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9780615894591 English 0615894593 After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, nearly fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for present-day gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Using everything from prostitutes to plane rides, passenger pigeons to wild burros, and transgendered celebrities to the DeCastro Sisters Martello saved the near-ghost town of Searchlight from extinction. His outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, nearly fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for present-day gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello saved the near-ghost town of Searchlight from extinction. His outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) FINALIST 2014 Readers' Favorite Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP 2014 Hollywood Book Festival and Beach Book Festival (Biography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP 2014 Beach Book Festival (Biography/Autobiography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book Awards WINNER Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards RUNNER-UP 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals FINALIST 2014 Red City Review Book Awards AN UNREAL, BUT TRUE STORY After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards WINNER Silver Medal, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER OF 12 LITERARY AND DESIGN AWARDS! The unreal but TRUE story of the unknown casino that changed Las Vegas forever! After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner WINNER! 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER! Silver Medals, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST! Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION!, Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals, WINNER OF 13 AWARDS including BOOK OF THE YEAR The unreal but TRUE story of the unknown casino that changed Las Vegas forever WARNING Contains Nudity, Prostitution, Vintage Vegas, Celebrities, and (some) Mobsters After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner ------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOK OF THE YEAR , Casino Chip & Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc WINNER 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER Silver Medals, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION , Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals, WINNER OF 13 AWARDS including BOOK OF THE YEAR! The unreal but TRUE story of the unknown casino that changed Las Vegas forever! WARNING! Contains Nudity, Prostitution, Vintage Vegas, Celebrities, and (some) Mobsters! After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner ------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOK OF THE YEAR!, Casino Chip & Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc WINNER! 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER! Silver Medals, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST! Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION!, Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals, WINNER! 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) FINALIST! 2014 Readers' Favorite Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood Book Festival and Beach Book Festival (Biography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith ,New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER! 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP! 2014 Beach Book Festival (Biography/Autobiography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER! 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) WINNER! Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood Book Festival and Beach Book Festival (Biography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER! 2014 International Book Awards WINNER! 2014 USA Best Book Awards WINNER! Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards FINALIST! Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards FINALIST! 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION! Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER! 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER! Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards WINNER! Silver Medal, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST! Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION! Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner
9780615894591 English 0615894593 After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, nearly fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for present-day gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Using everything from prostitutes to plane rides, passenger pigeons to wild burros, and transgendered celebrities to the DeCastro Sisters Martello saved the near-ghost town of Searchlight from extinction. His outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, nearly fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for present-day gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello saved the near-ghost town of Searchlight from extinction. His outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) FINALIST 2014 Readers' Favorite Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP 2014 Hollywood Book Festival and Beach Book Festival (Biography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP 2014 Beach Book Festival (Biography/Autobiography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book Awards WINNER Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards RUNNER-UP 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals FINALIST 2014 Red City Review Book Awards AN UNREAL, BUT TRUE STORY After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards WINNER Silver Medal, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER OF 12 LITERARY AND DESIGN AWARDS! The unreal but TRUE story of the unknown casino that changed Las Vegas forever! After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner WINNER! 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER! Silver Medals, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST! Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION!, Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals, WINNER OF 13 AWARDS including BOOK OF THE YEAR The unreal but TRUE story of the unknown casino that changed Las Vegas forever WARNING Contains Nudity, Prostitution, Vintage Vegas, Celebrities, and (some) Mobsters After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent " -Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO " -Richard B Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner ------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOK OF THE YEAR , Casino Chip & Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc WINNER 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER Silver Medals, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION , Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals, WINNER OF 13 AWARDS including BOOK OF THE YEAR! The unreal but TRUE story of the unknown casino that changed Las Vegas forever! WARNING! Contains Nudity, Prostitution, Vintage Vegas, Celebrities, and (some) Mobsters! After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner ------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOK OF THE YEAR!, Casino Chip & Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc WINNER! 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER! Silver Medals, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST! Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION!, Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals, WINNER! 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) FINALIST! 2014 Readers' Favorite Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood Book Festival and Beach Book Festival (Biography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith ,New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER! 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP! 2014 Beach Book Festival (Biography/Autobiography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER! 2014 International Book Awards (Biography) WINNER! Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards (Biography) RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood Book Festival and Beach Book Festival (Biography) After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced future gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER! 2014 International Book Awards WINNER! 2014 USA Best Book Awards WINNER! Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards FINALIST! Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards FINALIST! 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION! Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner, WINNER! 2014 International Book, 2014 USA Best Book Awards, Florida Book Festival, Great Southwest Book Festival WINNER! Silver Medal, 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards WINNER! Silver Medal, 2014 American Advertising Awards for book design (The ADDYs) FINALIST! Best New Non-Fiction, USA Best Book Awards, 2014 Red City Review Book Awards RUNNER-UP! 2014 Hollywood and Beach Book Festivals HONORABLE MENTION! Great Midwest and Southern California Book Festivals After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola . Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name. Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light! ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book." -Robert Graysmith , New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire "Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent!" -Mark L. Walberg ,Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS) "A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years." -Todd Newton ,Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer "Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf." -Mark Hall-Patton ,Clark County Museum System Administrator,Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel) "LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO!" -Richard B. Taylor ,Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner