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From Elvis to EDM: Tracing the History of Music in Las Vegas

The city of Las Vegas is often associated with glitz, glamour, and extravagant performances, and for good reason. For decades, Las Vegas has been a hub for some of the world’s most talented musicians, who have entertained millions of visitors to the city’s iconic casinos and hotels. But how did Vegas become “Vegas” and how did the relationship between music and Sin City begin?

Becoming Vegas

In the early 1900s, Las Vegas was just a small, dusty railroad town in the middle of the Nevada desert. It wasn’t until 1931 when gambling was legalized in Nevada that Las Vegas started to gain popularity as a destination for those looking to try their luck at the gaming tables or slot machines. Today, with the rise of online casinos, players no longer need to travel to Las Vegas to experience the thrill of gambling. Instead, they can visit sweepscash.com, a comparison portal for Sweepscash casinos, and find the best online casinos that offer sweepstakes-style games with cash prizes. Sweepscash.com makes it easy for players to compare different casinos and choose the one that best fits their needs and preferences.

Throughout the 1940s and 50s, Las Vegas underwent a transformation as it became home to some of the most iconic casinos and hotels in the world. The Flamingo, opened by notorious mobster Bugsy Siegel in 1946, was one of the first luxury resorts to offer casino gambling, and it was soon followed by the likes of the Sands, the Desert Inn, and the Stardust.

During this time, Las Vegas also became a popular destination for celebrities and entertainers, who were drawn to the city’s glitz, glamour, and nonstop entertainment. Legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Sammy Davis Jr. all had regular gigs in Las Vegas, performing to packed crowds at the city’s many casinos and showrooms.

In the decades that followed, Las Vegas continued to evolve, with newer, more lavish casinos and hotels cropping up to replace the older, more traditional establishments. The city also faced its share of challenges, including the effects of the recession in the late 2000s and the tragic shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in 2017.

Despite these challenges, however, Las Vegas remains one of the top gambling and entertainment destinations in the world, with millions of visitors flocking to the city each year to try their luck at the tables or catch a show. And with ongoing investments in new casinos, hotels, and attractions, the future of Las Vegas as a hub for gambling and entertainment looks brighter than ever.

A Musical Love Affair

The history of musicians performing in Las Vegas dates back to the 1940s, when a young up-and-coming singer named Frank Sinatra first graced the stage at the Desert Inn. Over the years, Sinatra’s popularity grew, and he became a regular performer in Las Vegas, headlining shows at the Sands and other venues. His success paved the way for other big-name musicians to follow suit, and soon, stars like Elvis Presley, Liberace, and Wayne Newton were all performing in the city.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 06: Entertainer Wayne Newton performs onstage during the grand opening of T-Mobile Arena on April 6, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ABA)

Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Las Vegas became known as the entertainment capital of the world, with a thriving music scene that drew in visitors from all over the globe. The city’s casinos and hotels spared no expense in booking the biggest and most popular acts, with some performers even signing lucrative long-term contracts to perform regularly.

In the 1970s, Las Vegas shifted away from the traditional lounge-style shows that had been popular in previous decades, and instead began booking more elaborate and theatrical productions. This trend continued into the 1980s and 90s, with artists like Celine Dion and Elton John headlining residencies at the city’s biggest hotels and casinos.

Today, Las Vegas remains one of the top destinations for musicians and performers from all over the world. From pop stars to rock legends to country crooners, there is no shortage of talent to be found on the city’s many stages. And while the music scene in Las Vegas has evolved over the years, one thing remains constant: the city’s dedication to providing visitors with top-notch entertainment and unforgettable experiences.

Conclusion

The history of musicians performing in Las Vegas is a rich and fascinating one that has played a significant role in shaping the city’s identity and reputation. From its early days as a hub for lounge-style shows to its current status as a world-class entertainment destination, Las Vegas has always been a place where the biggest and brightest stars come to perform. And with new acts constantly being added to the city’s roster of performers, the future of music in Las Vegas looks brighter than ever.