Elvis Presley debuted at the Frontier Casino in 1956, but it wasn't until 1969 that he returned to Las Vegas and set up shop. He starred for nearly a decade at the International, then Hilton, Hotel as Las Vegas' premier headliner. He performed with a full orchestra and back up singers in 144 sold-out shows.

Now, 25 years after the death of the King, his spirit is alive and kicking in Las Vegas. On any given day, there are at least a dozen Elvi working in town. Whether it is Grahame Patrick as Elvis in Legends in Concert, or Jesse Garon marrying a British couple at the Little White Chapel, or Elvis weddings at the Graceland Chapel or Viva Las Vegas Chapel, or competitors in the annual Elvis Extravaganza competition, Elvis is bigger than ever.

Here's my story about the King of Vegas. Photographs © by Ira Gostin

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