Elvis Presley and His History in Las Vegas

We have all likely heard the name Elvis Presley at one time or another. Some people love his music. Some people love his charisma. Some people simply like his style and flair.

Whether you love him or not, it’s impossible to deny the profound impact Elvis made on the music industry, especially in Las Vegas. Let’s take a look at Elvis’ life, the way that he changed the music industry, and his specific ties to the city.

ELVIS PRESLEY’S EARLY LIFE

Elvis was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, into a close-knit, working-class family. His upbringing was profoundly informed by family bonds, particularly after a personal tragedy—his twin brother, Jesse, was stillborn just 30 minutes before Elvis was born. This loss drew his family even closer, and Elvis remained especially close to his mother throughout his life.

At age 13, Elvis and his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where his musical journey began. Six years later, at 19 years-old, he signed with Sun Records and, along with his band, helped pioneer the rockabilly genre. This marked the start of a revolutionary career in music.

A CONTROVERSIAL NEW TALENT

At the age of 21, 2 years after he signed with Sun Records, he had his first performance in Las Vegas. On April 23, 1956, Elvis was the closing act of the show at The New Frontier Casino and Hotel.

Despite his recent success with his first national number-one hit, Heartbreak Hotel, the performance was a disaster. The Vegas crowd, more accustomed to traditional entertainment, wasn’t ready for the youthful, provocative style Elvis brought. His groundbreaking music was met with indifference, a stark contrast to the adoration he received elsewhere in the United States.

WINNING OVER LAS VEGAS

For two weeks, Elvis struggled to win over the Vegas crowd. The sophisticated audience and critical reviewers were unimpressed by his style and the new rockabilly sound. Yet, over time, he began to turn things around. Much of this shift is credited to Freddie Bell and the Bellboys, whose version of Hound Dog inspired Elvis. After re-recording it in his own style, the song became a hit, helping him gain traction with the public.

Despite initial resistance, Vegas audiences slowly warmed to Elvis’ energetic performances, including his signature hip-swiveling moves, which had caused a stir

A ROCKY PERIOD IN ELVIS’ CAREER

1964’s “Viva Las Vegas” Courtesy: TCM

By the mid-1960s, Elvis’ career was facing new challenges. The rise of bands like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles made it harder for him to stay relevant, and his once-thriving movie career began to lose its luster. Critics started to pan his films, and even Elvis grew dissatisfied, feeling that financial motives had overtaken artistic quality. However, he pressed on, continuing to make movies while refocusing on his music.

In 1968, Elvis staged a televised comeback special, which helped revive his career. But the true turning point came with his return to Las Vegas.

ELVIS’ TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO VEGAS

International Hotel Exterior with Elvis Promo

The sign for the International Hotel and Casino advertises a performance by Elvis Presley in 1969.
Getty Images

In 1969, Elvis returned to the Las Vegas stage at the International Hotel (now, the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino), marking a turning point in his career. He was nervous, but the four-week engagement, which began on July 31, ended up being a major success. Elvis quickly found his groove, wowing the audience with his classic hits and showmanship.

The reviews were overwhelmingly positive, and even the critics who had once dismissed him were now singing his praises. Before his engagement was complete, a deal was struck for Elvis to return to the International Hotel twice a year for the next five years, solidifying his status as a Vegas headliner.

ELVIS’ MOVIE CAREER

In addition to his musical legacy, Elvis also had an impactful movie career. His first film, Love Me Tender, was a huge hit, and he went on to star in 31 feature films. While these films were financially successful, later in his career, critics began to harshly review them, and Elvis himself grew frustrated with the declining quality.

ELVIS’ FINAL VEGAS PERFORMANCE

Elvis’ final performance in Las Vegas took place on December 12, 1976, at the International Hotel. Over the course of 11 days, he performed 15 shows, putting his heart and soul into each one. Eight months later, on August 16, 1977, Elvis passed away in Memphis from heart failure, leaving behind an incredible legacy.

ICONIC ELVIS LANDMARKS IN LAS VEGAS

If you’re a fan of Elvis and want to explore some of the places he loved or left his mark on, Las Vegas has several must-visit spots:

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino: Formerly known as the International Hotel, this venue is where Elvis performed many of his iconic shows. It remains a tribute to his lasting impact on the city.
Golden Steer Steakhouse: The Golden Steer was one of Elvis’ favorite post-show dining spots. If you’re lucky, you might even sit in the booth he once reserved.
Little Church of The West: Featured in the movie Viva Las Vegas, this charming chapel was the setting for Elvis’ on-screen wedding. It’s also the site of the first-ever Elvis-themed wedding, making it a popular spot for fans.

At The Neon Museum, we strive to preserve the history of iconic performers like Elvis Presley, who not only launched their careers in Vegas but also shaped the city’s cultural landscape. While Elvis had a rocky start in Las Vegas, he ultimately became one of its brightest stars.

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