Massive shoutout to Steve Cutler who put this masterpiece together to post on the CCA Facebook Page.

The Sinatra Story You Never Heard .....Until Now.
by Steve Cutler

In 1951 Frank Sinatra was getting his singing career back on track, as he had just won an academy award for his part in the blockbuster movie, From Here to Eternity. The Desert Inn located in Las Vegas, Nevada was quick to sign this reborn singing sensation and booked him as the headliner in their showroom. In 1952 The Sands opens up next door and one of the principle owners/entertainment director states “the Sands will have the best stable of entertainers in Las Vegas”. His name was Jack Entratter and he liked Frank Sinatra. Determined to have him work at the Sands he eventually bought out his contract from the Desert Inn and signed him to a long term contract at the Sands. There was one catch, the showroom at the Sands was larger than the Desert Inn and he wasn’t sure Sinatra could sell the room out. His solution was to bring the Ziegfeld Follies from New York and make Sinatra the featured singer. Every performance was a sellout and soon thereafter Sinatra headlined his own show. That was the beginning of his storied long term relationship with the Sands that lasted well into the 60’s. Featured here is the program from his first performance at the Desert Inn. This was also the first time he ever performed in Las Vegas. The other program that Is featured is from his first performance at the Sands where he starred in the Ziegfeld Follies. Both of these Las Vegas artifacts are considered to be extremely rare.

Thanks again Steve,

CCA Social Media Director