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Joan Massagli spent her childhood in the Tacoma, Washington area, singing three-part harmony—a member of a musically talented family that included five children and an aunt and uncle who raised all the kids to enjoy music. By high school in the early 1950s, she and her two older sisters were regulars on a local TV show. In 1956, the Sawyer Sisters act was formed and they were soon obtaining regular gigs in Las Vegas. Their popularity continued form 1957 to 1964 and they played many of the major hotels, usually as a warm up act for headliners that includes a list of names such as Roy Clark, Louis Prima, Shecky Greene, and Delia Reece. At first the Sawyer Sisters included older sister Nanette Susan and Joan. When Nanette quit to raise her family, youngest sister Kate stepped into what was called a "lively and lovely" trio. Joan met her future husband and musician Mark Tully Massagli, while performing in the early 1960s. Caring for ailing parents while working mostly in Las Vegas, the couple made Vegas home. Even after the Sawyer Sisters name faded from the Strip's marquees, Las Vegas remained home to the Massagli's, who raised their children here. Today they live in the Blue Diamond Village area and recall the changes that have occurred on the Las Vegas Strip—especially from an entertainer's point of view.

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University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) 26th commencement program

Date

1989-05-14

Archival Collection

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Commencement Programs and Graduation Lists

Description

Commencement program from University of Nevada, Las Vegas Commencement Programs and Graduation Lists (UA-00115).

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James Healey, Heidi Swank, Ruben Kihuen, Kelvin Atkinson, Tony Clark, and Mother Loosey Lust Bea Lady (Tracy Skinner) and others attend the Club Metro bar grand opening, Las Vegas, Nevada: digital image

Date

2013-07-20

Archival Collection

Dennis McBride Photograph Collection

Description

From the Dennis McBride Photograph Collection (PH-00263) -- LGBTQ+ events and organizations in Las Vegas, Nevada -- Digital images file. Notes from the donor, Dennis McBride: Kelvin Atkinson came out on the floor of the Nevada Senate on April 22, 2013 while arguing against the state's proscription of same-sex marriage. On October 9, 2014 Atkinson and his partner, Sherwood Howard, became the first same-sex couple to marry in Nevada. Atkinson resigned his office on March 5, 2019 over accusations he misappropriated campaign funds for his personal use. He was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison on July 18, 2019. ... Ruben Kihuen was later elected to the U. S. House of Representatives from Nevada's District 4. Accused of sexual misconduct he did not seek re-election in 2018. Individuals identified by the donor, Dennis McBride: unidentified Latino man; James Healey [Nevada State Assemblyman, District 35, Democrat (gay)]; Heidi Swank [Nevada State Assemblywoman, District 16, Democrat]; Ruben Kihuen [Nevada State Assemblyman, District 10, Democrat]; Kelvin Atkinson [Nevada State Senator, District 4, African American, Democrat (gay)]; David Parks [Nevada State Senator, District 7, Democrat (gay)]; unidentified Club Metro owner; unidentified man; Mother Loosey Lust Bea Lady [aka Tracy Skinner (Sin Sity Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence)]; Tony Clark; unidentified Sin Sity Sister

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