Mr. & Mrs. Marion Hicks
Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Jones. Donated by Howard Klein
An afternoon's ride in February of 1946, from Reno to Las Vegas, after a disappointing attempt to buy a hotel site led attorney Cliff Jones, and Los Angeles developer/Nevada gambling pioneer, Marion Hicks, to invest $2 million in the 1,110 hundred foot of property across from the El Rancho from Guy McAfee and his associates. Hicks had previously built and operated the very successful El Cortez Hotel & Casino in the downtown area.
It was not until October of 1947, when building restrictions were met sufficiently, to allow construction to start. The Thunderbird occupied 800 feet of the original purchase, an additional depth was bought giving the Thunderbird access to Paradise Valley Road. Hicks was the builder on the job with his own construction company.
"Photo was taken by Paul C. Wagoner late 1946 or early 1947. Mr. Wagoner was part of the original ownership group. In the distance is the windmill from the El Rancho Vegas. This picture shows the room wing." - Steve Nash, June 2003
On September 2, 1948, the fourth hotel/casino resort opened with the phone number 5100. This was the same year that McCarran Airport opened an adobe styled terminal four miles south of the Flamingo. This was also the last major resort to open on the Los Angeles Highway in the 1940s.
Hotel President/General Manager, Marion Hicks had the distinction of being the only man in town who had built two resort hotels. His original venture, El Cortez, opened in 1941, and many of his employees at the Thunderbird were with him originally at El Cortez. Hicks' principal associates in the Thunderbird who have been with him since the beginning were L.B. "Tutor" Scheres, Guy McAfee, Vic Sayre, Harry Radger, Bill Deer, Joe Wells, Jack Lane, Cliff Jones and Jimmy Sahayler.
Co-Owner Cliff Jones had his own distinction being a majority leader of the Assembly at age 29, Lieutenant Colonel and District Judge at age 33, and Lieutenant Governor at age 34.
The Thunderbird's name was derived from an ancient Navajo legend. Thunderbird means "The Sacred Bearer of Happiness Unlimited".
Opening night was provided by Ginny Simms, the dance team of Pancho and Diane, The Rockie Carlyle Girls, and Billy McDonald and his Royal Highlanders. The emcee was George Beatty.
Opening night was a fiasco in that many prominent gamblers played including Jake Katleman of the El Rancho Las Vegas and Farmer Paige of the Pioneer. These men won so much that they ended up owning the resort by the end of the night. The next day negotiations began and eventually the original owners were able to keep the resort.
The walls were concrete block with the ubiquitous weeping mortar with the resort containing three large fireplaces. The cocktail lounge displayed murals of cowboys, chuck wagons, and saguaro cactus. The Navajo-style dining room, named the Pow Wow Showroom, had a small stage and heavy wood trusses over the white tablecloth covered tables.
The use of native stone connected The Thunderbird to the region. The rooms were furnished in contemporary furniture.
The broad sloping roof had the simple gable of an overgrown bunkhouse, but the lines of the column supporting the porte cochere were crisp and modern. The tower was unadorned and clean. On top was a sign marquee announcing the entertainment.
The room wing imitated the Flamingo's, with a central three-story section raised above the two-story wings. In front of the main wing was the pool with a high dive, palms, and lawn. This pool was billed as the largest pool in Nevada with it containing 360,000 gallons of water.
It was the first Strip hotel covered with a porte cochere, a form that was later to reach remarkable heights of glitter and pretense. On top of the desert tower lookout was the Thunderbird created by the Graham Neon Sign Company, its talons gripped onto the tower roof, was a cubistic neon thunderbird, in all the colors of the rainbow, a mate for the Flamingo's neon flamingo. Another neon mate was perched on the roadside sign also designed by Graham Neon.
A 1948 brochure announcing "America's Most Luxurious Desert Hotel" which included:
In looking at the strip at night one would see the thunderbird, the flamingo, the bright red Pegasus on the Mobil station, and The El Rancho Windmill. Together, these unplanned showing of bold colors and marvelous symbols gave the Strip a distinctive look. This sight was the birth of the "street of lights".
The "in" place to be was Lil Joe's Oyster Bar. This restaurant was named after Joe Wells, owner of the Wells Cargo Freight Line.
Entertainment Director Hal Braudis coined the slogan "You saw it first at the Thunderbird." This became very true during one of the Helldorado Parades in the late 1940s.
Rex Allen and the Sons of the Pioneers were performing at the resort. Allen had his horse Coco on the stage when Coco decided a bowel movement was necessary and proceeded to do so right on stage during the dinner show. The lights were dimmed while everyone was cleaning the mess. Barney Rawlings sang during this intermission and when the lights came back up Rawlings stated "Remember everyone, you saw it first at the Thunderbird," and brought the house down with laughter.
One star to perform at the resort in 1949 was Nat King Cole. His manager at the time, who didn't give his name stated:
"We had to stay in the back. We couldn't go out front and gamble at the tables or anything. We stayed across the tracks, over in some wooden units. After the show, we go back over to Dustville. We could gamble there. The Chinese had places where you could play poker and dice. I remember Nat saying he wasn't going back there if we had to stay in the back like that."
By March 24, 1950, the Thunderbird had expanded five times from its original 76 rooms. It now had a total of 206 rooms and an annex.
On November 15, 1950, she added a six unit bungalow and in December of that year, the Casino Bar opened.
During this year Hal Braudis was listed as entertainment and publicity director.
In November of 1950 while Carol Bruce was entertaining in the Navajo Room, she noticed a very dejected ringsider. Bruce tried to cheer him up but her sinere efforts failed and she gave up. About two hours later, Bruce decided to play some dice. Next to her was the disgruntled individual from ringside. Bruce picked up the dice and made 14 passes, winning $14. Her melancholy man was beaming at the end of her hand. He had regained all of his previous losses and returned to witnessed her next show with a party of 18 who gave their devoted attention. (Seems easier for the winners to laugh, doesn't it?)
In 1950, Thunderbird showcased Carol Bruce, Dorothy Claire, Billy Daniels, Kathryn Duffy Dancers, The Famous Dansations, Ink Spots, Al Jahns Orchestra, the Lunds, Normandie Boys, Barney Rawlings as MC, Sandy Sandifer & his Orchestra, and Betty Jane Watson/Jerry Austin.
In 1951, Thunderbird showcased Larry Storch, Monica Boyar, tap dancer Teddy Hale, Kay Armen, Arren & Broderick, Les Dassie, Jack Martin Men & The Normandie Boys, Irving Fields & His Trio, Harold Land & Helen Gallagher, and Al Jahns & his Orchestra. Kathryn Duffy Dansations presented the musical Minstrel Memories starring Kay Tapscott. Christina Carson appeared with her popular Deep Purple number.
Also during this year, Rosemary Clooney made her first Las Vegas appearance at the Thunderbird.
On May 6, 1952, E.J. Questa, newly elected President of the First National Bank of Nevada, was guest of honor at a cocktail party at the resort. Hosts were Dwight Gravett, Las Vegas Manager, and Chet Emmons, Division Manager of the First California Company. Several hundred guests were including E.J. Wait, Executive Vice President and Jordan J. Crouch, Vice President of the First National Bank of Nevada.
In August, 1952, Louis Saldino was listed as Maitre d', Pat Gallagher was head hostess, and Jack Collins was Chef.
During this year it was reported that small orchestra leader, Jack Martin, was hospitalized with a complete nervous breakdown. He was unconscious for over a week and it was doubtful for a while if he would recover. However, he responded to treatment and was released, resting in Los Angeles for a month.
In 1952, Thunderbird showcased Christine Carson/Johnny O'Brien; Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra; Morton Downey; Alfred Drake; Los Gatos; Al Jahns Orchestra; Beatrice Knight/Kathryn Duffy Dansations in Rhapsody in Blue w/Christina Carson/Normandie Boys; Juggler Bela Kremo; Jay Lawrence; Jay Marshall; Mills Brothers; Peiro Brothers; Mickey Shaughnessey; and Summertime Revue starring The Mills Brothers/Frank Payne. Johnny O'Brien was the MC.
During 1952/1953, Thunderbird was experiencing a problem that most resorts would love to have - an overflow of guests. More people were making reservations and no rooms were available. This is when Thunderbird created a sibling next door, containing 110 rooms, on their property, which would later be called The Algiers.
In 1953 the much smaller 110 room extension opened for business. Guests of the sibling were given the same perks and benefits as if they were staying at the Thunderbird.
In 1953, the Wig Wam room was redecorated as a meeting room, and served the community as a banquet room for various service clubs and local organizations.
The following was advertised during this year:
Navajo Dining Room |
One of the Bars |
Guest Room |
Suite |
The following picture shows the Thunderbird across the street from the El Rancho. The Sahara can be seen further down to the right.
Click Here for a blueprint of the property. Note that the second pool on the bottom of the page became part of the Algiers. Donated by Bob Trbovich.
In 1953, Thunderbird showcased Arren & Broderick, Earl Barton, Joyce Bryant, Jean Carroll, Les Compagnon de la Chanson, Kathryn Duffy Dansations, Tennessee Ernie, Helene Francois, Homer & Jethro, Al Jahns Orchestra, Landre & Verna, Jay Lawrence, Kathryn Lee/Marc Platt, Peiro Brothers, and Irene Ryan, The Emcee was Barney Rawlings. The Navajo Room showcased Jack Martin Five, Mills Brothers, and Normandie Boys.
Donated by Dawn Kondrek, Daughter of
Ervin & Shirley Fleck
In 1953 or 1954, John Fleck, Ervin Fleck, Shirley Fleck, LaVerne Fleck, Skip Fleck, and Marvin Fleck, performed at the Thunderbird.
In December of 1954, the Terrace Room was added with its eating capacity of more than 450. The Terrace Room was used daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and was adjacent to the main dining room. A new banquet room on the second floor above the Terrace Room was added shortly after. It was designed to accommodate 450 to 500 people and was equipped to show movies and had a public address system. A dance floor was also installed for social functions. Its ceiling domes were lit enhancing the flame-colored ceiling and its pompeliano tinted walls. Patterned rugs blended with the walls and ceiling.
By this time, Thunderbird employed 425 people and its annual payroll exceeded $1.5 million. Its total purchases through replacement, improvement, and entertainment was an additional $3 million.
In 1954, the Thunderbird showcased Orson Bean, Al "Jazbo" Collins, Dorothy Collins, Deosa Costello/Slate Brothers, Frances Fay, Erving Field Trio, Four Aces, Sunny Gale, Bobby Hackett, June Havoc, Homer & Jethro, Al Jahns Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins, Buddy King & His Ladies, Jay Lawrence, Basil et Marinet, Lou McGarity, James Melton, Mills Brothers, Barney Rawlings, Sauter-Finegan Orchestra/Sally Sweetland/Helen Gallagher, and Mickey Shanashey.
Director of Entertainment Hal Braudis was so impressed with Sunny Gale's performance that he took out an ad with his letter of appreciation.
In a 1954 Downbeat magazine, it was noted that since her opening, Thunderbird booked many "firsts" to establish a rep for star-making. Frankie Laine, Kay Starr, Mindy Carson, Rosemary Clooney, and Patti Page (among others) played at the resort for comparatively small checks. Thunderbird also pioneered in the presentation of big band jazz concerts. Duke Ellington, Ray Anthony, Billy May, and Sauter-Finegan were leaders who successfully put their sidemen through excellent concerts to make the off beat for Vegas entertainment a real kick. In 1954, however, the resort refused to pay out huge sums for the same stars, still preferring to bring in lesser known, but with no lesser potential, artists. Thunderbird was called a "breeding ground" for stars.
When the Last Frontier remodeled in 1955, adding a 126 foot tri-sided pylon sign of stacked cones lit indirectly, the Thunderbird lifted the roadside bird higher into the air on a pylon rising out of a new porte cochere. The Thunderbird also expanded its casino out toward the road, framing its new second floor with a rectangular box. A new porte cochere and a taller sign pole with three pennant signboards attached were added.
One of the resort's distinctive features was its food. Chef Jack Collins, who had been with Hicks since the El Cortez days, provided superlative inexpensive dinners. Food service was under the head Maitre d' Louis Saldino. The buffet was the talk of the town and by night, Gene Delmont greeted guests at the cocktail lounge.
The resort contained an exclusive men's apparel shop and a distinctive jewelry shop.
The grounds of the Thunderbird was also home for Radio Station KORK, an NBC network affiliate.
The Thunderbird participated in the Helldorado Celebration and won the sweepstakes trophy twice. Additionally, the hotel had won two first prizes and three second prizes.
In 1955, the Thunderbird whose address was now 2755 Las Vegas Blvd., South, was closed down for a short time by the Tax Commission, after articles appearing in the Las Vegas Sun alleged that Meyer Lansky (aka Maier Suchowljansky) and other underworld figures held hidden interests in the property.
