One of the songs synonymous with ‘Aloha’, is ‘What Now My Love’, which is one of the big ballads of the type Elvis loved to sing in the later years. The arrangement to the song is wonderful as it builds verse on verse using the string section, backing vocals and piano to great effect. it is deceiving with the first two verses very similar before the explosion that is the final verse, with that magnificent finale. Listen out too for a wonderful solo by Kathy Westmoreland throughout.Never recorded in the studio by Elvis, it’s most famous pre-Elvis recording is probably the Shirley Bassey version, although it has been covered quite extensively since.Version One – 4 August 1972, Opening Show – The First Live RenditionThis first version is sung at a very slightly faster tempo than subsequent versions, and is given an intimate reading by Elvis, at times almost speaking the words – at times in the future he would speak the entire song – adding to the songs intimacy.Version Two – 11 August 1972, Midnight ShowJust a week after introducing the song to his set list and already it has evolved.Version Three – 14 January 1973 – The Aloha VersionProbably the most famous and best version of the song by Elvis. Version Four – 27 April 1973 – PortlandVersion Five – 3 September 1973, Closing Show – Las VegasYou can hear the audience reaction as Elvis began singing it as he was wheeled onto the stage lying a bed as it was pushed by Lamar Fike!! Not to mention he is also making some rather suggestive gestures at the same time!!Version Six – 4 December 1976, Las Vegas – The Final Live RenditionJust over five years since he first sang it live, the song was given it’s last Elvis rendition and whilst shorter than most versions it is no less enjoyable. What is unique is Elvis more or less recites the song rather than sings it which gives it an unexpected twist.
