Savannah Remembers Elvis Presley on His 90th Birthday

News Summary

As Savannah, Georgia commemorates what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday, fans reminisce about his last concert there. On February 17, 1977, the iconic performer left a lasting impression with his electrifying presence and heartfelt music. Teenager Lynne Kessler Bethune recalls her ushering experience that night, highlighting the energy in the Savannah Civic Center and the enduring legacy of Elvis’s gospel music. The city’s celebration of the King honors the cherished memories and emotional connection that his music continues to inspire in fans to this day.

Remembering the King: Savannah Ushers Back to Elvis’s Last Concert

In the charming city of Savannah, Georgia, a special memory has been rekindled as fans reflect on the legendary Elvis Presley on what would have been his 90th birthday. The date marks a bittersweet moment in history—the last concert of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll took place on February 17, 1977, just six months before the singer passed away at the young age of 42. It was an unforgettable night at the Savannah Civic Center, a venue that buzzed with excitement and filled with music lovers eager to see their idol perform.

A Teenage Usher’s Perspective

Among the crowd that evening was a teenage usher named Lynne Kessler Bethune, who was tasked with guiding attendees to their seats during this momentous event. Back in those days, high school band members were often chosen for ushering duties during concerts at the Civic Center. Although Lynne describes herself as a moderate Elvis fan, she fondly remembers her childhood days of singing along to his records with her cousin, which made her even more thrilled to participate.

The atmosphere in the Savannah Civic Center was electric, with fans buzzing in anticipation. Yet, upon observing the crowd, Lynne noticed that the balcony section seemed mostly empty. While some might have found this disheartening, it did little to diminish the fervor of the fans present. With bated breath, they awaited the arrival of their beloved King.

A Memorable Moment

As the concert commenced, the excitement was palpable. Elvis, with his captivating voice and charisma, took the stage and truly gave it his all. One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when Elvis threw a light blue scarf into the audience. While it was intended for a girl sitting beside Lynne, she hesitated to reach for it, worried about taking a tumble in the excitement of the moment. Despite not catching the scarf, that scene has etched itself in her memory forever.

The Gospel Connection

Though Lynne’s connection with Elvis may not have been overwhelming, she still holds a deep respect for his artistry. In particular, she finds joy in his gospel music, believing it reflected his true faith and emotional depth. Lynne appreciates how Elvis’s gospel songs shine a light on the solid musical foundation he built throughout his career—a testament to his exceptional talent.

Today, as the music world pauses to celebrate Elvis’s legacy on his 90th birthday, the memory of that final concert in Savannah continues to resonate. Lynne encourages everyone to revisit that live recording of Elvis’s last concert and relive the heartfelt experience it encapsulates. For all fans of the King, there’s something incredibly special about being able to experience his music in live form, feeling the energy and emotion that filled the venue that night.

Elvis’s Enduring Legacy

As we gather together in spirit to celebrate the great Elvis Presley, we carry with us the cherished memories and stories of those who experienced his music firsthand. From teenagers like Lynne Kessler Bethune to die-hard fans, it’s clear that Elvis’s music continues to live on in our hearts and playlists.