Elvis The King of Vegas

“Elvis Lives!” Well, at Las Vegas at least where the city’s obsession with Elvis Presley can be seen in every corner, even though he passed away in 1978. America’s most iconic performer became ensconced in the lore of America’s most gaming friendly city is due in no little part to the man’s performance ability, fan base, and an allure that no number of low budget movies or the changing times could erase.

Elvis had extremely modest origins, and although he strove long and hard to be an actor and singer, the beginning didn’t look all too promising. His guitar playing was rather lackluster, as was his singing. With time, and many hard performances (a few of which ended up with the king of rock and roll being pelted with rotten fruit!), his singing got better and as happens with many a performers, fate intervened. At his first big show, his legs began shaking uncontrollably due to his naturally shy and nervous demeanor and these involuntary nervous gyrations made the ladies in the crowd go wild and crazy! When he began to incorporate these moves into his act they drew much criticism and controversy as being obscene and not fit for children’s eyes!

Many Americans during this period of communist pathos attempted to bar Elvis from the airwaves, but it was too little too late. After a five night stand on the Ed Sullivan show, his place in American pop music culture was assured. Even a two year career hiatus in 1957 to complete his military service couldn’t diminish his status as The King of Rock and Roll. His military service made him more palatable to the more conservative of America’s middle class of the 1950’s who were quick to criticize the King’s stage antics.

Elvis established his reign over Vegas with the 1964 movie so-starring Ann Margaret , “Viva Las Vegas” and never looked back, even though the rumors of the onset romance between himself and Margaret are said to be one of the main reasons for the ensuing divorce between himself and Priscilla Presley.

Between 1969 and 1975 Elvis performed in Las Vegas no fewer then 842 times! While this alone is impressive, there’s more, each one of those 842 shows performed at the Las Vegas Hilton were sold out! That’s not to say that each one was amazing, but the fans arrived in droves to see him, even when many considered him passé or over the hill.

His legacy has lived on in his absence, as is seen by the innumerable Elvis impersonators who walk the streets, frequent the casinos and croon outlandish cover versions of his hits and even conduct marriage ceremonies in the modern Las Vegas of 2008. Elvis souvenirs, Elvis albums, Elvis movies, even stores dedicated to Elvis style clothing have found a home in Las Vegas. The King’s Vegas legacy is inescapable.