10 Most Iconic Photos of Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most exciting destinations in the world, offering a unique buzz that many cities struggle rival. Jam-packed full of glitz, glamour and plenty of risk, it’s not hard to see why people flock to the city every single day. We here at The List Love have therefore decided to take a look back at the 10 most iconic photos of Las Vegas.

1. Bellagio

image via www.kiwicollection.com

The Bellagio in Las Vegas is more than just a hotel. It’s beautiful water jets with 4,500 coloured lights placed the building on the map, offering the most iconic shot of the beauty and brilliance of Sin City. It’s no wonder the hotel has been featured in movies and in the media for many years, which is why the glamorous hotel is now synonymous with the city.

2. Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin

image via http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/

The above photo was taken by Bob Willoughby, who captured Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra at a Blackjack table in the Sands Hotel, Las Vegas, in 1960. The Rat Pack embodied the style and culture of the Las Vegas scene, and even helped define the showbiz nature of the city we know and love today. It’s therefore an iconic photo that makes people wish they were there watching the swing singers play a hand.

3. Elvis Presley

image via www.cmt.com

Elvis Presley was, and always will be, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The showman began a two week residency at the New Frontier Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip, just twelve weeks after the release of the original release of “Heartbreak Hotel” – offering his signature rotating pelvis that split Las Vegas critics down the middle for being “suggestive” and “vulgar”.

Elvis loved Sin City so much that he even sang and starred in “Viva Las Vegas” in 1964 – and the hit song is now the anthem to the electric city. It’s pretty safe to say Elvis fell in love with Vegas, as he married Priscilla Beaulieu on 1st May 1967 in a brief ceremony in their suite at the Aladdin Hotel in Vegas.

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll returned to Vegas once again in 1969, with the International Hotel scheduling the star for 57 shows from 31st July – which was much anticipated following his mixed reviews from his first performances in Las Vegas. It was during his stint in the city that he met fellow star Tom Jones, and the two became great friends.

4. Dunes Casino Floor

image via https://twitter.com/classiclasvegas

We all love to take a risk every once in a while, whether it’s the bright lights of Vegas or just by heading over to casino.netbet.co.uk. Back in the early 1970s, anyone looking for slots, blackjack or poker just had to head to the Dunes Casino floor, which offered a plethora of tables and stunning chandeliers that demanded to be experienced.

5. Frank Sinatra

image via www.imdb.com

Las Vegas was Frank Sinatra’s home ever since he made his city debut in the Desert Inn in September 1951. In fact, Arnold Shaw, a biographer, once remarked: “If Las Vegas had not existed, Sinatra would have invented it”. He and his Rat Pack members were, and still are, the beating heart of Sin City, with Sinatra performing at the Sands Hotel and Casino three times a year – and he even went onto acquire a share in the hotel.

He even recorded his first live album Sinatra at the Sands at the hotel and casino between January and February 1966. The album was orchestrated by Quincy Jones and he was backed by the Count Basie Orchestra – and here’s the iconic picture of him at one of his popular performances.

6. The Riviera

image via daynaroselli.com

The Riveria paved the wave for the biggest, brightest high rise hotels in Las Vegas. It was the start of mega hotel resorts in the city – and so was the first of its kind. Head along the Vegas strip now and you can’t miss the many giant hotels and casinos that have followed suit. The hotel and casino, however, closed its doors after 60 years in 2015.

7. Sean Connery

image via http://sbe.com/

If Las Vegas is good enough for James Bond, you can be sure it’s good enough for everyone. Take a look at this iconic photo of the original 007, Sean Connery, as he takes his pick of the slots in a casino. The image was taken by the legendary photographer Terry O’Neill, and is as cool as the British Secret Service Agent.

8. The Beginning of Las Vegas

image via http://itcolossal.com/

Before all the colourful lights, abundance of casinos and luxurious hotels, Las Vegas was like any other up-and-coming city. Hard to believe, we know. Just take a look at how the city offered a glimmer of what she would soon become.

9. Classic Vegas

image via http://itcolossal.com/

Before the big chandeliers and slot machines, there was simply a great atmosphere and amazing tables – which is evident in this picture below. Women donned their finest frocks whilst men looked dapper in their best suits. Vegas might be offer a more casual dress code in some casinos, but it’s as opulent as it ever was.

10. Boxing

image via www.museumsyndicate.com

Some of the world’s finest boxing matches regularly take place in Las Vegas. The MGM Grand, anyone? It therefore makes sense that three of the most legendary boxers of all time would meet for a photo in Sin City. Here’s a fantastic shot of Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali.

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