Last year, during Paul McCartney’s Freshen Up tour stop at T-Mobile Arena, the Beatle asked how many in the crowd were from Las Vegas. Twenty people might have cheered. When he asked how many were from out of town, the crowd roared. It was a telling moment: People travel from all over just to see our concerts and shows. Right now, we don’t know when the world-class entertainment you know and love will return. But, thankfully, there’s a whole recorded history of Vegas concerts online and on vinyl, allowing you to reminisce about the incredible concerts that have taken place in Vegas.
Tom Jones Live in Las Vegas (1969, Flamingo) This is Jones’ highest-charting album, and there’s nothing unusual about that. What is unusual: “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” was recorded in studio and the audience was overdubbed. But the album is so good you’ll find a way to forgive him.
Vider Las Vegas, by Gary Vider (2019, Rio) In his debut album recorded at Rio’s Comedy Cellar, Vider showcases the distinctive low-energy, deadpan style that found him modest success on America’s Got Talent. His jokes are punchy, well-written and deserve to be heard above ground.
Las Vegas Prima Style, by Louis Prima and Keely Smith (1958, Sahara) If Prima’s ability to make one smile could be bottled and sold, no one would be sad ever again. Here, Prima goes full throttle, creating a fun atmosphere that makes you wish time travel existed just so you could attend that show.
Hello Dummy! by Don Rickles (1968, Sahara) Some of Mr. Warmth’s jokes from this album have not aged well, but this part of his set is still relevant: “These are the jokes, lady. If you’re waiting for Billy Graham to come in here, forget about it.”
I Kinda Like It When a Lotta People Die, by George Carlin (2001, MGM Grand) Carlin was nothing short of controversial. But in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, even he thought the material of this album crossed the line. These bits were shelved and eventually retooled into different comedy specials. It’s not vintage Carlin, but it’s worthy of a listen.
Elvis In Person and On Stage (1969 & 1970, International Hotel) Both are required listening for any fan of The King. In Person gives you the Elvis you know, with energetic versions of songs like “Blue Suede Shoes,” while On Stage includes songs he wasn’t known for, like “See See Rider,” which would later become his classic Vegas show opener.
Still the One: Live from Vegas, by Shania Twain (2015, Caesars Palace) Twain’s first live album puts you right in the seats at Caesars. And the recording quality is so pristine, the concert might actually sound better on record than it did in person.
The Alice Cooper Show (1977, Aladdin) You wouldn’t know Cooper was on the brink of collapse from alcoholism while listening to these performances (which were released while he was in rehab). Yet, on ballads like “I Never Cry,” it’s clear, for he sings with a poignancy that kicks you in the gut.
One Night Only, by Bee Gees (1997, MGM Grand) It was supposed to be the Bee Gees’ final live performance, hence the name of the album, but it wasn’t. However, the group performed like it was their last show, throwing everything they could at the audience, singing hit songs from every decade during their career.
At the Sands, by Nat King Cole (1960) Just to illustrate how cool Vegas was in the old days, Cole went onstage at the Sands at 2 a.m. so famous friends and colleagues like Louis Prima and Jackie Gleason could attend after their own Vegas shows. Cole didn’t let them down.
Vegas ’96, by Phish (Aladdin) Three-hour concert by Phish? Typical. But what’s not typical? The Yodeling Cowgirls singing “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and Elvis impersonators singing “Suspicious Minds.”
Live! at the Desert Inn, by Bobby Darin (1971) This album didn’t get released until 1987, which is a shame, because it shows Darin in top form after ending the ’60s with a few duds. Here, he gives the goods like “Mack the Knife,” as well as politically charged songs like Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country.”
Sinatra at the Sands (1966) Sinatra + Count Basie Orchestra + Quincy Jones = untouchable. If one needs an example of how to perfectly execute a Vegas show, this is it.
Timeless: Live in Concert, by Barbra Streisand (2000, MGM Grand) Performed on New Year’s Eve, 1999, and New Year’s Day, 2000, Babs brought her own fireworks to these concerts. Even if you’re not a Streisand fan, you can’t deny that this album is dripping with pure, uninhibited showbiz.
The Rat Pack: Live at the Sands (1963) In this compilation, you get a taste of individual performances from Dean, Frank and Sammy, with a few recordings of all three together. As you’d expect, they schmooze, sing and joke with each other and the audience, but somehow it always feels fresh.
Noël Coward at Las Vegas (1955, Desert Inn) Coward’s performance is one of the most whimsical concerts in Vegas history, masterfully showcasing his biting English wit while singing his own show tunes. He also throws in a truly hilarious version of Cole Porter’s “Let’s Do It.”
The Sounds of ’66, by Sammy Davis Jr. and Buddy Rich (Sands) As the title indicates, Side A of this album features Sammy singing several popular songs from the mid-’60s. Side B goes a little further back in time with a version of “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead.”
Live at Caesars Palace, by Diana Ross (1974) Recorded four years after leaving the Supremes, Ross proves in this show why she was destined for stardom. She’s charming, funny and her voice is so smooth and bright it’s as if she’s the female version of Nat King Cole.
Live in Las Vegas, by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds (2009, Planet Hollywood) An intimate acoustic concert with masterful guitar playing and singing, even non-fans of the Dave Matthews Band can appreciate the musicianship on display between this duo.
Johnny Mathis In Person (1971, Caesars Palace) Simply put, Mathis sounds so perfect during this concert that it’s awe-inspiring (and probably infuriating to inferior singers).
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