled by the monotony of touring. yet his brilliance shines through, this defiance and determination to put on the best show he can despite his ill health. i dont belive he did know he was going to die but when you watch his version of my way it is as if he is singing his funeral anthem. it is both disturbing and fascinating. it is incredible to believe only 8 years ago he was so trim, fighting his way back to the top of the music profession, now a man beleagured and exhausted. for many i believe they can now at this moment see the very human side of elvis this is perhaps why they are so absorbed by this period?

[Unchained Melody]

:notworthyWell first off, I do not believe a-tall he was at his complete best after the Aloha Special.

I can say I am fascinated with his later years, from how he went to the top of the world, to letting it all go down the hill, I love the suits from the later years, the albums he cut in the studio such as Elvis Today and Moodyblue and From EP BLVD which are my favorite alltime Elvis albums.

I think people are just naturally attracted to the bizzare things in the things in this world...

But its ashame though as from 1973-1977 never gets any attention publicly from the likes of EPE, BMG RCA etc. Thank GOD for the Follow that Dream Label and Ernst Jorgenson.:notworthy:notworthy

There are so many peroformances that were outstanding from that time period etc, 12-31-1976 in Pittsburg one that I put above the Aloha performance. Both shows from July 19th 1975 Uniondale NY, all three Ashville shows from July 22nd, 23rd, 24th, April 24th 1977 Ann Arbor, the whole December tour from Dec-27th-31st. The Huntsville shows from '75, October 23rd 1976 Cleveland, Most of 1974 was kick a$$, especially the March tour.(y)(y)(y)

I just have a spot for 1977, its Elvis up there, and its like EPE trys to act like the Elvis from 1977 was a monster inchoerent person, which he was some of the time, but there were many good shows that never ever get the credit they deserve. Elvis was human like all of us, he had his problems with his weight, drugs, etc he was no out of this world type of thing, he was human...and I accept him for what he was and what he gave us.(y)(y)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/344/96946635sz6.jpg

[SeeSeeRider777]

I am not obsessed with Late 73-77 Elvis. I want to see Elvis at his best, which was 68-73 (Aloha). It kills me that he let himself go.

[Unchained Melody]

I am not obsessed with Late 73-77 Elvis. I want to see Elvis at his best, which was 68-73 (Aloha). It kills me that he let himself go.

It does me too, but then I have to accept it just as everyone else does and I love it all :notworthy:!:

[elvisbootlegs]

because he finally became Elvis the man and not Elvis the Image. '69-'73 he was absolutely god-like and flawless. '74 - '77 he was human.

[utmom2008]

I am not obsessed with Late 73-77 Elvis. I want to see Elvis at his best, which was 68-73 (Aloha). It kills me that he let himself go.


It does me too, but then I have to accept it just as everyone else does and I love it all :notworthy:!:

So many of you see this in a totally different light than those of us who lived it with him. You came along so long after the man was dead that you can pick a year, study it...pick another year and then study it as well. I hate to hear some people say..."it was terrible after this, or it was all downhill after that".If you were a fan during all the Vegas and concert years you just went along with him. It was Elvis....therefore you accepted him as a human, not some long ago dead icon.:blush::blink::blush::blink:


because he finally became Elvis the man and not Elvis the Image. '69-'73 he was abosbolutely god-like and flawless. '74 - '77 he was human.

I agree completely...fits right in with what I said above.

[SeeSeeRider777]

Uh ok. .....

[Unchained Melody]

Rossie had I been lucky enough to had been alive then and seen him multiple times over the years I'm sure I would feel the same way.

[utmom2008]

Rossie had I been lucky enough to had been alive then and seen him multiple times over the years I'm sure I would feel the same way.

I bet you would have also Bradley.(y)(y)

[Diane]

Although we only saw him twice, I do understand what Rosanne is saying. Your perception of Elvis is different and your feelings towards him do tend to be stronger once you've seen him in person.

Until you see him live, he's still an image and not totally real.

I loved every phase of him, 50's, 60's and 70's and it was great watching him evolve into a singer and entertained that will never be surpassed.

