1974 - 1977

In the final years leading up to Elvis’ death, he toured and recorded constantly, selling out venues everywhere and earning a third and final Grammy award. He also performed for a CBS television special called “Elvis in Concert” that aired posthumously. For friends, family and fans of Elvis, 1977 would be a tragic year.

January 26 - February 9, 1974

Elvis plays the Vegas Hilton again. 

March - July 1974

Elvis is on tour through much of March. In March, he returns to the Houston Astrodome and sets a one-day attendance record with his two shows. Also in March, he plays Memphis for the first time since 1961 and does four shows on March 16 and 17 to meet the demand for tickets. Another live album results from the excitement in Memphis, and on March 20, “Elvis Recorded Live On Stage in Memphis,” is recorded at one of the shows. Included on the album is a live performance of “How Great Thou Art” that will go on to win Elvis his third Grammy award. He resumes touring in May and plays the Sahara in Lake Tahoe May 16 - 26. He’s back on tour in mid-June and takes a few weeks off, starting in early July.

Graceland’s den is being redecorated into its present Polynesian décor and Elvis is working on the script to the movie “The New Gladiators.” 

August 19 - September 2, 1974

Elvis goes back to the Hilton in Vegas for an engagement. Elvis talks on stage about karate.

September 27 - October 14, 1974

Elvis is on tour again. He also plays the Sahara-Tahoe on October 11-14. Record releases have continued through this period with varying degrees of success.

March 1, 1975

Elvis’ live recording of "How Great Thou Art" from the album recorded at one of his Memphis concerts on March 20, 1974, wins the Grammy for Best Inspirational Performance. This is Elvis’ third and final Grammy win out of fourteen nominations (one nomination posthumously). All three Grammy wins have been for his gospel music. 

March 10 - 12, 1975

Elvis records material for the “Today” album at RCA’s Sunset Blvd. Studio. 

March 18 - April 1, 1975

Elvis has another engagement at the Hilton. On March 28, 1975, Barbra Streisand talks to Elvis about “Star Is Born.” A formal offer will be made on April 4, 1975, and the Colonel responds with a counter offer for Elvis’ services on the 14, which was subsequently rejected.

April 17, 1975

Elvis purchases a Convair 880 jet and renames it the “Lisa Marie.”

April - July 1975

Elvis tours in concert. 

August 18 - September 5, 1975

Elvis opens in Vegas but ends his engagement on the 20th and is hospitalized in Memphis until September 5. 

November 11, 1975

The renovation of a Convair 880 jet Elvis bought earlier in the year is complete and he takes his first flight on the Lisa Marie jet. 

December 2 - 15, 1975

Elvis returns to the Hilton in Vegas to make up for the shows that were canceled during his previous engagement. 

December 31, 1975

Elvis performs a special New Year’s Eve concert in Pontiac, Michigan, and sets a single performance attendance record of 62,500. 

February 1976

Elvis has a week of recording sessions in the den at Graceland, with RCA bringing in mobile recording equipment. Songs from this will comprise the forthcoming album “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee” and over half of the forthcoming “Moody Blue” album.

March 17 - 22, 1976

Elvis tours in concert. 

April 21 - 27, 1976

Elvis tours in concert. 

April 30 - May 9, 1976

Elvis performs an engagement at the Sahara Tahoe in Nevada. 

May - October, 1976

Elvis tours in concert. 

October 29 - 30, 1976

Elvis continues recording in the den at Graceland, including his last single "Way Down." 

Early November 1976

Elvis and Linda Thompson, his steady girlfriend since 1972, split up. 

November 19, 1976

Elvis meets Ginger Alden who will be his steady girlfriend until his death. 

November 24 - 30, 1976

Elvis tours in concert. 

December 2 - 12, 1976

Elvis plays the Hilton in Vegas for the last time. Evangelist Rex Humbard and his wife visit Elvis’ show and meet with him backstage on December 12, 1976. Humbard will be asked to speak at Elvis’ funeral the next year. 

December 27 - 31, 1976

Elvis tours in concert, ending with a special New Year’s Eve concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Unbeknownst to Elvis, 1977 will be his final year of touring and performing.

February 12 - 21, 1977

Elvis tours in concert. 

March 3 - 13, 1977

Elvis and his friends enjoy a vacation in Hawaii. 

March 23 - 30, 1977

Elvis tours in concert. 

April 1 - 5, 1977

Elvis is hospitalized in Memphis and tour shows scheduled for March 31-April 3 are canceled. 

April 21 - May 31/June 1 - 2, 1977

Elvis tours in concert. 

June 1977

The single “Way Down” is released and peaks at #18.

June 17 - 26, 1977

Elvis tours in concert. The shows on June 19, 20, and 21 are recorded by RCA for an upcoming live album and are videotaped for an upcoming CBS-TV television special. The special will be called “Elvis in Concert.” It will first air on October 3 after Elvis’ death in August. The camera gives a shocking picture of Elvis’ poor health in his final days, but his voice is strong. 

June 26, 1977

Elvis performs his last concert at Indianapolis’ Market Square Arena.

June 27 - August 15, 1977

Elvis relaxes in Memphis and prepares for the next leg of touring for 1977. 

July 1977

The album “Moody Blue” is released. After Elvis' death, it will hit #3, selling more than two million copies.

August 16, 1977 

Shortly after midnight, Elvis returns to Graceland from a late-night visit to the dentist. Through the early morning of the 16, he takes care of last minute tour details and relaxes with family and staff. He is to fly to Portland, Maine, that night and do a show there on the 17, then continue the scheduled tour. He retires to his master suite at Graceland around 7:00 a.m. to rest for his evening flight. By late morning, Elvis Presley has passed away due to heart failure. It is announced by mid-afternoon. In a matter of hours the shock of Elvis’ death registers around the world. 

August 18, 1977

Elvis’ funeral is held.

October 2, 1977

Gladys' and Elvis' bodies are moved to Graceland.

October 3, 1977

The CBS special “Elvis In Concert” airs. The album is also released and peaks at #5 quickly, selling 1.5 million copies. 

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Learn more about Elvis' posthumous awards and the opening of Graceland post 1977. Also, be sure to keep up with the latest Elvis news by following @VisitGraceland on Twitter or liking Elvis Presley's Graceland on Facebook.