Las Vegas is home to some of the greatest and most talented performers alive today and throughout history, but did you know the original First Lady of Las Vegas was a Black woman named Lola Falana? Falana, born on September 11, 1942, was a singer and dancer whose passion for performing was clear even from a young age.
Talented Even at a Young Age
Born Loletha Falana, she was dancing at an age when many children are still learning to walk in straight lines. She became a member of the church choir before she was old enough to attend elementary school. She became a regular dancer at Philadelphia nightclubs while still in high school, and dropped out just a few months shy of graduation to pursue her career in New York City.
Sammy Davis Junior Discovers the Queen
Falana’s big break came while dancing on a chorus line in Atlantic City, where she met Sammy Davis Jr. Davis could see her potential and he offered her a featured role in Golden Boy which led to the launching of her recording career.
It took off like a rocket, and she followed up appearances on all the major talk shows of the time with the installation of her Las Vegas show. She was a smashing success at casinos and showrooms all around Vegas. The Queen had found her domain.
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