Diane

[elvia7]

I am not obsessed with Late 73-77 Elvis. I want to see Elvis at his best, which was 68-73 (Aloha). It kills me that he let himself go. SeeSeeRider, you right, it's ver sad what happened with ELVIS.
I love HIM all !!!!!!!!!!!! Hi was alvays very human !!!!!!!!!

[utmom2008]

Although we only saw him twice, I do understand what Rosanne is saying. Your perception of Elvis is different and your feelings towards him do tend to be stronger once you've seen him in person.

Until you see him live, he's still an image and not totally real.

I loved every phase of him, 50's, 60's and 70's and it was great watching him evolve into a singer and entertained that will never be surpassed.
Diane

Thank goodness somebody finally understands what I have been trying to say....thank you Diane.(y) These younger ones that were not even born in '77, or were very young, came to the table knowing all the facts. They already knew how the story would end, so they pick and choose which year of Elvis they want to concentrate on. You and I lived it with him...we saw the gradual decline. BUT....we accepted it because we loved the man, not the entertainer. I have talked with some on here that say...."I don't care for him much after '71, or '73." Those statements are baffling to me, but you are right...it's an image, an icon... to us it's the real deal.:blush::blink::blush::blink:

[SeeSeeRider777]

Thank goodness somebody finally understands what I have been trying to say....thank you Diane.(y) These younger ones that were not even born in '77, or were very young, came to the table knowing all the facts. They already knew how the story would end, so they pick and choose which year of Elvis they want to concentrate on. You and I lived it with him...we saw the gradual decline. BUT....we accepted it because we loved the man, not the entertainer. I have talked with some on here that say...."I don't care for him much after '71, or '73." Those statements are baffling to me, but you are right...it's an image, an icon... to us it's the real deal.:blush::blink::blush::blink:

I can understand you being pissed at me saying Elvis wasnt the same after Aloha but you have to excuse me. What you say is so true. That I knew what the end result was. So I can pick what Elvis I like. You on the other hand went along for the Elvis experience. You saw him grow as a human and entertainer and you saw him fall. So you accept that and understand his life as a human and entertainer. I just dont understand it and wished I did, but you lived it, I only dream of living when Elvis was alive and rocking the arena. I envy you so much Ms. Rosanne. You saw the greatest show in the world and I am not talking about the Barnum and Bailey Circus. :lol: On a serious note. It is not that I only like Elvis the entertainer, I like Elvis the human being. Outside of the jumpsuit he was just a regular "Joe" like me and you. What really makes me appreciate Elvis the human being is the fact he was so caring and so giving and had respect. The greatest entertainer in the world wasnt a ego freak. The singers and entertainers of today should take a page out of Elvis' book, maybe they would learn something.

[ehollier]

Thank goodness somebody finally understands what I have been trying to say....thank you Diane.(y) These younger ones that were not even born in '77, or were very young, came to the table knowing all the facts. They already knew how the story would end, so they pick and choose which year of Elvis they want to concentrate on. You and I lived it with him...we saw the gradual decline. BUT....we accepted it because we loved the man, not the entertainer. I have talked with some on here that say...."I don't care for him much after '71, or '73." Those statements are baffling to me, but you are right...it's an image, an icon... to us it's the real deal.:blush::blink::blush::blink:

Are you saying that he's real to only those who were lucky enough to see him in concert?? He's only an icon to those millions who have not seen him in concert??? I think his fans around the world (both from your generation and mine) would be disappointed to know that he's not the real deal....or if I prefer one Elvis era to another, then I'm not a TRUE fan...

[utmom2008]

Your perception of Elvis is different and your feelings towards him do tend to be stronger once you've seen him in person.

Until you see him live, he's still an image and not totally real.

I loved every phase of him, 50's, 60's and 70's and it was great watching him evolve into a singer and entertained that will never be surpassed.

