A Star for Elvis

Elvis Presley:  Star #27
Official photo for the "A Star for Elvis" campaign. Photographer Ed Bonja, Las Vegas Hilton, 1973, Egyptian suit. Used by permission.

Most of the information on this site is about the original induction in 2008, but it is helpful to read all of the pages here to answer any questions you may have.  For information about the 2016 star and more, see the Changes tab.

 A Star for Elvis
Elvis Presley on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars

ELVIS PRESLEY is an obvious choice to be honored in this manner.
He was the “King of Vegas!”

This is the ultimate tribute that Las Vegas could bestow on the man named “The Entertainer of the Century” in 2000.  The “Viva Las Vegas!” fan club stepped up to sponsor this star.  Read our nomination below.  We knew that we could make this happen; there are Elvis fans all over the world.  If you were a part of this, you can feel justifiably proud of it!  Please note all donations were completely tax deductible; the Las Vegas Walk of Stars is a non-profit organization. (tax #71-0946230) Since the walk is authorized only along "the strip", the star was located at the Riviera Hotel on Las Vegas Blvd.  This was the closest casino to the former Hilton (on Paradise Rd.), where Elvis performed his record-breaking shows.  It also was fitting to have his star placed near Liberace’s on the sidewalk, since the both of them were friends and shared the affinity of spectacular entertainment. 

The unveiling ceremony was on September 26 2008. The installation was September 29 2008

Nomination:
What were Elvis Presley’s contributions to Las Vegas?  Elvis did try to bring rock n roll to the strip in 1956. That ended up making no impact on Vegas, but Vegas certainly made an impact on Elvis.When he returned to the stage in 1969, Elvis was able to bring rock n roll to Las Vegas, to the strip, and into the hotels.  People came from all over the world to see him.  Elvis had an onstage style that other entertainers admired.  Elvis was the first performer to consistently sell out the largest showroom in “Entertainment Capital of the World.”A contribution that’s barely acknowledged was Elvis’ charity to Las Vegas.  His promotional material was contracted to be manufactured by Opportunity Village.  To this day, the Village remembers Elvis andhis manager, Colonel Tom Parker, for their support.  Additionally, each time Elvis was here performing, the souvenir booth in the International/Hilton hotel would have 100% of the proceeds donated to a designated charity.Since his first visit to Vegas, Elvis came to this town many times between movies and concerts: to relax, have fun, to meet up with people he had met here and who had become friends.  He was married here. Elvis could experience something in Vegas that he couldn’t get anywhere else.  He was here much more than we realize and he contributed to our history and image.  We have adopted Elvis Presley as a local.  Too bad we never took the chance to tell him that while he was alive.  This star is our opportunity to formalize our appreciation of him.