Overview of Influential Figures
Las Vegas is a city known for its glitz, glamour, and gambling. However, behind the bright lights and casinos, there are people who have made a significant impact on the city and its development. From entrepreneurs to entertainers, politicians to mobsters, Las Vegas has had its fair share of influential people throughout its history. In this article, we will explore some of the top influential people of Las Vegas throughout history.
Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes was an American business magnate, investor, and aviator who played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas. He purchased several casinos in the 1960s, including the Desert Inn, the Sands, and the Frontier. Hughes also invested heavily in the city’s infrastructure, including the construction of the McCarran International Airport. He was a recluse in his later years and died in 1976, but his impact on Las Vegas cannot be understated.
Steve Wynn
Steve Wynn is a casino mogul who has been instrumental in shaping the Las Vegas Strip. He is the founder of Wynn Resorts, which owns and operates several high-end resorts and casinos in Las Vegas, including the Wynn and Encore. Wynn is known for his attention to detail and his commitment to luxury, and his properties reflect that. He has also been a major philanthropist in the city, supporting numerous charitable causes. He is also credited with developing some of the most iconic properties in Las Vegas including The Mirage and Bellagio, in addition to his signature Wynn Resorts projects.
Liberace
Liberace was an American pianist and entertainer who became a Las Vegas icon in the 1950s and 1960s. He performed regularly at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, and his over-the-top performances and flamboyant style made him a crowd favorite. Liberace was one of the first celebrities to have a residency in Las Vegas, and he paved the way for other entertainers to do the same.
Oscar Goodman
Oscar Goodman is a former mayor of Las Vegas who served from 1999 to 2011. He is known for his colorful personality and his love for the city. During his tenure, he worked to improve the city’s infrastructure, attract new businesses, and promote tourism. Goodman was also a strong advocate for the city’s casino industry, and he helped to secure tax breaks and other incentives for casino operators.
Tony Hsieh
Tony Hsieh was a tech entrepreneur and the former CEO of Zappos who played a significant role in revitalizing downtown Las Vegas. In 2013, he moved Zappos headquarters to the former City Hall building in downtown Las Vegas and invested heavily in the area. He also launched the Downtown Project, a $350 million initiative to revitalize the area with new businesses, housing, and amenities. Hsieh died in 2020, but his legacy lives on in the downtown area that he helped to transform.
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra was an American singer, actor, and producer who had a long and storied career in show business. He became a Las Vegas icon in the 1950s and 1960s, performing regularly at the Sands Hotel and Casino. Sinatra was instrumental in popularizing the Las Vegas Strip as an entertainment destination, and his performances drew crowds from around the world. He was also a major philanthropist in the city, supporting numerous charitable causes throughout his life.
Sheldon Adelson
Sheldon Adelson was a casino magnate and philanthropist who played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas. He was the founder and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which owns and operates several resorts and casinos in the city, including The Venetian and The Palazzo. Adelson was also a major philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to various causes in Las Vegas and around the world. He passed away in 2021, but his legacy in Las Vegas will be felt for years to come.
Harry Reid
Harry Reid is a former U.S. Senator from Nevada who served from 1987 to 2017. During his time in office, he was a strong advocate for the state of Nevada and played a significant role in securing federal funding for the city’s infrastructure and economic development projects. Reid was also a vocal supporter of the city’s casino industry, recognizing the important role that it plays in the city’s economy.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was an American singer, actor, and cultural icon who performed in Las Vegas throughout the 1970s. He had a residency at the International Hotel, which is now the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, and his shows were wildly popular. Presley helped to cement Las Vegas as a destination for live entertainment, and his performances continue to be celebrated in the city to this day.
In conclusion, Las Vegas has had no shortage of influential people throughout its history. From mobsters to entrepreneurs, politicians to entertainers, these individuals have played a significant role in shaping the city and its development. Their legacies continue to be felt in Las Vegas to this day, and their contributions have helped to make the city the vibrant and exciting destination that it is today.