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A look at the role of music in shaping American culture and politics.

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Strand Extra: Elvis - The Las Vegas Years 

Factual: Politics

Elvis - The Las Vegas Years 

03/10/2011

Elvis - The Las Vegas Years

BBC World Service - Strand Extra, Elvis - The Las Vegas Years

Elvis Presley's 15 Las Vegas seasons and the impact on the singer.

Presley's Las Vegas concerts at The International Hotel kicked off in the summer of 1969. 

We join the King on opening night with comments from lead guitarist James Burton and legendary road manager Joe Espisito.

The band, as we hear through the live recordings were superb and backing singers Myra Smith and Estelle Brown reveal what it was like on stage for weeks with Elvis. 

Jerry Schilling one of Presley's inner circle talks us through the events surrounding Presley's security and life style.

The programme hears about Elvis's use of prescription drugs and his escalating weight, band members talk about his personal problems and how it affected life on stage and off. 

That winter of 1976 was Presley's 15th season at the Las Vegas Hilton International Hotel and it would be his last. 

As he was preparing to play yet another series of concerts that August 1977, the Presley heart gave up in the bathroom of Graceland.

Over 30 years later Elvis presence can still be felt on the streets of Las Vegas.

The city's profile was shaped by him as he brought glitz and a new glamour. 

Last year the Cirque De Soliel show Viva Elvis, celebrating his life and music, confirms Elvis has not left the building and Cirque Production manager Michael Anderson and the former Mayor of Las Vegas Oscar Goodman explore Presley's contribution to the city and legacy.

Presented by John Sugar.

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