Diane


Thank goodness somebody finally understands what I have been trying to say....thank you Diane.(y) These younger ones that were not even born in '77, or were very young, came to the table knowing all the facts. They already knew how the story would end, so they pick and choose which year of Elvis they want to concentrate on. [/B]


Are you saying that he's real to only those who were lucky enough to see him in concert?? He's only an icon to those millions who have not seen him in concert??? I think his fans around the world (both from your generation and mine) would be disappointed to know that he's not the real deal....or if I prefer one Elvis era to another, then I'm not a TRUE fan...


Re-read Diane's post and then re-read my post. I don't think either of us mentioned younger fans not being "real" fans. It certainly wasn't what I was talking about, and I think I can speak for Diane and say that's not what she was talking about either. Am I right Diane?:hmm::doh:

[utmom2008]

What you say is so true. That I knew what the end result was. So I can pick what Elvis I like. You on the other hand went along for the Elvis experience. You saw him grow as a human and entertainer and you saw him fall. So you accept that and understand his life as a human and entertainer.

Yes...that's EXACTLY what I was referring to Joe. Thank goodness you understood what we meant!(y)(y)You know I am NEVER mad at you!!!!

[Diane]

No no Liz, I'm not claiming that those of you who never got to see Elvis in person are any less of a fan. There are plenty of people who did see him on stage and never felt the urge to go back. We fans can't understand that but it did happen - it's a matter of personal taste.

I'll give an example: say you have a pen pal. You write to that person, you received pictures and videos of them and then you meet them in the flesh. Are they not then more "real" to you? That's all I'm saying. Growing up with him helped to make our feelings stronger as he was a part of our every day lives for years and years. That has to be different from someone who just "discovered" him the last few years.

I hope this misunderstanding is now cleared up....I did my best.

Diane

[utmom2008]

I'll give an example: say you have a pen pal. You write to that person, you received pictures and videos of them and then you meet them in the flesh. Are they not then more "real" to you? That's all I'm saying. Growing up with him helped to make our feelings stronger as he was a part of our every day lives for years and years. That has to be different from someone who just "discovered" him the last few years.
Diane

That was an outstanding example Diane. You just used Gail and I as an example and probably didn't realize it.:lol: For a good bit of time she and I wrote letters to each other at least once, often twice a week. We exchanged our school pictures, and we talked on the phone as much as our parents would allow. BUT....when she stepped off of that Southwest Airlines plane one Friday afternoon she was suddenly a "real" person. A walking, talking animated person.:D:lol: I had seen TTWII probably a dozen times before my first time to see Elvis, which happened to be in Vegas. The minute he walked out on the stage I saw how even the movie didn't entirely capture the person.:notworthy:king::notworthy

[Diane]

Rosanne is saying and I am saying that we are ALL fans, young and new. New fans are needed so that Elvis' talent will be appreciated for years to come as we oldies are not going to be around forever.

The only difference between a new fan and an old one is that to us old ones Elvis was the boy next door we grew up with. To the new ones, he's this neat kid you recently met.

And to those who've been lucky enough to see Elvis in person, he became more "real" as I explained about the pen pal.

That's it that's all,

Diane

[Unchained Melody]

because he finally became Elvis the man and not Elvis the Image. '69-'73 he was absolutely god-like and flawless. '74 - '77 he was human.

Couldn't agree more. and its ashame EPE is so embarassed of Elvis from the last years of his life.:supriced:

[Unchained Melody]

Originally Posted by SeeSeeRider777 http://www.tcb-world.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.tcb-world.com/showthread.php?p=233741#post233741)
What you say is so true. That I knew what the end result was. So I can pick what Elvis I like. You on the other hand went along for the Elvis experience. You saw him grow as a human and entertainer and you saw him fall. So you accept that and understand his life as a human and entertainer.


Interesting comment, but as I first became a fan back in 2001 at the age of 11, now 18, I saw That's The Way It Is Special Edition. Then a few months later i bought the Aloha Special on VHS, and I could see a decline because one of the things I first noticed was the lack of movement. Now I may not have seen him in concert, but I don't think just because you didn't see him in concert like i didn't get to, don't mean you didn't see his decline. I saw it as I got deeper in the Elvis world, and by the time I found the EIC CBS Special it was really there. As I started listening to more and more of his live shows etc you can hear the decline aswell when he got in real bad shape healthwise etc.

