Search Results
Transcript of interview with Billy Christ by Lisa Gioia-Acres, October 09, 2007
Date
2007-10-09
Archival Collection
Description
William “Billy” Christ, born in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, is an accomplished bass player. His parents, Louis and Estemia Christ, were both from Albania and immigrated to Detroit in 1929. Christ’s father was a restaurant owner and his mother worked alongside his father in the restaurant business. Billy started playing the bass in high school and studied with the Detroit Symphony. Billy decided at an early age that he wanted to become a full-time musician. He attended Wayne University to study music and after two years he decided to join the Gene Krupa Band in New York. While living in New York, Billy had the good fortune to play at historical venues such as Apollo Theater, Copacabana, and Bop City. After only a few years, he left New York to join Lena Horne in San Francisco and then Billy made his way to Las Vegas in 1960. Christ’s first job in Las Vegas was on the strip at the Flamingo with the Russ Black Orchestra. Performing in Las Vegas allowed Billy to gain greater access to talented musicians and the opportunity learn from these virtuosos. As a result, Billy quickly matured into a skillful bass player and ultimately went on to work with legendary greats like Paul Anka, Tony Benett, Sammy Davis, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. Billy currently lives in Las Vegas and performs weekly at The College of Southern Nevada on Wednesday nights. He has been married to his wife Alene since 1958. When asked about his philosophy on life, Billy responded, “I try not to worry about things and just take it a day at a time and try to be the best person I can be. And play every day.”
Text
Photograph of the Flamingo Hotel gaming room entrance, Las Vegas, circa late 1940s-early 1950s
Date
1948 to 1953
Description
Daytime photo of the exterior of the Flamingo Hotel, showing the canopied gaming room entrance.
Image
Alan Paine Papers
Identifier
MS-00461
Abstract
The Alan Paine Papers are largely comprised of the works written by poet and screenwriter Alan Paine, including his screenplays, a manuscript for an unpublished book, and
Archival Collection
Las Vegas Astronomical Society Records
Identifier
MS-00480
Abstract
The Las Vegas Astronomical Society Records (1981-2003) focus on the early history of the Society. The collection contains membership information, descriptions of the organization's founding by both its first director and first president, a copy of the Society's newsletter from 2003, and color slides from 1981 and 1982 that document the Society's early activities.
Archival Collection
The Collection of Newspaper Clippings on Thomas Hanley
Identifier
MS-00567
Abstract
The Collection of Newspaper Clippings on Thomas Hanley is comprised of photocopied newspaper articles from the
Archival Collection
White Cross Drug Store Scrapbook
Identifier
MS-00628
Abstract
The White Cross Drug Store Scrapbook (1950-1964) contains photographs, employee training materials, newspaper clippings, advertisements, displays, and some historical narrative and press release material on the history and mission of the White Cross Drug Store. It also includes advertising ephemera and brochures on cosmetic products and perfumes of the early 1950s.
Archival Collection
Circus Circus Enterprises Scrapbook
Identifier
MS-00988
Abstract
The Circus Circus Enterprises Scrapbook consists of articles from 1984 related to the Circus Circus Las Vegas Hotel and their investment properties. The scrapbook includes articles on the entertainment, dining, real estate, and management of Circus Circus Enterprises in Southern Nevada.
Archival Collection
Monty Brandt Photograph Collection
Identifier
PH-00198
Abstract
The Monty Brandt Photograph Collection consists of black-and-white photographic prints of the White Cross Drug Store on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1924 and 1955. Images include views of Fremont Street, as well as interior and exterior views of the White Cross Drug Store.
Archival Collection
Elizabeth Casper Photograph Collection
Identifier
PH-00375
Abstract
The Elizabeth Casper Photograph Collection, approximately 1947 to 1960, contains photographic prints and slides that document the childhood of artist and schoolteacher, Elizabeth Casper, and her family life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Included are images of Casper and her family as well as the Helldorado parade, civic celebrations, churches, a nursery school, and casinos in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection