Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• $736K table game jackpot hits at Las Vegas Strip casino.

• Upcoming UNLV Rebels Men's Basketball match

• A deep dive into the life of Nat King Cole

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take."

— Wayne Gretzky

Las Vegas Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Las Vegas attraction holds the record for the highest commercial decelerator descent in the world?

A) The Big Shot at Stratosphere

B) The High Roller at The LINQ

C) SkyJump at Stratosphere

D) The X-Scream at Stratosphere

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous Las Vegas show that features synchronized swimming and acrobatics is C) O by Cirque du Soleil.

News

💼 Business

Victims, witnesses of harassment at Las Vegas establishments sought. (Link)

FAA gives clearance for towering North Strip casino, arena project. (Link)

🏒 Sports

High school football state championship matchups, times set. (Link)

‘Scary’ Dolphins bring speed, talent into matchup with Raiders. (Link)

🏦 Finance

$736K table game jackpot hits at Las Vegas Strip casino. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Pepperdine Waves at UNLV Rebels Men's Basketball
Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Nov. 20th | (More info)

🏎️ 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix - Thursday
F1 Las Vegas Strip Autodrome, Las Vegas
Thursday, Nov. 21st | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Eddie Griffin
Saxe Theater, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Tuesday, Nov. 19th (More info)

🎤 Steve Byrne
Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Nov. 20th (More info)

Family

💼 North Las Vegas Leaders: 7 Secrets for Your Success They Won't Teach You!
North Las Vegas
Tuesday, Nov. 19th (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Post-apocalyptic Las Vegas reclaimed by nature” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Las Vegas History

1906: Opening of the Golden Gate Hotel, the oldest in Las Vegas.

In 1906, the Golden Gate Hotel was built in downtown Las Vegas, marking the birth of the city's first hotel. Originally named Hotel Nevada, it is located at 1 Fremont Street and is home to the oldest casino still in existence in Las Vegas. The hotel is considered to be the birthplace of the city and has a rich history that spans the birth of Las Vegas, the Roaring 20s, Prohibition, and the iconic Rat Pack era. Over the years, the Golden Gate Hotel has become a landmark and a symbol of historic hospitality in Las Vegas.

The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, formerly known as Hotel Nevada, opened its doors in 1906 and has since become an iconic part of Las Vegas history. It set the standard for Las Vegas hospitality and has been a witness to the city's evolution over the past 118 years. Located at One Fremont Street on the world-famous Fremont Street Experience, the hotel has retained its historic charm while embracing the modern era. It has been reborn for the 21st century, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into the early days of Las Vegas.

As the oldest hotel in Las Vegas, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino has continued to shine 116 years after its opening. While it wasn't the first hotel built in Las Vegas, it holds the distinction of being the city's most historic hotel and casino. With its rich legacy and prime location, the Golden Gate Hotel remains a symbol of the city's enduring spirit and a testament to its vibrant history.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Nat King Cole (1919–1965): Pioneering musician and singer who performed in Las Vegas.

Nat King Cole, born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, was a legendary musician and singer who left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and popular music. His career spanned from the 1930s to the 1960s, and he is best known for his smooth baritone voice and timeless hits. Here is a comprehensive biography of Nat King Cole, highlighting his remarkable journey and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1919-1937)

Nat King Cole, originally named Nathaniel Adams Cole, was born into a musical family. His father was a Baptist minister and his mother was the church organist, providing a rich musical environment for young Nat. At the age of four, he began formal piano lessons, displaying exceptional talent and a natural ear for music. By the time he was a teenager, Cole was already performing in church and local bands, honing his skills as a pianist and vocalist.

Rise to Stardom in Los Angeles (1938-1943)

In 1937, Nat King Cole moved to Los Angeles with his family, where he formed the Nat King Cole Trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince. The trio quickly gained popularity in the local jazz scene, known for their innovative blend of swing and jazz. Cole's distinctive voice and piano skills set him apart, and the trio's performances attracted a growing fan base.

Breakthrough as a Vocalist (1943-1949)

Nat King Cole's career took a significant turn when he began to focus more on his vocal abilities. His smooth, velvety voice captivated audiences, and he soon became a solo artist, signing with Capitol Records. Hits like Straighten Up and Fly Right, The Christmas Song, and Nature Boy solidified his status as a leading vocalist in the music industry. Cole's crossover appeal and charismatic stage presence made him a favorite among diverse audiences.

Las Vegas Performances and Mainstream Success (1950-1959)

During the 1950s, Nat King Cole's career reached new heights as he became a regular performer in Las Vegas. His residency at the Sands Hotel and Casino showcased his talent in an exciting big band setting, captivating audiences with his magnetic stage presence and timeless repertoire. Cole's live album, Nat King Cole At The Sands, captured the essence of his electrifying performances and further solidified his status as a jazz royalty.

Civil Rights Advocacy and Cultural Impact (1960-1965)

Amid his musical success, Nat King Cole used his platform to advocate for civil rights and racial equality. He performed for civil rights organizations and used his influence to address social issues through his music. His commitment to breaking down racial barriers and promoting unity left a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond. Tragically, Cole's life was cut short when he passed away on February 15, 1965, in Santa Monica, California, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Key Achievements of Nat King Cole:

• Pioneered a unique blend of jazz and swing music, captivating audiences with his exceptional piano skills and smooth baritone voice.

• Recorded timeless hits such as Unforgettable, Mona Lisa, and L-O-V-E, earning widespread acclaim and commercial success.

• Became the first African American to host a network variety program, ""The Nat King Cole Show, breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry.

• Performed at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, showcasing his talent in an electrifying big band setting and leaving an indelible mark on the Las Vegas entertainment scene.

• Used his influence to advocate for civil rights and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the 20th century.

Nat King Cole's legacy as a pioneering musician, influential vocalist, and advocate for social change continues to resonate with audiences, cementing his status as a timeless icon in the history of music.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons