Irwin Kishner was born in 1933 in Brighton Beach, New York and lived there until he was 13 years old, when the family relocated to Miami, Florida. Irwin graduated from high school and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 1954 and his law degree from the University of Miami in 1958.

Blaine C. Benedict, born June 3, 1948, spent his early years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until the family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in the early 1950s. His parents, Alvin and Jayne Benedict, followed his paternal grandfather, Meyer (Mike) Benedict, who was involved in gambling and liquor businesses.

Jack Entratter (1914-1971) was an executive and show producer at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1952 until his death in 1971. He is credited with elevating the quality of shows produced on the Strip and helping the city become the "entertainment capital of the world." Entratter moved to Las Vegas in 1952 as a co-owner of the Sands Hotel. He produced the hotel's shows and served as vice president (1952-1960, 1967-1971) and president (1960-1967).