Download or read book That Old Black Magic written by Tom Clavin and published by Chicago Review Press. This book was released on 2010 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Both a love story and a tribute to the entertainment mecca, this exploration shines a spotlight on one of the hottest acts in Las Vegas in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The illuminating depiction showcases the unlikely duo--a grizzled, veteran trumpeter and vocalist molded by Louis Armstrong and a meek singer in the church choir--who went on to invent "The Wildest." Bringing together broad comedy and finger-snapping, foot-stomping music that included early forays into rock and roll, Prima and Smith's act became wildly popular and attracted all kinds of star-studded attention. In addition to chronicling their relationships with Ed Sullivan, Frank Sinatra, Robert Mitchum, and other well-known entertainers of the day--and their performance of "That Old Black Magic" at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration--the narrative also examines the couple's ongoing influence in the entertainment world. Running concurrent with their personal tale is their role in transforming Las Vegas from a small resort town in the desert to a booming city where the biggest stars were paid tons of money to become even bigger stars on stage and television.
Download or read book Las Vegas Golden Era written by Esper Esau and published by Bookbaby. This book was released on 2019-08-08 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most people are not aware that Las Vegas got it's start as a major hub in the early 1930's as traffic west increased and the town began to grow. However, it wasn't until the early 1950's that Las Vegas began forming as a major gambling and entertainment mecca. Join the author's tales of working as a crew member moving up to leadership roles within major productions of the day in "Sin City". As he recounts the many celebrities who performed during Las Vegas' heyday, the productions worked on, issues encountered, and each star's preferences and quirks, the reader will be swept away within a Golden Era of show business and the activities of headliners during a time when Las Vegas was making a name for itself. From Howard Hughes' real estate to the Rat Pack, and on to major productions in the 1970's, each detail is a reflection of a city that never rests, and now it has evolved into today's glitzy entertainment and gambling capital.
Download or read book Elvis in Vegas written by Richard Zoglin and published by Simon & Schuster. This book was released on 2020-11-10 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Outstanding pop-culture history.” —Newsday The “smart and zippy account” (The Wall Street Journal) of how Las Vegas saved Elvis and Elvis saved Las Vegas in the greatest musical comeback of all time. Elvis’s 1969 opening night in Vegas was his first time back on a live stage in more than eight years. His career had gone sour—bad movies, mediocre pop songs that no longer made the charts—and he’d been dismissed by most critics as over-the-hill. But in Vegas he played the biggest showroom in the biggest hotel in the city, drawing more people for his four-week engagement than any other show in Vegas history. His performance got rave reviews; “Suspicious Minds,” the song he introduced there, gave him his first number-one hit in seven years; and Elvis became Vegas’s biggest star. Over the next seven years, he performed more than 600 shows there, and sold out every one. Las Vegas was changed, too. By the end of the ‘60s, Vegas’ golden age—when the Rat Pack led a glittering array of stars who made it the nation’s premier live-entertainment center—was losing its luster. Elvis created a new kind of Vegas show: an over-the-top, rock-concert extravaganza. He set a new bar for Vegas performers, with the biggest salary, the biggest musical production, and the biggest promotion campaign the city had ever seen. He opened the door to a new generation of pop/rock artists and brought a new audience to Vegas—not the traditional well-heeled older gamblers, but a mass audience from Middle America that Vegas depends on for its success to this day. At once “a fascinating history of Vegas as gambling capital, celebrity playground, mob hangout, [and] entertainment Valhalla” (Rolling Stone) and the incredible “tale of how the King got his groove back” (Associated Press), Elvis in Vegas is a classic feel-good story for the ages.
Download or read book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas written by Hunter S. Thompson and published by . This book was released on 2003-04-07 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a reissue of the novel inspired by Hunter S. Thompson's ether-fuelled, savage journey to the heart of the American Dream: We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold... And suddenly there was a terrible roar all around us and the sky was full of what looked like huge bats, all swooping and screeching and diving around the car, which was going about a hundred miles an hour with the top down to Las Vegas.
Download or read book Farewell to the Last Golden Era written by Bill Morales and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2011-08-10 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1960, Major League Baseball reached a crossroads in its history. Facing a challenge from the Continental Baseball League, the owners of the original 16 major league teams elected to admit new clubs. This in-depth look at that pivotal season--the last played with only the original 16 teams--follows the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Pirates on their march to the 1960 World Series. The trials and triumphs of these two teams reflect the changes, large and small, that came to define the sport in the following decades--surnames on the backs of the uniforms, exploding scoreboards, the increasing impact of international players, and foremost of all, expansion. Marking the end of the "Golden Age" of baseball and the beginning of the ascendancy of professional football as the national pastime, this historic season witnessed the intersection of the past and future of American professional sports.