[cibetty]

I have been a fan for more than a year now, since last April and I can say to me Elvis is not only an idol or an icon. I can accept him as an entertainer and a human as well. I'm sure those have different feelings who saw him in live. I couldn't see him (I was born after his death), but from the footages (which thank God, are still here with us) I can see his decline very well. And it makes me very sad that nobody was able to help him and stop him on this way. I think especially about those, who was with him and worked with him almost every day between 1969 and 1977, so they saw his changes very well. What was wonderful in Elvis he never played a role when he walked on the stage, he gave himself in the 50's and when he started the concerts again in 1969, he gave himself again to his audience. And he gave himself in 1977 as well. It touched me what his daughter said about him, it's very true and beautiful:

"He was so extraordinary a presence--not even as an entertainer, just as a person. Yes, he sang well, and yes, the songs were great, but that was him coming through the music. He was bigger than life -- and he still is. Elvis was just someone who was... everything that everyone perceived him to be and in the way that he sort of came through his music and his spirit came through and affected people. He was that spirit that was behind all that.

I believe just from knowing him, is that his spirit came through the music and so that’s kind of what permeated whatever he did, and it would touch other spirits, and it sort of went on a different level.

There was no difference between his image and who he was; except for that who he was, was even more important and bigger. Everything you saw that he had was what was there, what he gave, and he never put up a front of any kind. He was who he was, and that’s what came through; and his image didn’t come anywhere near to what he was as a human being.”

I think he was a very honest person and there was something in him what never changed. His love about music and about his fans never changed.

[Diane]

I agree Brad, you could see Elvis' decline over the last few years. Not only in photos but in his voice.....it sounded breathless at times and not as animated....lacking some of the soul he always put into his songs.

Diane

[cibetty]

What really shocks me in the 77 concert recordings is his breathing as well... It really shows how sick he was. Anyways I have just discovered his last album, "Moody Blue" from 1977, and I can tell it's really great!! Some songs were new and really surprising for me, I didn't think they are from 1977!! I really love these songs! He did a really great job with them.

[Diane]

I have that one on the original vinyl Betty and you're right....it's fantastic!

Diane

[rhythmknights]

facts and figures aside, i think i choose the 70's because he's still there. hindsight of course, since that's all i have to go by, but i love the way his voice sounds - so rich and - ughh! i hate this word - mature. it's so full and round and yeah maybe he's not singing rock and roll as we know it, but he's singing the songs he's always loved. he's still around, and people still love him and i don't think the fans that still love him love him just because he's Elvis, but because there's something more about him - he came onto the scene because he was the american dream come true and he's still around because he's still willing to work that dream, not live on it's laurels. i know i'm probably alone on this, but i believe that had he been able to survive his drug abuse Elvis would have made yet another comeback - cause i believe he had the [I]desire to work it!
i know i'm babbling, and i wish i could express myself better but this is all i've got right now.

[cibetty]

That was an outstanding example Diane. You just used Gail and I as an example and probably didn't realize it.:lol: For a good bit of time she and I wrote letters to each other at least once, often twice a week. We exchanged our school pictures, and we talked on the phone as much as our parents would allow. BUT....when she stepped off of that Southwest Airlines plane one Friday afternoon she was suddenly a "real" person. A walking, talking animated person.:D:lol: I had seen TTWII probably a dozen times before my first time to see Elvis, which happened to be in Vegas. The minute he walked out on the stage I saw how even the movie didn't entirely capture the person.:notworthy:king::notworthy

Rosanne, I have seen the movie dozen times as well, I can't count it... LOL.... If I would have a chance to see him in person after this, maybe I would die. :lmfao: :lmfao: God, it was an experience for you!! I'm sure it was like a dream which came true for you. Your VHS, the tape is still intact anyways? When did the movie come out on DVD in the US? What did you feel when you saw it on DVD later? (You have it, I'm sure.) I'm just curious, as always...

