Viva Las Vegas
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By 1956 Elvis was a national sensation as his electrifying performances and unique music stylization established a cultural phenomenon. The 21 year old was the first white artist to successfully cross over on music charts and create a sound that reached such a diverse demographic. Although he held the position as the leading figure of the Rock n' Roll genera the endurance of his career was uncertain as his popularity was seen by many as no more than a fad.
In attempts of expanding Elvis' popularity beyond that of screaming teens his manager Colonel Tom Parker booked Elvis at the New Frontier Hotel and Casino. Although this was the reasonable route to take to establish a mainstream career it was quite stretch for Elvis act to appeal to an upper middle class audience. Elvis was billed a singing sensation and comedy act as there was a real uncertainty as to how Elvis' act would appeal to the established audience. The night Elvis performed in the Venus room a musician could most certainly hear if their instrument was out of tune. Elvis performed his act and the audience responded with no more than a polite and controlled applause. The performance in Las Vegas did not secure his career and instead marked his first career misstep.
In attempts of expanding Elvis' popularity beyond that of screaming teens his manager Colonel Tom Parker booked Elvis at the New Frontier Hotel and Casino. Although this was the reasonable route to take to establish a mainstream career it was quite stretch for Elvis act to appeal to an upper middle class audience. Elvis was billed a singing sensation and comedy act as there was a real uncertainty as to how Elvis' act would appeal to the established audience. The night Elvis performed in the Venus room a musician could most certainly hear if their instrument was out of tune. Elvis performed his act and the audience responded with no more than a polite and controlled applause. The performance in Las Vegas did not secure his career and instead marked his first career misstep.
Vegas was Elvis' kind of place as he joyfully indulged within the cities many attractions. Many stars and like Frank Sinatra Sammy David Jr. and Dean Martin would gather at the Sahara nightclubs including Elvis after their performances for late night fun in sin city. Elvis would regularly visit the city in between productions of movies and even starred in the film in 1964 that highlighted the extravagance of the city titled "Viva Las Vegas". Elvis' costar was none other than female Elvis Anne Margret an actress who could really give Elvis a run for his money. The films musical number "Viva Las Vegas" coined the city its unofficial motto. Yet sixteen films later and at the end of the 60's Elvis and his manager realized that a change of pace was much need and even more so he needed to reignite his musical career. The answer to Elvis' career dilemma was his the 1968 Comeback Special which motivated Elvis' career to take to the stage.
There was only one place capable of hosting such a legends performance and that was the city of Las Vegas. At the end of the decade the city of Las Vegas was undergoing a sort of transformation from its traditional lounges and diner theaters into grand performances halls a perfect location for the King. The International Hotel and Casino was in the midst of construction when it approached Colonel Tom Parker to make produce and host Elvis' performances. |
"Man, I really like Vegas."
-Elvis Presley Viva Las Vegas Performance
Elvis signs with The International Hotel and Casino
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Elvis was a by now a seasoned performer and unwilling to depend upon screaming females to ensure his musical success. He took his opportunity with the International Hotel as a chance to reflect his mature image and sound. He acquired the musical talents from numerous musicians who had contributed to his past albums as well as the vocal talents of the soul group The Sweet Inspirations and the gospel courtet The Imperials. Elvis was no longer being told by a producers and directors what songs he was to play and not play he has complete creative control of song selections and played only the song which truly meant something to him and from all genres of music.It was also on the Vegas stages that Elvis received his iconic jumpsuit. Elvis gave such an energetic performance that most often times his clothing attire was unable to contain and conceal his body therefore the costume designer Bill Bollou provided the performer his signature outfit.
Due to Elvis' previous failed attempts on a Las Vegas stage Elvis became very concerned with finding success within his show. Strategically Elvis' manager Colonel Tom Parker advertised on every billboard and announced on every radio station the clear message that Elvis had returned. Reservations, tickets, and hotel rooms were sold instantaneous as people from around the nation and world drew to Las Vegas to see The King of Rock n' Roll perform. The pressure was all weighted upon Elvis' shoulders the potential career impact, the potential earnings, the stars amongst the crowd, his passion, and his legacy all lead up to the night of July 31,1969. Not only was Elvis right at home on the Las Vegas Stage but he was also a success. Each performance and each visit, after his contract was up with the International Hotel was up, broke attendance records that the city had never seen. Not only was Elvis at the top of his game in Las Vegas but it was his experiences on stage that brought him back to life.
Due to Elvis' previous failed attempts on a Las Vegas stage Elvis became very concerned with finding success within his show. Strategically Elvis' manager Colonel Tom Parker advertised on every billboard and announced on every radio station the clear message that Elvis had returned. Reservations, tickets, and hotel rooms were sold instantaneous as people from around the nation and world drew to Las Vegas to see The King of Rock n' Roll perform. The pressure was all weighted upon Elvis' shoulders the potential career impact, the potential earnings, the stars amongst the crowd, his passion, and his legacy all lead up to the night of July 31,1969. Not only was Elvis right at home on the Las Vegas Stage but he was also a success. Each performance and each visit, after his contract was up with the International Hotel was up, broke attendance records that the city had never seen. Not only was Elvis at the top of his game in Las Vegas but it was his experiences on stage that brought him back to life.