Vintage Photos from the Golden Age of Las Vegas

In the 1970s, Lola Falana earned the crown as the undisputed “Queen of Las Vegas.” Known for her dazzling performances, unmatched charisma, and commanding stage presence, she became one of the highest-paid female performers in the city’s history.

Falana was so influential that Barry Manilow cited her as part of the inspiration for his hit song Copacabana. Beyond her beauty and talent, she was a trailblazer — breaking barriers for African American women in the entertainment industry and redefining what it meant to be a headliner in Vegas.