Current:Home > NewsBarry Manilow just broke Elvis's Las Vegas record-InfoLens
Barry Manilow just broke Elvis's Las Vegas record
View Date:2024-12-23 11:53:55
Barry Manilow has just overtaken The King himself, Elvis Presley, for the most shows at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
What's the context? The '70s icon's career has spanned decades and has produced chart topping hits.
- With songs like Mandy and Copacabana, Manilow's smooth vocals and laid back tunes have led to tens of millions of record sales, spawned a cover by none other than the minions, and cemented his status among the most popular American artists of the 20th century.
What's the big deal? That's some serious staying power, both for Manilow and Vegas as a place to see live music.
- Starting in 1969, Presley began his own residency at the Westgate — then named the International Hotel. By 1976, the hip-thrusting American icon had played 636 shows, before his untimely death the following year.
- Manilow played his 637th show this past weekend, breaking the record during a series of shows benefitting a number of charities, including Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, and Victoria's Voice.
- Honoring the late legend, Manilow covered "Hound Dog" at the show, wearing a red jacket with Elvis' iconic TCB lightning bolt logo stitched on the sleeve.
- His achievement was recognized during a concert last week, when he was presented with the key to the Las Vegas Strip.
What are people saying? Plenty. And not just about the record being broken, but the evolution of the Vegas residency and how its perception has changed over the past few decades.
Here's what Manilow had to say to fans at the performance:
It really is all about you guys. You know I love all the awards and all, but I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Thank you for coming tonight and through all the years.
And his thoughts on the status of a Vegas residency in an interview with ABC Audio:
It was known as ... 'cheeseball' ... 'old-fashioned' ... You take a look at these casinos and you can take a look at the billboards, these are young people that are playing Vegas. These are big acts!
And here's more on that from entertainment writer Matthew Kelemen, who spoke with NPR about Vegas' evolution:
There was a time when it was looking like a place where entertainers went to retire. They are usually veterans, but they're just so vibrant. There's people in the audience, unlike in most places, they're all from different places, the only thing that they have in common is their devotion to the headliner.
Want more on culture? Listen to Consider This explore if we are currently witnessing the death of movie stars.
So, what now?
- Vegas continues to draw performers, with U2 starting their residency at the Sphere on Friday.
- They will join the likes of Usher, Adele and Lady Gaga in giving Sin City a whirl.
- Still, Manilow and Elvis's performance records combined don't come close to matching the longest-ever Vegas residency: Donny and Marie Osmond's 1,730 shows.
- However, Manilow also just announced more Vegas dates extending into 2024. So it's impossible to say what miracle might be around the corner (get it?)
Learn more:
- Usher will soon have Super Bowl halftime validation. But can he top Rihanna?
- A Taylor Swift Instagram post helped drive a surge in voter registration
- Barry Manilow talks to NPR in 2012 about singing standards and his real job
veryGood! (511)
Related
- Donna Kelce Includes Sweet Nod to Taylor Swift During Today Appearance With Craig Melvin
- Global anti-corruption efforts are faltering, partly due to a ‘decline in justice,’ survey finds
- French police asked for extra pay during Paris Olympics. They will get bonuses of up to $2,000
- Sophie Turner shows off playful photos with rumored beau Peregrine Pearson on social media
- Solawave Black Friday Sale: Don't Miss Buy 1, Get 1 Free on Age-Defying Red Light Devices
- Colombia and the National Liberation Army rebels extend ceasefire for a week as talks continue
- Colombia and the National Liberation Army rebels extend ceasefire for a week as talks continue
- UN agency confirms 119.8 degrees reading in Sicily two years ago as Europe’s record high temperature
- Why Suits' Gabriel Macht Needed Time Away From Harvey Specter After Finale
- WWE's CM Punk suffered torn triceps at Royal Rumble, will miss WrestleMania 40
Ranking
- Real Housewives of New York City Star’s Pregnancy Reveal Is Not Who We Expected
- Proof Below Deck's Fraser Olender Might Be Dating a Charter Guest After Season 11 Kiss
- French police asked for extra pay during Paris Olympics. They will get bonuses of up to $2,000
- Wisconsin babysitter charged with killing family’s chihuahua is facing up to 4 years in prison
- New York eyes reviving congestion pricing toll before Trump takes office
- Minnesota presidential primary ballot includes Colorado woman, to her surprise
- Highlights from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
- Spain’s lawmakers are to vote on a hugely divisive amnesty law for Catalan separatists
Recommendation
-
Nicky Hilton Shares Her Christmas Plans With Paris, the Secret To Perfect Skin & More Holiday Gift Picks
-
Ukrainian and Hungarian foreign ministers meet but fail to break a diplomatic deadlock
-
Kansas City Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Shares How Taylor Swift Teased Travis Kelce When They Met
-
2024 NFL draft order: Top 30 first-round selections set after conference championships
-
Denzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3'
-
Girl who held Thank You, Mr. Policeman sign at Baton Rouge officer's funeral follows in his footsteps
-
The 49 Most Popular Amazon Items E! Readers Bought This Month: $1 Lip Liners, Kyle Richards' Picks & More
-
Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa-Like Oasis with These Essential Products