Introduction
On January 14, 1973, Elvis Presley delivered his historic Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite concert at the Honolulu International Center Arena—becoming the first solo entertainer to be broadcast live globally via satellite. Millions across Asia and Oceania watched in real-time, with audiences in Europe viewing a delayed broadcast; overall, the spectacle reached an estimated 1 to 1.5 billion viewers across more than 40 countries, marking a milestone in entertainment and television history .
Amid soaring rock ‘n’ roll favorites and ballad standouts, Elvis chose to include a striking rendition of “My Way”—Paul Anka’s 1969 English adaptation of the French song “Comme d’habitude.” Though not initially in the setlist, this unexpected inclusion became one of the evening’s most deeply personal highlights .
Supported by his stellar TCB Band—featuring James Burton (guitar), Jerry Scheff (bass), and Ronnie Tutt (drums)—and vocal backup from The Stamps, The Sweet Inspirations, and Kathy Westmoreland, Elvis’s performance of “My Way” blended gospel warmth with reflective intensity .
The dramatic context—a global live broadcast at the height of technological innovation—imbued the performance with added emotional weight. Elvis’s delivery felt introspective, resonating with themes of self-determination and life’s journey as he looked back on his own iconic career .
Following Elvis’s death in 1977, a live version of “My Way” from a later concert was released as a single and became a commercial success, solidifying the song as one of his most enduring interpretations .
Elvis Presley’s soulful performance of “My Way” during Aloha from Hawaii remains a standout moment—melding technical innovation, global reach, and personal artistry into a defining live legacy.
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