Yes, in 1969, when he ended an eight-year absence from the stage at the International Hotel, Elvis has been as synonymous with Vegas as gambling, showgirls and the mafia folklore. Nearly every night of the week, you can see Elvis perform onstage, fall from the sky and even have him marry you. And, if the rumors are true, Elvis will have even more of a presence in Vegas in the next couple of years.
As we remember the passing of the King, we take time to remember his past, present and future in Las Vegas.
'Viva Las Vegas' - When Elvis Ruled the Strip
In 1956, Elvis made his Vegas debut at the recently shuttered New Frontier Hotel. You gotta love some of the reviews, which called Elvis "a bore," and said his musical sound was "uncouth." Talk about having your finger on the pulse of popular culture.
In July of 1963, Elvis returned to film 'Viva Las Vegas' with Ann-Margret. The movie was shot all over the city, as well as at Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.
On May 1, 1967, Elvis married Priscilla at the Aladdin Hotel. It's not there anymore, but you can always visit Planet Hollywood, which is in its place.
On July 31, 1969, Elvis opened a four-week, 57-show engagement at the International Hotel, which is now the Las Vegas Hilton. This launched the King's comeback and he'd return to Vegas countless times before his death on Aug. 16, 1977.
'It's Now or Never' - Elvis in Present Day Las Vegas
(As Mojo Nixon once sang, 'Elvis is Everywhere.' This is especially true in Vegas, where there are plenty of chances to experience the King.)
The Flying Elvi -- Made popular in the movie 'Honeymoon in Vegas,' The Flying Elvi is a 10-member skydiving team that dresses like, well, Elvis. There's no telling when the jumpsuit and wig-wearing will fall from the sky, but if you can't wait, you can always hire them for your wedding or event.
The Elvis Wedding -- Speaking of weddings, where else but Vegas can you have Elvis marry you in a car, in a bar or even on a bicycle? Check out Graceland Chapel or the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel.
The Clothes, Guitars and Cars -- First, there's the life-size statue of Elvis at Hard Rock Casino, which is dressed in one of his famous jumpsuits and is surrounded by some of his guitars, as well as gold and platinum albums. Then, at the Las Vegas Hilton, there is the famous bronze Elvis statue, officially dedicated in 1978 and refurbished last year. At the Imperial Palace Auto Collections, you can check out one of the King's Cadillacs.
The Impersonators -- In Vegas, there are probably more Elvis look-alikes per capita than slot machines. A few of the favorite shows featuring an Elvis impersonator are Legends in Concert at Imperial Palace, Big Elvis at Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon and 'Trent Carlini: The Musical History of the King,' at the Sahara.
Always on Our Minds - The Future of Elvis in Las Vegas
Cirque du Elvis -- Cirque du Soleil, which has proved it can merge icons and acrobatics with the Beatles 'LOVE,' is teaming up with Elvis Presley Enterprises to create an Elvis show that will open in November 2009 at the $7 billion MGM Mirage CityCenter project. There will also be an 'Elvis Experience' museum, planned for 2008.Elvis Casino? -- While it may just be a rumor so far, it's hard for Elvis fans not to get excited about the idea of an Elvis-themed casino opening in Las Vegas. Reportedly, the casino would center entirely around the life and work of Elvis. No word on whether the hotel would provide jumpsuits in lieu of robes.
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1. No matter what, I guess Elvis will always be the king, especially in Vegas!!!
Ann at 6:31AM on Aug 12th 2007