Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• MGM getting more solar energy with rural Nevada solar farm.

• Upcoming Slow Magic concert

• A deep dive into the life of Sammy Davis Jr.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can make that happen, you can make anything happen.”

—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

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!

What is the name of the first casino built on the Las Vegas Strip?

A) The Flamingo

B) El Rancho Vegas

C) Caesars Palace

D) The Sands

the name of the famous Las Vegas district known for its modern architecture, art is C) CityCenter

News

💼 Business

Real estate experts discuss land crisis facing valley. (Link)

Suspect burglarized over 20 businesses in southwest Las Vegas (Link)

🏒 Sports

UNLV stands as a focal point in Las Vegas sports footprint. (Link)

RJ Hampshire will miss SuperMotocross finale in Las Vegas. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Rate cuts are here, so what do Las Vegas residents need to know? (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

⚾ Seattle Storm at Las Vegas Aces
Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Tue • Sep 24 | (More info)

🏒 Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Sep 25 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Phil Johnson
LA Comedy Club at The Strat, Las Vegas, NV
Tuesday, September 24 | (More info)

🎸Lionel Richie
Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Wednesday, 25 September | (More info)

Family

🤖 Realtor Picnic in the Park: Free Family Fun Event!
Desert Breeze Park, Las Vegas
Saturday, September 28 | (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 “The iconic Las Vegas landmarks with a high-tech touch.” 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

The Rise of Las Vegas: From Desert Town to Entertainment Capital

One of the most significant historical events in Las Vegas' history was the legalization of gambling in 1931. Nevada became the first state in the U.S. to legalize gambling, a move aimed at boosting the economy during the Great Depression. This decision laid the foundation for Las Vegas to evolve from a small desert town into the world-renowned gambling and entertainment capital it is today. Casinos began to sprout up, drawing visitors from across the country, and cementing Las Vegas’ reputation as a hub for vice and leisure.

In 1941, another pivotal moment occurred with the opening of El Rancho Vegas, the first resort on what would become the Las Vegas Strip. El Rancho Vegas introduced the concept of combining luxury accommodations with casino gambling, setting the standard for future developments. This innovation attracted wealthy tourists and investors alike, further driving the rapid growth of the city’s hospitality and gaming industries. The Strip's success spurred a construction boom of resorts, casinos, and entertainment venues that transformed Las Vegas into a glamorous destination.

By the 1950s, Las Vegas had become synonymous with not only gambling but also live entertainment. The city became a hotspot for celebrities and performers like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, and it quickly gained a reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the World. This era marked the beginning of Las Vegas' status as a premier destination for both gamblers and tourists, creating a lasting impact on its culture, economy, and global recognition.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Wayne Newton (1942-Present)

Wayne Newton, often referred to as "Mr. Las Vegas," was born on April 3, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, but moved to Las Vegas in his early teens. His parents, Patrick Newton and Evelyn Marie Smith, were of Native American descent, and his father worked as a mechanic. Wayne began his musical journey at a young age, showing exceptional talent with instruments such as the guitar, piano, and banjo. By the age of 6, he was already performing on local radio shows. His family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, to help manage his burgeoning career, but it wasn't until Wayne's move to Las Vegas that his life took a pivotal turn.

First Steps Toward Stardom (1964-1966)

At 15, Newton and his older brother Jerry performed as a duo at various venues, including fairs, radio stations, and local TV shows. Their big break came in 1964 when Wayne was discovered by a talent scout from the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He started performing six nights a week in lounges, captivating audiences with his youthful charm and versatile voice. Despite his boyish appearance, Wayne's deep, resonant voice allowed him to tackle everything from pop to country. These early shows helped him form an important connection with the city of Las Vegas, and he quickly earned a following among tourists and locals alike.

Breakthrough in Las Vegas (1966-1970)

As Wayne’s popularity grew, Las Vegas became his home base, and he became closely associated with the entertainment scene on the Strip. His consistent performances at the Flamingo, Stardust, and Frontier casinos helped solidify his status as one of the city’s rising stars. In 1966, Wayne had a breakthrough with his signature hit, Danke Schoen, which climbed the charts and earned him international recognition. With his smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence, he became a staple performer at some of the top casinos in Las Vegas. The city embraced him as one of its own, and he, in turn, embraced Las Vegas as his lifelong stage.

