Viva Las Vegas- Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley did a lot for Las Vegas but let us not forget Las Vegas did a lot for Elvis Presley.

The Beginning

Elvis Presley 1957

In the year 1956 Elvis headlined and the now non-exsistant New Frontier long before the Fashion show mall made its appearance. Then with a trio behind him and his music appealing to mostly teenagers Elvis did not get a warm welcome. Although his two week engagement did not end on the most positive note Elvis was not finished with the city.

The Movies

In the 1960’s Colonel Parker took over his management and started Elvis on his way to his film career. I was fortunate enough to meet Colonel Parker at the buffet at the Mirage in 2003. I can tell you he was still a powerful man and still had juice in Las Vegas. The movie “Viva Las Vegas” was filmed in 1963. Elvis sings the title song of the movie.

In the movie Elvis married his costar Ann Margret but in 1967 Elvis married Priscilla Beaulieu at the Aladdin Hotel which was torn down rebuilt and then renamed Planet Hollywood. Even though these two events are totally separate and unrelated both have in some way connected Elvis to Las Vegas forever.

In 1969 The International opened, later it became the Las Vegas Hilton. In the showroom the opening headliner was Barbara Streisand. Later that year in July Elvis became the headliner. His first show sold out and continued to sell out for the next seven years. Elvis had sold out shows. As a matter of fact one in two visitors during this time went to see Elvis even after it became the Las Vegas Hilton in 1971.
His last performance in Las Vegas was in 1976. He had a contract for more shows, unfortunately he passed away just a year later.

Present Day

Las Vegas has never forgotten Elvis. His impersonators have filled the town. From Elvis Preachers to singers of all sizes and ages, you can see white jumpsuits everywhere. Most recently Cirque du Soleil put together a show called Viva Elvis, they partnered with CYK and Elvis Presley Enterprises to bring the show to Aria at City Center.
There is a statue of Elvis near the front doors of the Las Vegas Hilton. The Hard Rock has a jumpsuit and gold record in their collection.

Today one of his famous songs that we hear most often honors The King in a daily show at the famous Belagio Fountains!