Las Vegas

Inspired Frank Sinatra

For anyone who has ever stood arm in arm after a staff party, belting out a hearty rendition of 'New York New York', you may be surprised to discover that Sinatra's first love was actually the neon city of Las Vegas. He was a Las Vegas fixture for 43 years from his first gig there in September 1951.

One of the most influential figures of the 20th century, Francis Albert Sinatra was one of the infamous Rat Pack in Vegas. The group of swing and blues artists formed the early 1960's and were responsible in the rise of Las Vegas as a popular entertainment destination. Not just the after dinner entertainment, but well respected figures of the Las Vegas entertainment scene, Sinatra (who also had connections with the mafia) and the others would refuse to play or drink in those establishments that would not give full service to African American entertainers including Sammy Davis Junior.

Since his passing in 1998, Sinatra's legacy has lived on through countless impersonators, still found propping up the Steinway pianos of many Vegas bars, and the State unveiled Frank Sinatra Drive in 2001 in memory of the man who made the city swing.

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