National Fame and Hollywood Appearances (1970-1978)

With his growing fame in Las Vegas, Newton started expanding his career into television and film. He made guest appearances on popular variety shows such as The Jackie Gleason Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. These appearances broadened his appeal and introduced him to a national audience. In 1972, Newton made his film debut in 80 Steps to Jonah and later appeared in guest roles on television shows. However, despite his success on screen, Las Vegas remained at the center of his career, and he continued to perform regularly in the city.

The Vegas Residency and Icon Status (1978-1989)

By the late 1970s, Wayne Newton had firmly established himself as Mr. Las Vegas, a title he would carry proudly for decades. In 1983, Newton signed a multi-million-dollar deal with the Stardust Hotel, giving him a long-term residency that would become legendary. His dynamic stage shows, often featuring elaborate costumes and set designs, were synonymous with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas entertainment. During this period, he performed thousands of shows, often two performances a night, making him the highest-paid entertainer in the world at one point. His connection to Las Vegas was unparalleled, and his face became as iconic as the neon lights of the Strip.

Personal Struggles and Comebacks (1989-1999)

Despite his monumental success, Wayne Newton faced personal and financial challenges in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A series of business ventures went awry, and Newton filed for bankruptcy twice—once in 1992 and again in 1997. Though the media buzzed with speculation about his future, Newton proved his resilience. He returned to Las Vegas stronger than ever, securing new deals and rekindling his fan base with intimate performances. The struggles humanized Newton in the eyes of many, and his comeback story inspired both long-time fans and newcomers to his work.

Return to Stardom and New Ventures (1999-2010)

In the early 2000s, Newton continued to be a fixture in Las Vegas. His show at the Stardust was a consistent draw, and his new deal with the Hilton Hotel gave him another platform to showcase his talents. In 2001, he was selected to be the grand marshal for the Las Vegas Centennial Parade, highlighting his symbolic connection to the city. Throughout this time, Newton continued performing nearly 40 weeks a year in Las Vegas, while occasionally touring. He even appeared on the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars in 2007, further cementing his place in American pop culture.

Mentorship and Continued Influence (2010-2015)

As Wayne Newton entered his seventies, he began to transition from performing full-time to mentoring young entertainers in Las Vegas. He invested in various entertainment ventures and worked behind the scenes on new productions. During this period, Newton reflected on his storied career, expressing his deep appreciation for the city that made him a star. He became a vocal advocate for preserving the history of Las Vegas entertainment, emphasizing the importance of the city’s role in shaping American culture. His mentorship and guidance have been critical to a new generation of performers seeking to make their mark in Las Vegas.

Honors and Legacy (2015-2020)

Wayne Newton’s contributions to entertainment were honored with numerous accolades over the years. In 2016, he was inducted into the Nevada Entertainment Hall of Fame, and he received the Casino Entertainment Legend Award. In addition, Las Vegas named a street after him, Wayne Newton Boulevard, as a permanent testament to his influence on the city. His presence continued to be felt throughout the entertainment industry, with tributes and celebrations of his 60-year career. By the late 2010s, Newton’s legacy as the ultimate Las Vegas performer had been firmly established, with his name synonymous with the very essence of the Strip.

Recent Years and Continuing Impact (2020-present)

Although Wayne Newton performs less frequently today, his impact on the entertainment industry endures. Even in his eighties, he occasionally takes the stage for special performances, often sold out to nostalgic audiences. His estate, Casa de Shenandoah, has been converted into a museum showcasing memorabilia from his career, allowing fans to immerse themselves in his storied life. Newton remains a beloved figure in Las Vegas, his voice and persona forever linked to the city's evolution as a global entertainment hub. His resilience, work ethic, and commitment to the city are legacies that will inspire performers for generations to come.

Key Achievements:

• Sold over 100 million records worldwide

• Performed more than 30,000 live shows in Las Vegas

• Became the highest-paid entertainer in the world during the 1980s

• Inducted into the Nevada Entertainment Hall of Fame

• Honored with his own street, Wayne Newton Boulevard, in Las Vegas

• Iconic hit single “Danke Schoen” still resonates with audiences today

• Casino Entertainment Legend Award recipient

• Mentor and advocate for young entertainers in Las Vegas

Wayne Newton’s illustrious career, spanning more than six decades, has cemented him as a defining figure in Las Vegas' entertainment history. From his early days as a teenage performer to his reign as Mr. Las Vegas, Newton’s resilience and versatility helped shape the city's entertainment culture. Even in his later years, his dedication to mentoring young talent and preserving the history of Las Vegas keeps him a vital part of the entertainment world.

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.

-Matthew Larsen