ABOUT
The Las Vegas Discographies are an online resource that present information in one location about musical activity in the Las Vegas showrooms and lounges between 1950 and 1980. The current discographies are intended as a starting point for researchers and historians. It is hoped that this site will encourage further research in this area. Musicians who performed in the showrooms and lounges, on these recordings or otherwise are especially encouraged to share their information and experiences of working in Las Vegas.
The current site includes 3 discographies. The main discography, "Live from Las Vegas," consists of live recordings made in the showrooms and lounges between 1950 and 1980. It appears as though many performers released studio albums of the material they performed in Las Vegas. The second database, "Not so live from Las Vegas," is a listing of these "Las Vegas" recordings that do not appear to have been recorded live. There are also a number of comedy-variety albums that featured musical numbers. Those recordings that have substantial musical elements, or that credit a band are included in "Comedy/Variety Acts." All three discographies were created using the BRIAN database application.
This research would not be possible without the generous support of the Music Library Association's Walter Gerboth Research Grant, and the Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association's Marshall Fishwick Travel Grant. Special thanks to the faculty and staff of the Marr Sound Archives at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, the UNLV Special Collections Department, and the Bowling Green State University Music Library & Sound Recoring Archives for their assistance. Additional thanks to Ray Heigemier, Su Kim Chung, Michael Fitzgerald, Steve Albin, Michelle Johnson, Doug and Sue Brandt, Katie Colson, and Scott Nelsen.
FAQs
What is a discography?
A discography is a catalog or descriptive list of recordings, usually based on some common theme or trait, such as performer or date of release. The Las Vegas Discographies are lists of commercial recordings made between 1950 and 1980 that were made in Las Vegas showrooms and lounges, or were studio recordings of acts that played in Las Vegas during this timeframe.
Do you sell these recordings?
No, I do not have copies of these recordings for sale. The discography is simply a list that identifies recordings and provides release information. The discography will tell you that a recording exists, and provide you with the information you will need to search for it elsewhere.
Where can I find a recording?
Almost all of these recordings were originally released as LPs. A few of the most popular have been re-released as CDs that can be purchased through Amazon or Barnes and Noble, or may be available on iTunes. Quite a few of the original LPs frequently turn up on eBay, MusicStack, and the Amazon Marketplace. Depending on quality and number available they can cost anywhere from a few dollars to $500. Some may come with a CDR copy. You can also check www.worldcat.org to see which libraries own a recording. Most libraries will not lend these outside of the library, but you may be able to schedule a visit to listen to them in person.