LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Elvis Presley remains a significant figure in Las Vegas many years after his death.
Throughout the Las Vegas Strip and in wedding chapels, impersonators can be found, while his popular song “Viva Las Vegas” plays following Golden Knights victories, keeping Elvis closely linked to Las Vegas.
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However, another long-lasting influence Elvis had on Las Vegas is the concert residency. Prior to Celine Dion, Britney Spears, U2, Bruno Mars, and others claiming stages along the Strip, the King of Rock & Roll established himself as the King of Las Vegas, introducing a new era of entertainment in the city, and a new chapter for musicians.
On July 31, 1969, Elvis performed in front of a full audience at the International Hotel for the first time. The venue, which eventually became known as the Las Vegas Hilton and is currently called the Westgate Las Vegas, had the biggest showroom in Las Vegas at that time.
The hotel welcomed Elvis less than a year following his initial television special, which was known as the “68 Special.”
“When Elvis appeared that evening, everything changed,” David Stanley, Elvis Presley’s step-brother, remarked.
The first commitment, lasting four weeks and 57 performances, expanded to 636 shows. Many were held in one-month stretches, during which Elvis would perform two shows each night for 30 consecutive days. Every one of his Las Vegas performances sold out completely.
“There was never a single empty seat where Elvis performed,” Stanley stated. He mentioned that celebrities frequently attended his Las Vegas performances, including members of the Rat Pack and John Wayne.
His final performance in Las Vegas took place in December 1976, shortly before his passing in August 1977.
Elvis transformed the whole scene of this city,” Stanley stated. “He possessed a lot of charm and magnetism, but he also had something more, an extraordinary talent.
Although he may have physically “left the building,” his impact continues to be felt in Las Vegas, particularly at the venue where he both performed and resided during his residency.
The Imperial Sky Villa at Westgate Las Vegas includes multiple photographs from the beginning of his performance series, situated in the same section of the building where Elvis once resided during his time on the property.
The resort also includes a variety of other tributes throughout the property, including atribute showin its cabaret theater, and an Elvis statue in the entrance hall.
People from around the globe have reached out to us expressing their desire to bring in memorabilia,” said Dawn Rawle, Westgate’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment. “We have stories we wish to share with you.
Following the celebration of the King’s 90th birthday in January, Westgate Las Vegas will be organizing several events on Thursday, July 31, to honor Elvis’ initial performances during his legendary residency. The event, called “1969 Live Concert: The King Returns,” will include both paid and free activities, such as a performance that replicates the setlist from the opening night. Certain activities will extend into the following day, August 1. Additional details about the celebration are availablehere.
The event will also feature a visit from Stanley, who leads a monthly activity at the Westgate called “My Brother Elvis,” involving a tour and a question-and-answer session with the icon’s step-brother about his experiences living and working with him during his time in Las Vegas. Additional details about the series are availablehere.
“Surrounded by all the attractions at Westgate Las Vegas, Elvis has genuinely never left the premises,” Rawle stated.
