They were Hollywood's elite, a group of actors who united in Los Angeles. Yet, their influence spread far beyond California's sunny skies, helping transform Las Vegas, Nevada, from a modest resort and gambling destination into a must-visit hotspot on the global tourist map.
Who Was The Rat Pack?
The group's first version often met at Bogart's Holmby Hills residence starring Frank Sinatra with a revolving door of various actors such as David Niven, Judy Garland, and Ava Gardner. After Bogart died in 1957, the name "Rat Pack" came to represent a five-person group of:
Frank Sinatra: The group's unofficial leader, often called "Ol' Blue Eyes," Sinatra was a legendary singer and actor widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers ever.
Dean Martin: Known for his smooth voice, sharp comedic timing, and easygoing charm, Martin was a singer, actor, and comedian often called the "King of Cool."
Sammy Davis Jr.: Davis broke racial barriers in entertainment as a multi-talented performer who could sing, dance, and act and was a key figure in civil rights advocacy.
Joey Bishop: A comedian and talk show host known for his wit and deadpan humor, Bishop often served as the emcee for the group's performances.
Peter Lawford: A British actor, suave socialite, and brother-in-law to John F. Kennedy, Lawford's ties helped the Rat Pack gain political clout and cultural influence.
The group was known for their live performances, particularly at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where they would combine music, comedy, and a sense of improvised fun. They preferred to be called "the Clan" or "the Summit," but the group was christened by Lauren Bacall, who said they looked like a rat pack, which was quickly adopted by the media and stuck to this day despite Sinatra's public disdain for the name.
How They Rose to Fame
The Rise of Las Vegas
After the legalization of gambling in Nevada in 1931 and the post-World War II boom, Las Vegas grew quickly. Money from organized crime was combined with respectable investors to create a playground for the growing middle class with more leisure time and expendable dollars, drawing entertainers like Sinatra. Sinatra performed his first gig in Las Vegas in September 1951 at the Desert Inn, but at the Sands Hotel and Casino, the seventh resort to open on The Strip, Sinatra and the Rat Pack would become headliners.
Rat Pack Movies
In 1960, Ocean's 11 debuted in theaters in the United States, showcasing the Rat Pack, a romanticized, modern version of Las Vegas. If you're familiar with the 2001 remake, you should know the main plot. The movie's final scene showed the group walking away from the Sands Hotel with the Rat Pack members listed as headliners on the marquee. While Ocean's 11 was their most popular film, they made several other films, such as Sergeants Three and Robin and the Seven Hoods.
Political Connections
Lawford's familial connection helped attract the young, future 35th President of the United States. Sinatra and JFK met during the 1950s and became friends, with Sinatra campaigning for Kennedy during his presidential run and performing the "Star-Spangled Banner" before his nomination at the 1960 Democratic Convention.
The End of the Pack
While the Rat Pack taught the US to swing for the first half of the 1960s, the second half was dominated by British rock acts such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, the counterculture movement, the escalation of the Vietnam War, and civil unrest. The Pack's "life's a party" appeal was diminishing.
The Pack lives on today, with millions of tourists visiting Las Vegas every year. Many of them take in shows such as The Rat Pack is Back, a celebration of Sinatra, Dean, and Davis Jr. that has been running for over two decades. While the originals are long gone, they helped build Las Vegas into a world-class entertainment destination!
Looking for a Rat Pack vibe? Maxan Jazz has live performances five nights a week for lovers of jazz, swing, blues, and delicious sushi! Call us today to book a reservation.
Comments