Beyond the Strip: ABC’s Soul of a Nation explores Black Vegas
Want to know the truth about Black life in Las Vegas? In our best Usher impersonation, “watch this.”
ABC News kicks off Black History Month with their Emmy award-winning special, Soul of a Nation. On February 1, the program digs deep into the unheralded stories of Black entertainers who’ve made significant contributions to Las Vegas, from the days of the legendary Sammy Davis, Jr. to sold out shows of Usher’s magnetic My Way, the Las Vegas Residency. (See how much Issa Rae loved his performance last summer.)
Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas is an one hour history lesson retracing the steps of Black performances in Sin City, as well as the civil rights achievements that ensured Black people were hired as stage performers and artists, front of the house hotel workers and held other vital positions within the city’s thriving entertainment ecosystem.
Audiences will learn untold told stories about the Black experience there, including how Vegas mainstay Frank Sinatra became an advocate for his band leader, Quincy Jones and fellow Rat Pack performer, Sammy Davis Jr., when they were in town performing; and find out how Anna Bailey integrated the Strip by becoming the first Black showgirl to perform in Sin City.
Through interviews with Smokey Robinson, comedians George Wallace and Luenell, Usher, Ne-Yo and more, celebs speak on their experiences working and living in Las Vegas. In addition, hear from everyday Black voices who make their living as performers in a variety of shows, including Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple, Magic Mike Live, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Chippendales.
Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas airs Wednesday, Feb. 1 (10:00 pm EST) on ABC and the next day on Hulu.
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This story was originally published February 1, 2023 at 12:44 PM with the headline "Beyond the Strip: ABC’s Soul of a Nation explores Black Vegas."