Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. began as a short-lived bingo parlor in Reno, Nevada, first formed in 1937 by William (Bill) Fisk Harrah. Bill Harrah re-opened his casino as Harrah’s Tango Club in 1938 and grew the business by acquiring neighboring casinos in Reno. He expanded the Harrah’s brand over time and in 1971, the company made its initial public offering as Harrah’s Inc.

Samuel George Davis Jr. (1925-1990) was a successful comedian, actor, dancer, and singer in America during the mid-20th century. Davis was also a part of the famous Rat Pack with lifelong friend and collaborator, Frank Sinatra, and frequently performed in Las Vegas, Nevada. He overcame racism during his career and refused to appear at clubs that practiced racial segregation. Some well known recordings of Davis’s include "I've Gotta Be Me" and the hit "The Candy Man."

John Denver (1943-1997) was a popular country-folk singer-songwriter of the 1970s and was also known for his work as an actor, activist, and humanitarian. His popularity brought him to many different places including the Harrah’s Lake Tahoe property, where he performed along the likes of Frank Sinatra and hosted events like the Celebrity Ski Classics.