The Man Who Invented Las Vegas

Wilkerson, III, W. R.

ISBN 10: 0967664306 / ISBN 13: 9780967664309

Published by Ciro's Books, U.S.A., 2006

About this Item

Front cover is bumped at the corners. Book is inscribed on Title Page. Page 24 is creased from the top to the middle. Bookseller Inventory BS/CC53210117.

Seller Inventory # 005321

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Man Who Invented Las Vegas
• Publisher: Ciro's Books, U.S.A.
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0967664306
• ISBN 13: 9780967664309
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Sold

About this title

Synopsis

In 1946, two men battled for power in Las Vegas. Bugsy Siegel stole Billy Wilkerson's dream of a luxury hotel in the desert, and died in a hail of bullets. Although Billy lived on for many years, he never spoke of the man some believe was murdered for stealing his dream. Now, in this compelling First Edition, Billy's son finally uncovers the secrets behind the building of the Flamingo Hotel and the death of Bugsy Siegel.

About the Author

Raised and educated in England, William R. Wilkerson III graduated from the University of Southern California in 1977, with a degree in music composition. As a writer, he has published articles in The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, USA Today, The Herald Examiner, and The LA Weekly. Wilkerson has lectured widely on Hollywood's history and folklore, delivering presentations to such groups as the LA County Museum and the Nevada State Museum.

He has discussed his father's remarkable story and, other aspects of Hollywood history, on such T.V. shows as, A&E's "Biography", E! Entertainment's "Mysteries & Scandals," and The Learning Channel's "The Secret History of Las Vegas."

As a composer, Willie studied under such film music luminaries as David Raksin, Paul Glass and Hugo Friedhoffer. Wilkerson's uncle, the legendary film star/dancer, Donald O'Connor, schooled him in every aspect of the entertainment business both in front and behind the cameras.

As an arranger, producer and studio musician, Wilkerson has worked extensively in Los Angeles and London. He recorded his first solo album in 1972 under his own record label. After a series of successful performances in Hollywood, Willie was signed to a major music publishing contract in England. He has written for such performers as Marvyn Gaye, Mary Welles, Larry Graham, Sherrie Payne and Marilyn McCoo.

Wilkerson has also composed musical scores for both T.V. and industrial films, most notably, the musical score for AMC Theater's new logo.