[rhythmknights]

What really shocks me in the 77 concert recordings is his breathing as well... It really shows how sick he was. Anyways I have just discovered his last album, "Moody Blue" from 1977, and I can tell it's really great!! Some songs were new and really surprising for me, I didn't think they are from 1977!! I really love these songs! He did a really great job with them.

this is the first cd i bought and to this day, it's my favorite!

[cibetty]

this is the first cd i bought and to this day, it's my favorite!

Yes, you're right, that album is absolutely wonderful! (y) (y) You had a really good choice.

[kathy parkinson]

I am from the UK, never got to see Elvis on stage sadly, but, i have been there since the beginning, i loved him then, and, i love him to this day.

[Unchained Melody]

The new songs that performed on Moody BLue 2-21-77 concert CD was nice to hear but Elvis hardly was great their, I was really dissapointed when i first played why me lord, as Elvis barely even sang along like he did in 74-75. Of course Moody Blue was the ulitmate song I wanted to hear on that cd was a nice version elvis was obviously having difficulties controlling his breathing though.

[utmom2008]

The new songs that performed on Moody BLue 2-21-77 concert CD was nice to hear but Elvis hardly was great their, I was really dissapointed when i first played why me lord, as Elvis barely even sang along like he did in 74-75. Of course Moody Blue was the ulitmate song I wanted to hear on that cd was a nice version elvis was obviously having difficulties controlling his breathing though.

The original blue album that was released in the summer of '77 is a great album. I guess I would say it's my favorite from his latter years.:notworthy:king::notworthy

[hounddog]

"I have that one on the original vinyl Betty and you're right....it's fantastic!" Me to i have it on the blue vinyl as well.

Now for me 70-75 Elvis is i guess my favourite mainly because it's when i was aware of him. By age 3 or 4 Elvis was part of my daily life, I listened to him everyday. (I was born in 1970.)

I'm not obssesed with any era of his life/ career but the years 1974-75 are special to me because of that memory of starting to be an Elvis fan. And all that flash, the suits, the rings was amazing to a little poor country kid. And to know that Elvis had been a poor country kid just made me feel a connection with him. I've watched everything on him i can afford, i love the early TV shows, the 68 comeback, the jumpsuits, i think i'm just Elvis obssesed.

I would have loved to have seen him in concert as I'm sure all of us that never got that chance would agree, that the live exeprience would give ya goosebumps.

I guess for those obsessed with the later year Elvis is it really that differant to those obsessed with the young Elvis it's what they like. I've known fans who won't listen to anything after he came back from the army. I guess it's what makes his fan base so strong and unique as there are so many styles of music to chose from.

[Unchained Melody]

The original blue album that was released in the summer of '77 is a great album. I guess I would say it's my favorite from his latter years.:notworthy:king::notworthy

Mine aswell Rossie :D

[tony70]

I never got to see Elvis live in concert and wish so much that I could , for me #1 his voice, shot through the roof round 75 its like the older he got the more powerful his voice became. I read somewhere that said that he didnt sound good in 77 , k , well I agree somewhat , I doubt that theres anyone else that could do the demanding tour dates as he did day in and day out sometimes 2 - 3 shows a night just take a listen to Elvis In Concert and tell me his voice is weak and i'll tell you to clean out your ears. For instance take the 72 version of How Great Thou Art and put it up againist the 77 version and tell me which sounds better more powerful,remember he had a very demanding schedule and hardly let up , yeah your going to get tired to me from the middle of 74 till the day he died his voice became stronger and stronger. After I watched that Aloha concert @ the age of 3 I was hooked and my mom couldnt beleive it and I've been going strong since his voice and charisma I guess in the 70's is what got me , well I do love those jumpsuits , I'am a jumpsuit junkie (thats the first step hahahahahahahaha) anyway thats my thought.