Gov. Charles H. Russell ordered the owners into a hearing to show cause why their state gambling license should not be revoked or suspended.
During this year, the resort showcased Wilbur Evans/Victoria Sherry; Chuck Mitchell; Sons of the Pioneers; Gale Storm; Thunderbird Dancers; and Romo Vincent/Maurine Cannon.
During the May 12-16, 1955 Helldorado parade, Thunderbird won the Pasadena Trophy for her block long float entitled "Come to the Mardi Gras."
In December 1955, various individuals sent holiday wishes to the patrons: Click Here for Maitre d' Louis Saldina/Mariano Quissey/Ralph Hildegrand/John Fudesco/Roberto Savedre, and Gene Delmont.
In 1956, Thunderbird featured the China Doll Revue starring Ming & Ling/Sing Lee Family/Three Tong Brothers/Toy & Wing/The China Dolls. Also appearing were Cordonlines; Allan Jones/Roger Ray; Beatrice Kay/Sonny Howard; Nip Nelson; Carl Ravazza. The lounge showcased Dukes of Dixieland; Mark IV; and the Julian Foorman Duo.
In February, 1957, it was reported that Major Barney Rawlings, the singing emcee of the resort had just returned from Washington, in on high-level Air Force talks.
In July of 1957, Jack Kozloff was Public Relations of the resort.
"Jake is a stimulating personality, whose love for La Vegas infects all with whom he comes in contact." - Ivan Paul, San Francisco Examiner
Also during this month, it was announced that the resort was planning an extensive six week remodeling program set to being around November 1, 1957. The Navajo Room closed the last week of October. It was stated that the Lounge, casino, and Terrace Bar-Restaurant were still in operation. Work was carried out on a 24 hour scheduled to complete the new renovations in time of the holidays.
During 1957, Thunderbird showcased Dorothy Collins/Ronnie Eastman; Thunderbird Dancers in Productions by Gail Robbins; International Revue starring Leny Eversong/Lara Lee/Peg-Leg Bates. The MC was Rex Johnson. Also showcased were The Four Lads; Etta Logan; The Merry Macs; Jay Nemeth; Don Tannen; and Billy Well/Four Fays. The Lounge showcased Johnny La Monte.
In December of 1958 talk of the town was when they were going to see the "New" Thunderbird. The alterations and remodeling had been underway for over a year. It was noted that the resort would hold three banquet rooms and dressing rooms for the acts in the lush new Navajo Room, located upstairs with quick and easy access to the stage. The ultra-modern showroom was very compact and every table and booth in the house would face the cleverly designed stage. The lounge promised to be one of the nicest in town.
In 1958, the Lounge showcased Joe Fornaro.
In 1959, Thunderbird showcased Connee Boswell, The Carlssons, Carnaval de Paree starring Robert Lamouret/Vicki Benet/Le Trio Martelli/Tosca de Lac/Les Mademoiselles de Ensemble, Vivienne della Chiesa, Dorothy Collins, Fred Darian, Ecstacy on Ice starring Leny Everson, The Fabulous Four Lads, Les Foley's Glacees International Ice Show with Surprise Guests, June Havoc, Wes Harrison, Sonny Howard and the Dunhills, Al Jahns & His Orchestra, Lenny Kent, The Mafalda Trio, Gus Mancuso, Jay Nemeth, Dale Robertson (of Wells Fargo fame) with the Ginny Jackson Quartet, and the Thunderettes with Dolores Frazzini Cartwright, Gail Ganley, Jeanine Ambler, Tony Monaco, The Linds, and Samara. One dancer of the Fabulous Four Lads, Jack Parker was the protege of stage, screen and TV legend Ann Miller. Later in 1959, Jack Parker not only was part of The Fabulous Four Lads, he became part of the Thunderettes.
Connee Boswell's real name was Connie Boswell. Boswell was in a wheelchair since the age of three after suffering a near-fatal bout of polio. Her polio-weakened wrist and hand forced her to change the spelling of her name from "Connie" to "Connee." During autograph sessions, the repeated dotting of the "i" caused severe pain and cramping.
Dancer Lola Hall was performing in the show's opening production number when she fell on stage and splintered a bone in her ankle. After a long period of time in a cast, Hall rejoined the show. Dorothy Collins broke her elbow but insisted on performing with her arm in a cast.
The Thunderbird Lounge showcased Jackie & Roy, Joyce Aimee, and Bobby Stevenson. The Topaz Lounge showcased Don Gregory Quintet, Mafalda, The Allegros, and Gene Rain's Quartet.
