SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - On the day he would turn 90, one lucky usher at Elvis Presley's last concert remembers The King's last show in the Hostess City.
- Elvis Presley performs at the Savannah Civic Center in 1977 (Courtesy of Savannah Morning News)
- Elvis Presley performs at the Savannah Civic Center in 1977 (Courtesy of Savannah Morning News)
- Elvis Presley performs at the Savannah Civic Center in 1977 (Courtesy of Savannah Morning News)
In February 17, 1977, a full six months before the iconic "Jailhouse Rock" singer and American icon passed away at 42, Elvis Presley performed in Savannah for the final time.
The show was held at the Savannah Civic Center. One of the ushers was a teenage Robert W. Graves High School band member. Lynne Kessler Bethune didn't know at the time that she would be witnessing history.
"Back then, high school band members could usher for shows that came to the Civic Center," she says.
Bethune was a moderate Elvis fan in her youth, she recalls singing with her cousin to his records as a child, just as millions of other children before and after her. When she was selected to usher for the 1977 concert, she was thrilled.
In the middle of the set, she walked to the balcony seating,
"It was mostly empty, and there was a guy and a girl and a lot more room.
That girl, Bethune recalled, left with a special token of remembrance from Elvis himself.
"He took off his light blue scarf and threw it right up to the three of us," she said. "I was leaned up against the railing and the girl ran and grabbed it. I thought that was exciting. I would've reached for it, but my life was more important than the scarf."
Though scarf-less, today Lynne is still partial to the entertainer known as "The King". She still plays his gospel recordings, which both resonate with her and offer what she feels is the one of the reasons why Elvis was Elvis.
"It seemed the [gospel] music reflected his faith," she said. "I always thought he was a great singer, but I think he had a solid foundation."
You can listen to a live recording of Elvis Presley's final Savannah concert by clicking the link below: