Tomoe Takeuchi, of Las Vegas, who shares a birthday with Elvis stands in front of the Elvis statue in front of the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Elvis’ birthday Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012.
Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 | 11:53 p.m.
Elvis Presley would have turned 77 years old on Sunday, and more than three decades after his death, fans are still celebrating his birthday.
In Las Vegas, fans decorated the statue of Elvis that stands outside the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino — formerly the Las Vegas Hilton — with flower leis and a brightly colored birthday balloon.
Presley played at the International, which later became the Hilton, from 1969 to 1976, forging a relationship with the city that included his movie “Viva Las Vegas” and his wedding in 1967 at the old Aladdin.
Presley, who was signed by International owner Kirk Kerkorian with an initial $100,000-a-week contract, sold out 837 consecutive shows during his seven-year run. In his Vegas heyday, Presley was ubiquitous about the city, his picture plastered on billboards and bus placards.
Presley died on Aug. 16, 1977, just eight months after his final performance at the Hilton. He was 42.
Check out the Sun’s special Elvis page for more stories, photos and video of the King and his history with Las Vegas.
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