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Billy Root oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02569

Abstract

Oral history interview with Billy Root conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on May 14, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Root begins by discussing his upbringing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he developed an early interest in being a musician due to encouragement from his father, who was also a musician. He describes playing baritone saxophone in the Philadelphia Orchestra, performing at the Apollo Theater in Ella Fitzgerald's orchestra, and going on tour with a predominantly African American jazz band in the Southern United States during segregation. Root details his interactions and impressions of various celebrities, such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, attending Playboy parties, and eventually deciding to settle in Las Vegas, Nevada. He discusses working as a professional musician in Las Vegas, where he performed in such casinos as the Dunes and the Desert Inn. He concludes by discussing his retirement and his family.

Archival Collection

Scott Rayer Collection of Television Programs about Las Vegas, Nevada

Identifier

MS-01130

Abstract

The Scott Rayer Collection of Television Programs about Las Vegas, Nevada (1988-2023) contains digitized broadcast commercial television shows about various topics related to Las Vegas, Nevada that were recorded by Scott Rayer as his way of "airchecking" television content he enjoyed about Las Vegas, Nevada. The television programs represent a broad range of genres including entertainment, news, documentary, and talk shows on local and national television networks.

Archival Collection

Charley Henchis Papers

Identifier

MS-01145

Abstract

The Charley Henchis Papers (approximately 1945-1987) document the career of international cabaret show producer Charley Henchis and the shows he produced in Las Vegas, Nevada and Beirut, Lebanon. Materials include Henchis' business files which includes correspondence, files on specialty acts, photographs, and press about Henchis. Shows represented in this collection includes La Parisienne which was performed at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas in 1960 before moving to Casino du Liban in Beirut. Other shows represented in this collection that were produced for Casino du Liban includes Mais Oui, S'il Vous Plait, Flash!, and Hello!. Additional materials include press and publicity files, music arrangements and scores, recordings of musical numbers used for the productions, and film footage of shows and production reels. Also included is film footage of the Charley Ballet, Henchis' dance troupe who were featured in his shows.

Archival Collection

Karen and Eric Warren Collection of Folies Bergère Programs

Identifier

MS-01171

Abstract

The Karen and Eric Warren Collection of Folies Bergère Programs (approximately 1890-1950) contain programs from the Folies Bergère cabaret music hall in Paris, France. Materials also include programs from the Folies Bergère revue that was produced for the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada; San Francisco, California; and London, England. The collection features entertainers who performed as part of the Folies Bergère including Josephine Baker in the 1920s.

Archival Collection

Maria Pogee Papers

Identifier

MS-00383

Abstract

The Maria Pogee Papers (1942-2019) document the life and career of Argentinian born dancer, choreographer, and actress, Maria Pogee. Pogee worked extensively in Argentina, Chile, Lebanon, around the United States and in Las Vegas, Nevada. Materials include press clippings, show programs, correspondence, and photographs representing Pogee's entertainment career such as her work in the stage production of Peter Pan and choreography for Juliet Prowse and Shirley MacLaine. Other materials includes various unproduced show concepts with designs, storyboards, and scripts that she worked on with costume designer José Luis Viñas. Materials also include scrapbooks documenting her dance career dating from 1952 to 2009 which contain original correspondence, programs, photographs, and newsclippings. Materials also document Pogee's life and career outside of entertainment including her work directing fashion shows, operating a tourism company, and as a yoga instructor.

Archival Collection

Wolfman Jack's "Disco Party" Script

Identifier

MS-01182

Abstract

Wolfman Jack's "Disco Party" script contains a single annotated copy from the Riviera Hotel show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show starred Wolfman Jack, Peaches & Herb, and France Joli with special guest stars Tuxedo Junction and took place at the Riviera Hotel from October 11 through October 17, 1979. Executive Producers include Tino Barzie and Jay Harvey. Written at the top of the script is "Rick's Copy" and appears to be Rick Warren's (musical director) copy, with notes throughout.

Archival Collection

MGM Mirage Corporation Records

Identifier

MS-00096

Abstract

The MGM Mirage Corporation Records date from 1970 to 2010 and consist of the records of the Las Vegas, Nevada based global entertainment company. The collection contains organizational records, employee newsletters, files about the MGM Mirage diversity and inclusion initiative, correspondence, reports on gambling addiction, gambling statistics, press clippings, and audiovisual materials. There are also photographs, photographic slides, and photographic negatives of performers, corporate executives, and MGM Mirage properties.

Archival Collection

Tropicana Hotel and Casino Records

Identifier

MS-01186

Abstract

The Tropicana Hotel and Casino Records (1956-2024) contain operational records, promotional material, architectural drawings, and audiovisual recordings related to the hotel/casino general operations.

Archival Collection

Alice Key oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00533

Abstract

Oral history interview with Alice Key conducted by Claytee D. White on August 16, 2007 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Key talks about her birth in Kentucky, upbringing in Riverside, California, high school graduation in 1928 and enrollment at UCLA. She describes at length her entry into the entertainment business as a dancer in 1929, her work and travels with dance companies, and her decision to retire in 1937. She continues discussing the roots of her political activism in Los Angeles, her journalism career, her work to end restrictive covenants, racism in Hollywood hiring, and poor representation for Black dancers in the industry. She then explains what prompted her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954 and describes the levels of racism and inequality in Las Vegas during this period. She remarks on many notable Las Vegas leaders, including Dr. Charles West, Dr. James McMillan, Mabel Hoggard, Woodrow Wilson, and others. She also discusses the role of the NAACP, her work as a deputy registrar of voters, and creating the first all-Black television show in the country: Talk of the Town.

Archival Collection

Maryann Picchi Collection on Las Vegas Showgirls and Entertainment

Identifier

MS-01141

Abstract

The Maryann Picchi Collection on Las Vegas Showgirls and Entertainment (approximately 1965-2009) contains newspapers clippings and programs for different shows on the Las Vegas Strip that featured showgirls from the 1970s to the 1990s. Shows represented in this collection includes Casino de Paris, Folies Bergère, and Jubilee!. Materials include programs for Stardust Resort and Casino cast and crew member reunions. Materials were donated by Maryann Picchi who used to perform as a showgirl for the Stardust.

Archival Collection