Download or read book The Golden Era of Golf written by Al Barkow and published by Macmillan. This book was released on 2014-10-21 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Golden Era of Golf chronicles the rise of the sport in America from 1950 to the present by one of the most prolific and respected golf writers today. Until now, no one has made the point directly and unequivocally that the game "invented" by ancient Scots would not have reached its present stature in the world of sports if Americans had never gotten hold of it. Is this to say that Al Barkow is, in The Golden Era of Golf, being a narrow-minded, American-flag-waving jingoist? Not at all. In detailing how America expanded on the old Scots game, Barkow does not deny that the United States more or less fell into certain advantages that led to its dominion over the game - there is the geography, the luck of not having to endure the physical devastation of two world wars, and a naturally broader economic strength. Still, Barkow also makes it clear that there were, and there remains, certain especially American characteristics - a singular energy and enthusiasm for participation in and observation of games, for melding sports with business, for technological and industrial innovation, and by all means democratic traditions - that turned what had been (and would probably have remained) an insular, parochial past time into a game played by millions around the world. America has been golf's great nurturing force, and Barkow details why and how it happened. The history of American golf is not exactly a varnished treatment, a mindless glorification full of nationalist ardor, which is in keeping with the author's well-established reputation, developed over the past 37 years as a golf journalist, magazine editor, historian, and television commentator, as someone who looks with a sharp and candid eye at the game. Barkow has points of view and takes positions on affairs and personalities that impact on every aspect of golf. Is the United States Golf Association, in its restrictions on equipment, playing ostrich to inevitable technological innovation? Hasn't it always? And, hasn't the association always been hypocritical in its definition of amateurism? Was the Ryder Cup ever really a demonstration of pure hands-across-the-sea good fellowship? Why did it take so long for the members of the Augusta National Golf Club to invite a black to play in its vaunted Masters tournament? Barkow was one of the first journalists to research in depth and write about how blacks were excluded from mainstream American golf for most of this century. Here, he expands on an element of history which is intrinsic to the larger American experience and which led to the coming of Tiger Woods. How good has television been for golf, and when and by whom did this most powerful of mediums get involved in the game? Is Greg Norman's celebrity (and personal wealth) an example or the result of modern-day image making that gives greater value to impressions of greatness than the reality of actual performance? Although some curmudgeon emerges in this chronicle of golf, what also comes through, and on a larger note, is the author's passion for the game itself. Its demands on each player's will, determination, and both inherent and developed physical skills are so penetrating, and the satisfaction that comes from just coming close to fulfillment so great, that the manipulations of the golf "operators" - administrators, agents, some of its players, et al. - become mere sidebars. This is golf history with a certain perspective that arises from someone who has lived intimately with the game as a player and writer for at least half the century that is covered, and in particular the last half, on which there is the greater emphasis. It runs the gamut - from feisty, albeit well-considered, criticism to an evocation of the human drama that is finally the most vivid expression of any activity man takes on.
Download or read book The Golden Steer Steakhouse written by James O. Fraioli and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bring a little bit of "Old Las Vegas" into your kitchen with mouth-watering recipes and glittering tales from the golden era of steakhouse dining. The Golden Steer Steakhouse is legendary for serving "The Best Steaks on Earth" to A-list patrons like the Rat Pack, Natalie Wood, Nat "King" Cole, Joe DiMaggio, Elvis Presley and Mario Andretti just to name a few. Founded in 1958 as a small restaurant and bar, it has grown into the Las Vegas dining icon it is today by staying true to its original concept of fine dining with quality steaks and memorable seafood. Author James O. Fraioli and Golden Steer Proprietor Dr. Michael J. Signorelli have compiled the recipes and stories behind the Golden Steer�s most popular dishes such as Toasted Ravioli with Marinara and New York Strip with Pizzaiola Sauce. Who says what happens in Vegas has to stay there? Take some classic Las Vegas home with you in this all-encompassing collection from the fabled steakhouse.
