How Elvis Reinvented Las Vegas
Summary
Host Lee Habib interviews author Richard Zoglin about his book, *Elvis in Vegas*, exploring how Elvis Presley reinvented Las Vegas entertainment. They discuss Elvis’s early struggles, the decline of the Rat Pack era, and his triumphant 1969 comeback at the International Hotel. The episode highlights how Elvis’s rock-and-roll residency shifted Vegas from a gambling hub to a family-friendly tourist destination, paving the way for modern headliner residencies.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and intro to Elvis in Vegas interview
Elvis's early Vegas appearances and the city's history
The Rat Pack and the clash of musical generations
Elvis's 1960s movie career and the 1968 comeback special
The 1969 International Hotel residency launch
Podcast advertisements and breaks
Elvis's stage show format and critical reception
Podcast advertisements and breaks
The grind of residency and Elvis's decline
Elvis's legacy and the transformation of Las Vegas
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