Elvis Presley remains one of history’s most celebrated and enduring entertainers, a true King whose reign reshaped popular culture. Yet, the final chapter of his story, the 1970s, is often viewed through a lens of sadness and decline, culminating in his untimely death and the final “Good Night Elvis” that silenced a global phenomenon. While the physical toll of his later years is undeniable, dismissing the 70s overlooks a period of significant musical output, stylistic evolution, and the complex reality of an icon grappling with fame, health, and the relentless demands of stardom. This era, far from just being an epilogue, holds crucial keys to understanding the man behind the legend and the music that continued even as the end drew near.
The Colonel and the Grind: The Touring Machine
Much of Elvis’s trajectory in the 1970s was shaped by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Parker excelled at monetizing Elvis’s fame, particularly through relentless concert touring. He was adept at generating buzz and ensuring logistical success for each show. From Parker’s perspective, the constant touring schedule of the 70s was a triumph, keeping the Elvis brand lucrative and visible. However, for Elvis himself, this non-stop succession of tours became an exhausting treadmill. The grueling schedule contributed significantly to his physical deterioration and dependence on prescription medication, casting a shadow over his later career even as he continued to perform for adoring crowds. Acknowledging this difficult reality is essential, but it shouldn’t entirely overshadow the creative sparks that still flew during this decade.
Beyond the Myth: Rediscovering Elvis’s 70s Sound
Many remember the Elvis of the 70s primarily for the changes in his physical appearance due to failing health. However, musically, the period between 1970 and his death in 1977 was surprisingly fertile. For those unfamiliar with his work beyond the 50s and 60s hits, exploring his 70s catalog reveals a wealth of impressive recordings. The sheer volume of music recorded during this time is substantial, encompassing diverse genres and showcasing a maturing voice, even as it later became marked by weariness.
A Strong Start: ‘That’s The Way It Is’
The decade began promisingly with the release of the acclaimed documentary and accompanying album, “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” (1970). This project offered an intimate look at Elvis preparing for and performing during a Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel. It captured him rehearsing, interacting backstage, and delivering powerful performances. The album featured a contemporary pop/rock sound, with standout tracks like “Twenty Days and Twenty Nights,” “How the Web Was Woven,” “Stranger in the Crowd,” “Mary in the Morning,” and a riveting live rendition of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” Some enthusiasts even argue this album represents one of his greatest single works, showcasing his interpretive skills and charisma.
Elvis Presley performing live in Las Vegas during the 1970s, captured in the documentary Elvis That’s The Way It Is
Festive and Faithful: Christmas and Gospel Gems
In 1971, Elvis released “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas,” an album featuring both traditional carols and compelling original material like “It Won’t Seem Like Christmas (Without You),” “On a Snowy Christmas Night,” “Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees,” and the poignant “I’ll Be Home on Christmas Day,” often cited as one of his finest recordings. A year later, he followed with the Grammy-winning gospel album “He Touched Me.” This record highlighted his deep connection to spiritual music, with powerful versions of the title track, “Reach Out to Jesus,” “I, John,” and “The Bosom of Abraham.”
Hollywood Hits and Stax Soul
1972 proved particularly fruitful. During a three-day recording session in Hollywood, Elvis laid down tracks that rank among his best of the decade, including the heart-wrenching ballad “Separate Ways,” the reflective “It’s a Matter of Time,” a cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times,” and the universally recognized “Always on My Mind.” This same period yielded one of his most enduring rock anthems, the energetic “Burning Love,” a song as synonymous with Elvis as “Hound Dog.”
Throughout 1973, Elvis spent considerable time recording at the legendary Stax Studios in Memphis, the crucible of Memphis Soul. These sessions produced a remarkable body of work that blended soul, funk, and country influences, further defining his sound for the era. Outstanding tracks emerged, including the soulful “If You Don’t Come Back,” the groovy “I Got a Thing About You, Baby” and “I Got a Feelin’ in My Body,” the atmospheric “It’s Midnight,” the funky “If You Talk in Your Sleep,” and the incredibly energetic “Promised Land,” arguably one of his most powerful recordings ever. These songs displayed depth, maturity, and a command of different styles.