[Unchained Melody]

I never got to see Elvis live in concert and wish so much that I could , for me #1 his voice, shot through the roof round 75 its like the older he got the more powerful his voice became. I read somewhere that said that he didnt sound good in 77 , k , well I agree somewhat , I doubt that theres anyone else that could do the demanding tour dates as he did day in and day out sometimes 2 - 3 shows a night just take a listen to Elvis In Concert and tell me his voice is weak and i'll tell you to clean out your ears. For instance take the 72 version of How Great Thou Art and put it up againist the 77 version and tell me which sounds better more powerful,remember he had a very demanding schedule and hardly let up , yeah your going to get tired to me from the middle of 74 till the day he died his voice became stronger and stronger. After I watched that Aloha concert @ the age of 3 I was hooked and my mom couldnt beleive it and I've been going strong since his voice and charisma I guess in the 70's is what got me , well I do love those jumpsuits , I'am a jumpsuit junkie (thats the first step hahahahahahahaha) anyway thats my thought.

Excellent post (y)

I must say if you listen to Moody Blue that album showcases how powerful his voice was towards the end.

If only he hadn't been giving second rate material.(n)

[tony70]

Excellent post (y)

I must say if you listen to Moody Blue that album showcases how powerful his voice was towards the end.

If only he hadn't been giving second rate material.(n)

I agree Elvis should of gotten better music to sing I wish he would of recorded Fire Down Below for some reason he didnt like it and yes Moody Blue album wore it out half to get a new one voice is awsome

[Unchained Melody]

I agree Elvis should of gotten better music to sing I wish he would of recorded Fire Down Below for some reason he didnt like it and yes Moody Blue album wore it out half to get a new one voice is awsome

Moody Blue and the From EP BLVD Albums will always be my favorites of his work in the studio.

[tony70]

Moody Blue and the From EP BLVD Albums will always be my favorites of his work in the studio.

Yes EP BLVD agre 100 %

[midnight]

I also love the Moody Blue album. I have the one I bought in 1977 and the album is blue too. I have tons of original albums from the seventies. While my friends were into Shawn Cassidy and Leif Garrett I was engulfed with Elvis. I bet they have long given up their old albums but mine is still going strong. Younger people probably don`t even know who those singers are today ! But we all still know who Elvis is ! Am I right Bradley?

[May]

as you know i am a big fan of the 1969 era, however i recognise the perpetual brilliance of his voice. i do find the 1977 june 21st peformance at rapid city very poignant and emotional, you can see he is a man withered by domestic problems, and gnarled by the monotony of touring. yet his brilliance shines through, this defiance and determination to put on the best show he can despite his ill health. i dont belive he did know he was going to die but when you watch his version of my way it is as if he is singing his funeral anthem. it is both disturbing and fascinating. it is incredible to believe only 8 years ago he was so trim, fighting his way back to the top of the music profession, now a man beleagured and exhausted. for many i believe they can now at this moment see the very human side of elvis this is perhaps why they are so absorbed by this period?

I agree with absolutely every word you have said here.:notworthy

[tony70]

I also love the Moody Blue album. I have the one I bought in 1977 and the album is blue too. I have tons of original albums from the seventies. While my friends were into Shawn Cassidy and Leif Garrett I was engulfed with Elvis. I bet they have long given up their old albums but mine is still going strong. Younger people probably don`t even know who those singers are today ! But we all still know who Elvis is ! Am I right Bradley?

I do have that album and have it framed w/the cover in one and the album in another

[midnight]

When I said I have tons of original albums from the seventies ,I meant Elvis albums !!!

[Unchained Melody]

I also love the Moody Blue album. I have the one I bought in 1977 and the album is blue too. I have tons of original albums from the seventies. While my friends were into Shawn Cassidy and Leif Garrett I was engulfed with Elvis. I bet they have long given up their old albums but mine is still going strong. Younger people probably don`t even know who those singers are today ! But we all still know who Elvis is ! Am I right Bradley?

Of course :D(y)

[tony70]

I have all my colored albums in frames which are pretty cool

[Unchained Melody]

I have all my colored albums in frames which are pretty cool

I bet that does look really cool. I only have a handful of LPs from back then unfortunatley.