Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “What Now My Love” became iconic after his performance during the Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite concert on January 14, 1973. This groundbreaking event was the first live concert broadcast globally via satellite, reaching an estimated audience of over one billion people across multiple continents. The song itself is a poignant ballad of heartbreak and despair, originally composed by Gilbert Bécaud with English lyrics by Carl Sigman. Elvis’s version is notable for its emotional depth and dramatic intensity, showcasing his powerful vocal range.
In this performance, Elvis elevates the song from its original orchestration, making it deeply personal. Accompanied by a full orchestra, his rendition builds from a soft, reflective beginning to a climactic, emotional peak. His delivery captured the audience’s attention and remains one of the most remembered moments of the concert. The Aloha from Hawaii event is also remembered as a charitable performance, raising significant funds for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in Hawaii, and is considered a peak moment in Elvis’s career, demonstrating his global stardom and cultural impact.