Download or read book Vegas Gold written by David Wills and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2017-10-31 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An evocative, glamorous look at the golden years of Las Vegas, captured in more than 125 lush color and black-and-white photographs. "I love that town. No clocks. No locks. No restrictions."—Marlene Dietrich The playground in the desert built by the mob and transformed by Howard Hughes, the "fabulous, extraordinary madhouse," that is Las Vegas, Nevada, has long been regarded as the Entertainment Capital of the World. During the post-war boom years, no place was as fascinating as Vegas. Distinguished by millions of colorful neon lights, the sounds of rhumba music, and the clink of silver dollars, Vegas was a recreational colony for Hollywood’s most glamorous and a dream destination for thousands of ordinary Americans. Vegas Gold vividly showcases the glitz, glamour, and charm of Sin City’s golden years, from the 1950s to the 1980s. An adoring ode to this ultimate adult playground, it celebrates the best of old Las Vegas—the Sands Hotel, the Stardust, Fremont Street, the Golden Nugget, the Riviera Hotel, the Desert Inn, and the Horseshoe—and its legendary headliners, including Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Elvis Presley, Liberace, Ann-Margret, Sammy Davis Jr., Eartha Kitt, Noel Coward, and of course, the gorgeous Vegas showgirls. Framed by quotes and short essays that profile the marquee names that made Las Vegas the ultimate destination, the legendary years of this magical city live on in all their glory in Vegas Gold.
Download or read book The Golden Years at Riverview written by Trebor Yelar and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2008-05 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In my younger days a fondness for Mexico encouraged numerous travels to this wonderful place south of the border. Many pleasant memories linger of the times spent there laced with a liberal amount of unfortunate experiences The Mexican travels are related in two parts, Mexico The Early Days chapter 1 (in two parts) And another, much later, A Mexican Fiasco of the 90's chapter 2 (in three parts). Having an affinity for the North Country, We also traveled there for many years, where I made many friends and had an abundance of wonderful experiences as well as a full ration of those less than favorable as described in chapter 3 Oh! For a Northern Adventure or Northward Ho Ho! The good fortune of meeting my life long Canadian friend, hunting and fishing partner, occurred on a return trip from the Northwest Territories in the sixties and is described in the Alaska (almost) chapter 4. Moose, bird -hunting and fishing were enjoyed during the years of these Canadian ventures, many of these stories and unforgettable incidents are included in the chapter 5 A Couple Times at Little Grebe' Also numerous moose hunts and adventures are described in Lysander, Root River moose hunt, and The Mascara chapters 6,7and 8. The second attempt at Alaska was a bit more productive than the earlier ones but even it was not without some interesting drawbacks as described in the Alaska chapter 9. After retirement to my river cabin for the last 18 or so years, I continue with many undeniably outrageous but stupidly rewarding as well as amusing activities as described in Tar Baby and Ku-Joe and the Buck, chapters 10 and 11. Las Vegas, chapter 12 relates an interesting experience on one of the many visits there.
Download or read book Las Vegas The Grand written by Mike Carpenter and published by Mike Carpenter. This book was released on with total page 107 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explore the storied history of the Las Vegas Strip with this engrossing book. Learn about iconic resorts, attractions, and historic moments that have shaped the city over time. Follow the changes in architecture and entertainment options that made Las Vegas what it is today. This book is an essential guide for those seeking to uncover how one dusty expanse of dirt became the gambling mecca of the world, boasting some of the most famous and largest casinos and hotels anywhere, which attract more than 40 million visitors a year. Witness firsthand developers' perspectives on creating stunning properties like the Mirage, Bellagio, Venetian, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Circus Circus, and many more. Get an inside look at what it took to make Las Vegas into the international destination it is today!
Download or read book Pocket Rough Guide Las Vegas written by Rough Guides and published by Rough Guides UK. This book was released on 2017-08-03 with total page 146 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hit Las Vegas with the most incisive and accessible guidebook on the market, your indispensable companion to the ever-changing entertainment capital of the world. Themed itineraries and the Best of Las Vegas section will help you find the right balance between hedonism and relaxation, while detailed listings give you the lowdown on Sin City's no-holds-barred nightlife, the Strip's vibrant dining scene, theme parks and off-beat attractions, and of course how and where to gamble. All the sights, accommodation, casinos, restaurants, shops and bars are pinpointed on full-colour maps in each chapter, and there's also a handy pull-out map to help you find your way around this dizzying city. The Pocket Rough Guide to Las Vegas gives you an honest and opinionated view on what's on offer on the Strip, downtown and beyond - and in case all the neon lights and late-night shows get a bit too much, it also lets you know how to make a quick getaway into the deserts, and further afield to stunning natural and man-made wonders like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.
Download or read book Unsung Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Era written by Edwin M. Bradley and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2016-03-03 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The most memorable Hollywood musicals of 1930s showcased the talents of stars like Fred Astaire, Jeanette MacDonald, Bing Crosby and Alice Faye. The less memorable ones didn't. This book takes a look at the unsung songfests of the '30s--secondary or forgotten features with short-lived or unlikely stars from major studios and Poverty Row. Through analysis of films such as Lord Byron of Broadway (1930), Shoot the Works (1934), Bottoms Up (1934), Moonlight and Pretzels (1933) and The Music Goes 'Round (1936), the author profiles such performers as Dorothy Dell, Lee Dixon, Peggy Fears, Lawrence Gray, Joe Morrison and the mother-daughter team of Myrt and Marge. Behind-the-scenes figures are discussed, like the infamously profligate producer Lou Brock, whose flops Down to Their Last Yacht (1934) and Top of the Town (1937) cost him his career. Filmographies and production information are included, with background on key participants.
