An enduring legacy
Elvis Presley would have turned 90 on Wednesday if he was still with us. The “King of Rock and Roll’s” death in August 1977 at just 42 years old deprived the world of seeing many more decades of the man who was the first modern global superstar.
helped give birth to an entertainment scene
Among his many achievements was helping transform Las Vegas into more than just a place in the desert where people went to gamble. He helped give birth to an entertainment scene and transformed the culture to create a city with global appeal.
We’ll explore his enduring influence on Sin City, starting with the beginning and looking at how his legacy lives on 47 years after his death.
Elvis’s Las Vegas residency
Presley’s first appearance in Las Vegas was in April 1956 as a 21-year-old, performing at the New Frontier in an attempt to extend his appeal. At the time, he was just a relatively unknown Southern singer. He stood out for his electric loudness in a city more familiar with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack’s dulcet tones.
While his initial appearance in Sin City wasn’t too successful, it didn’t take long for Presley to become a big deal with hits like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” By the time he started his first Vegas residency, he was a superstar.
The first show was in July 1969 at the Las Vegas International Hotel, now the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, which was the world’s largest resort at the time of opening. His residency lasted 636 shows, each one sold out.
The deal started at $125,000 per event and increased with further extensions. His last appearance was on December 12, 1976, just eight months before his death.
Providing a blueprint
For years, Las Vegas residencies were for older and more established singers coasting toward the end of their careers. Presley ripped up the script, introducing a glitzy production with an orchestra, band, backup singers, and showgirls.
blend of music, charisma, and spectacle
The blend of music, charisma, and spectacle contributed to Presley capturing the attention of the masses, with people flying in from all around the world to attend his shows in Las Vegas. The level of glamor began to define the city’s entertainment sector.
He provided a blueprint for future stars to roll out their own highly successful residencies, including Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Elton John, U2, and Britney Spears.
Explosion of tourism in Sin City
No longer were resorts focusing exclusively on gambling; they now could cater to a whole new type of customer as people were specifically coming to see their favorite performers.
Now, most major resorts have long-running residencies, whether it’s Bruno Mars, Garth Brooks, Usher, or Adele. This extends to other types of permanent shows, including comedy, magicians, and burlesque.
The presence of Elvis impersonators is still a major attraction all these years later, something which preserves his presence in the city. Tribute shows take place almost daily, with events, themed experiences, and merchandise all built around the famous star.
Still remembered
The impact of Elvis Presley’s presence in Las Vegas can still be seen today, with many performers giving homage to the King.
Cirque du Soleil ran a tribute show called Viva Elvis, and an annual five-day festival still takes place in his honor.
marking his 90th birthday with a year-long celebration
The Westgate took over the home of Elvis’s residency in 2014, with the International Theater remaining up and running. It’s full of memorabilia, including the pair of shoes Presley wore during his final performance and a lock of his hair. A bronze statue of the star is in the hotel lobby and the resort is now marking his 90th birthday with a year-long celebration.