The Jungle Room Sessions: A Raw Farewell
His final formal studio recordings took place in Hollywood in 1975, yielding country-flavored tracks like “Susan When She Tried,” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” and “Bringing It Back.” However, some of his most discussed later recordings came from sessions held not in a studio, but at home in Graceland’s den, famously known as the ‘Jungle Room,’ in 1976. By this point, Elvis’s health was poor, and his voice reflected this strain – deeper, throatier, and marked by fatigue. Yet, this raw weariness lent a unique poignancy and authenticity to the recordings. Highlights from these final sessions include covers like “She Thinks I Still Care,” “Moody Blue” (the title track of his penultimate album), the dramatic “Hurt,” Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” his last chart single “Way Down,” and the final song he ever recorded, “He’ll Have to Go.” While perhaps not his most famous works, these late-career recordings offer a fascinating, vulnerable dimension to his catalog.
The Larger-Than-Life Aura: Jumpsuits, Jewels, and Nixon
Beyond the music, the Elvis of the 1970s cultivated an aura of unprecedented grandiosity. His style became synonymous with excess, reflecting the over-the-top fashions of the era but taken to a unique extreme. The signature look included thick, jet-black hair, dramatic mutton-chop sideburns, ruffled shirts with high collars, elaborate coats, rings on nearly every finger, multiple necklaces (including a Star of David and a Cross, because, as he reportedly quipped, he didn’t want to miss heaven “on a technicality”), canes, and his ever-present sunglasses (necessitated partly by glaucoma).
On stage, the jumpsuit became his uniform. Inspired by karate gis, these one-piece outfits allowed for movement, though often weighed down by intricate rhinestone designs, heavy belts, and dramatic capes. This look, often linked to his childhood love of Captain Marvel comics, became instantly iconic and uniquely Elvis. Titles like “Prince from Another Planet,” used for a later archival release, aptly capture the almost otherworldly image he projected during this time, setting him apart from any other performer.
The iconic look of Elvis Presley in the 70s featuring a signature bejeweled white jumpsuit and cape
His off-stage life was equally larger-than-life. He had a fascination with law enforcement and firearms, reportedly carrying revolvers regularly. The famous, almost surreal story of his impromptu visit to President Richard Nixon at the White House underscores his unique status. He managed to talk his way into the Oval Office, apparently while armed, a feat conceivable only for Elvis Presley. His penchant for cruising around Memphis in flashy cars or on motorcycles further cemented his image of extravagant living.
Understanding the 70s: Bono’s Take and Lasting Impact
U2’s Bono once remarked that you cannot fully understand Elvis Presley without understanding the 70s. This era, often caricatured through the lens of Elvis impersonators focusing on the perceived absurdity of his later look, is integral to his complete story. While the image has been played for laughs, the reality was that of a dedicated entertainer striving to connect with his audience, still creating compelling music, supporting a large entourage through constant work, and attempting to find joy in life on his own terms.
Elvis Presley in his iconic black leather suit during the legendary ’68 Comeback Special
The 1970s were not solely about decline; they were a complex period of continued artistic endeavor mixed with personal struggles. This decade showcases Elvis’s resilience, his evolving musical tastes, and the weight of being the King. Exploring this era reveals not just vulnerability, but also moments of brilliance and enduring showmanship.
The story of Elvis in the 70s is ultimately a human one, set against an extraordinary backdrop. It encompasses artistic highs, personal lows, iconic fashion, and a relentless drive to perform that continued almost until the very end. While the curtain finally fell, saying a permanent “Good Night Elvis,” the music and the myth of his final decade remain a vital, fascinating part of his unparalleled legacy, offering much to discover for anyone willing to look beyond the easy caricature.
