1941
Nevada casinos are known for their big-name entertainment, and it all started in the city of Elko. In spring of 1941, Newton Crumley, owner of the Commercial Hotel and its Monte Carlo Casino, engaged Ted Lewis, bandleader-singer-entertainer-popular radio star, to perform there for a week for $12,000 (about $196,000 today). Other stars who followed included Sophie Tucker, Lawrence Welk, Chico Marx, The Andrews Sisters and Paul Whiteman.
Photo from The New York Public Library Digital Collections, Billy Rose Theatre Division: “Ted Lewis Act“
