Elvis Presley History. The Life. The Legend. The King.
The History of Elvis Presley • Before the Film Came the Fans • Discover the Vegas Resident Hotel of the King!
From humble beginnings in Mississippi to lighting the stage on fire with his electric dance moves and sensual and soulful songs, Elvis Presley is a global sensation. Simply known by his first name around the world, the legacy of Elvis lives on even after his death in 1977 at the age of just 42. From radio, film, TV and concert stages, Elvis shook the world of entertainment by blurring the lines of social and racial barriers. Now, he’s back center stage in the all-new biopic “Elvis” directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Experience the history of Elvis Presley through his life, culminating with his years in Las Vegas performing at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino!
Elvis at Westgate Las Vegas
Elvis Presley’s first show at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino was on July 31, 1969. It was his residency venue for the next seven years, culminating with his final show at the resort in December 1976. Elvis performed 636 sold-out performances at the International Hotel, which became the Hilton before becoming Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in 2014.
Who is Elvis Presley?
Elvis Presley was a musician, performer and actor during his 23-year career. He was dubbed the “King of Rock n’ Roll” all over the world because of his good looks; modern take on blues, country, gospel and R&B; and his gyrating dance moves that left audiences swooning. He is often referred to as simply “The King,” with his later years being known for his drug use, over the top costumes and his role in making Las Vegas an entertainment capital of the world.
Early Life of Elvis
Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. He had an identical twin brother who was stillborn. Elvis and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948. He received his first guitar on his 11th birthday and later won a talent show at his Memphis high school. Elvis began his professional singing career in 1954 with his first single "That's All Right.”
Elvis Presley’s Rise to Stardom
Elvis’ first number one single was “Heartbreak Hotel” in 1955, as well as his first number one album of the same name. A year later in 1956, he made his film debut in “Love Me Tender.” During his early career, he appeared on multiple talk shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Steve Allen Show.” He would go on to star in 31 feature films, plus two concert documentaries. It is estimated that Elvis recorded more than 600 songs throughout his career and released more than 20 studio albums, plus film soundtracks.
Elvis in the Army
Elvis received his draft notice in 1957 as his stardom continued to rise. He eventually served in Germany for about a year and a half, but shortly before he left, his beloved mother died. He returned home to Memphis for the funeral before returning to active duty. While in Germany, Elvis met Priscilla Beaulieu, who later became his wife. The pair married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas. They eventually divorced in October 1973.
Elvis at Westgate
Elvis made entertainment history at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, performing two shows a night, seven days a week during his residency at the former International Hotel built just off The Las Vegas Strip in July 1969. At the end of that same month, Elvis began performing sold-out shows to excited audiences at what is now Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. In 2014, Westgate inherited part of Elvis’ legacy by acquiring the hotel where he performed in what is now the International Theater and where he called home when he was in town.
A Legendary Legacy
Elvis can still be seen today at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino where he performed during the last years of his life. A bronze statue immortalizes the great performer and his contributions to music, film, TV and the City of Las Vegas itself. Elvis has sold over one billion records around the world. He received 14 Grammy nominations with three wins, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 36 and was one of the first performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Today, you can tour Elvis’ home, Graceland, and see how he lived and where he’s buried.
Elvis the Film
The charismatic performer is once again in the spotlight in a new film directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Austin Butler, as Elvis, and Tom Hanks, as Tom Parker who was Elvis’ longtime manager, among other Hollywood stars. The film explores is rise to fame, his tumultuous later years and his enduring legacy. The film debuted on June 24, 2022.
Legendary Entertainment Lives On
Thanks to Elvis’ legacy, entertainment lives on at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Liberace, Barbara Streisand, Tina Turner and many others have graced the International Theater stage at the resort throughout the years. Today, Barry Manilow headlines with his “The Hits Come Home” show. Other acts include 38 Special, Kool and The Gang, The Bronx Wanderers, Soul of Motown and The Magic of Jen Kramer. And, Elvis will strut across the stage once again during The King of Las Vegas Festival, happening July 8-10, 2022. Watch the King of Rock n’ Roll light up the stage with his greatest hits and vivacious dance moves.