Download or read book Cult Vegas written by Mike Weatherford and published by Huntington Press Inc. This book was released on 2001 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mike Weatherford resurrects the mystique of Vegas's Golden Age--the '60s of history and legend--bringing the hipster legacy to new Vegasphiles. Meet '50s and '60s lounge greats the Treniers, the Mary Kaye Trio, and Louis Prima and Keely Smith; comedy legends Joe E. Lewis, Shecky Greene, and Don Rickles; and Vegas babes Vampira, Lili St. Cyr, Ann-Margret, and Tempest Storm. Weatherford also covers nearly every offbeat movie ever made about Las Vegas, as well as Elvis and Frank's impact on the town. This gorgeous entertainment retrospective is packed with showroom esoterica, descriptions of near-forgotten corners of Vegas cult musicology, odd trivia, and unsung heroes of a bygone era. Cult Vegas chronicles the major moments--the camp, the extreme, the awful--in short, the magic of Las Vegas' half-century run as an entertainment mecca.
Download or read book Las Vegas written by Eugene P. Moehring and published by University of Nevada Press. This book was released on 2005-03-16 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The meteoric rise of Las Vegas from a remote Mormon outpost to an international entertainment center was never a sure thing. In its first decades, the town languished, but when Nevada legalized casino gambling in 1931, Las Vegas met its destiny. This act—combined with the growing popularity of the automobile, cheap land and electricity, and changing national attitudes toward gambling—led to the fantastic casinos and opulent resorts that became the trademark industry of the city and created the ambiance that has made Las Vegas an icon of pleasure. This volume celebrates the city’s unparalleled growth, examining both the development of its gaming industry and the creation of an urban complex that over two million people proudly call home. Here are the colorful characters who shaped the city as well as the political, business, and civic decisions that influenced its growth. The story extends chronologically from the first Paiute people to the construction of the latest megaresorts, and geographically far beyond the original township to include the several municipalities that make up today’s vast metropolitan Las Vegas area.
Download or read book Fifty Golden Years written by Mrs. Bertha Grimmell Judd and published by . This book was released on 1927 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Becoming America s Playground written by Larry D. Gragg and published by University of Oklahoma Press. This book was released on 2019-08-29 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1950 Las Vegas saw a million tourists. In 1960 it attracted ten million. The city entered the fifties as a regional destination where prosperous postwar Americans could enjoy vices largely forbidden elsewhere, and it emerged in the sixties as a national hotspot, the glitzy resort city that lights up the American West today. Becoming America’s Playground chronicles the vice and the toil that gave Las Vegas its worldwide reputation in those transformative years. Las Vegas’s rise was no happy accident. After World War II, vacationing Americans traveled the country in record numbers, making tourism a top industry in such states as California and Florida. The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce saw its chance and developed a plan to capitalize on the town’s burgeoning reputation for leisure. Las Vegas pinned its hopes for the future on Americans’ need for escape. Transforming a vice city financed largely by the mob into a family vacation spot was not easy. Hotel and casino publicists closely monitored media representations of the city and took every opportunity to stage images of good, clean fun for the public—posing even the atomic bomb tests conducted just miles away as an attraction. The racism and sexism common in the rest of the nation in the era prevailed in Las Vegas too. The wild success of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack performances at the Sands Hotel in 1960 demonstrated the city’s slow progress toward equality. Women couldn’t work as dealers in Las Vegas until the 1970s, yet they found more opportunities for well-paying jobs there than many American women could find elsewhere. Gragg shows how a place like the Las Vegas Strip—with its glitz and vast wealth and its wildly public consumption of vice—rose to prominence in the 1950s, a decade of Cold War anxiety and civil rights conflict. Becoming America’s Playground brings this pivotal decade in Las Vegas into sharp focus for the first time.
Download or read book Las Vegas written by Dirk Vanderwilt and published by Channel Lake, Inc.. This book was released on 2007-10-23 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Las Vegas is in many ways the ultimate vacation destination, and it is much more than just casinos! From live shows to restaurants and luxury resorts, Las Vegas is on a perpetual quest to become bigger and better than ever before. With this book as a guide, anyone can explore the very best that this unforgettable city has to offer.