Also in 1959, Thunderbird hosted a cocktail party for North American Aviation. The speaker was Squadron Leader Terry Fennell of Lincoln, England.
Roberto Saavedra was Captain at the resort during this year. Howard Hill who wrote three books on gambling, percentages, and how to gamble correctly was part time Box Man at the resort. Marty Hicks was also producer of the shows since 1956. He was associated in the entertainment field with Warner Brothers for years before joining the Thunderbird.
In July of 1960, the resort announced a new policy of a dinner show suitable for minors, with clothed chorus girls, and a late show for adults only.
In 1960, Turquoise Room showcased Follies Americana starring George Arnold/Lenny Everson/Phil Richards; George Arnold/Phil Richards; The Belles; Vicki Benet; Ecstasy on Ice staged by George Arnold starring Vivienne della Chiesa/Ronnie Eastman/Alice Farrar/Jimmy Carter/George Arnold/Phil Richard/Bill Carey/Donna Cook; Follies on Ice w/Chaz Chase; Leny Eversong; Gogi Grant & Follies on Ice staged by George Arnold w/Larry Ellis; Less Paul/Mary Ford Show w/Chaz Chase; Jerry Stewart & His Swinging Strings; Al Jahn's Orchestra; Dorothy Shay Show w/JoAnn Miller/Curtis Wheeler; All Star Ice Revue starring Toni & Jan Arden with Dick Weston & Aunt Martha.
The Topaz Lounge showcased Bud, Frank & Joe; Philly Duke; Lenny Eversong; Fabulous Millionaires; The Four-Most; Frank Gusto Trio; Fred & Marcy/Peter Hanks Duo; Bobby Page; Peter Hank Duo; Fred & Marcy Lane/Peter Hank Duo; Arthur Lyman; Ann Mason; Jessie & The James Boys; Little Red w/Bobby Stevenson; The Nitecaps; Gene Rain's Quartet; Ruste Richards & The Three Bars; Jerry Stewart & His Swinging Strings; The Tribesman; The Tribesman/Bob Hernandez; and Tommy Turk.
"There has been so much outside interest in the Thunderbird changing hands, we thought we'd kick off with the final results. It seems that the owner had put up the bistro for sale, with a clause that stipulated he could withdraw from any pending agreement if his health improved. Naturally, we're pleased to note that Mr. Hicks is felling better. However, disappointment accompanies cancellation of the transaction for FLV had been looking forward to having Charles Rich, Sid Wyman and George Duckworth at the helm of their own boite. We sincerely trust they will pursue their intent, with another goal in mind." Jack Cortez, August, 1961
In May of 1961, it was noted that Thunderbird's Chef Tom Collins was the youngest in Las Vegas checking in at 25 years old.
On August 28, 1961, a farewell testimonial party was thrown for Father Richard Crowley at the Convention Center with entertainment from 10:00pm until dawn. Lou Walters and Harry A. White arranged the party, Stan Irwin and Henry Dunn were the emcees, Bill De Angelis was Stage Manager, and the musicians were provided by Musicians Protective Association, Local 369. Those who appeared at the show were Bogadadis Duo, Shecky Greene, The Dagenham Girl Pipers, The Florence and Fredrick Dancers and Mme. Baron's Can-Can Dancers from Tropicana; Arren and Broderick and Don Urban from the New Frontier; The Barry Sisters and Myron Cohen from Flamingo; The Happy Jesters and The Gimma Brothers from the Stardust; Hank Henry and The Madcaps from Silver Slipper; Ray Anthony and the Book Ends and Davis and Reese from Sahara; The Lancers and Alice Lon from Thunderbird; Arturo Romero and his violins and Eleanor Powell from Dunes; Kay Stevens and Mitzi Green from Riviera; Peter Lind Hayes from Sands; and Louis Prima and Keely Smith from Desert Inn.
In 1961, Turquoise Room showcased Andrews Sisters, Vivienne Della Chiesa, Larry Daniels, Linda Darnel, Edi Domingo/Mechita, Gogi Grant, Billy Gray Show, Tomma Jean Trio, Alice Lon, Arthur Lyman, Maxene, Millionaires, Scandals on Ice w/George Arnold/Phil Richards/Shirley Linde, Patty & LaVerne, Sketches on Ice starring Edie Adams/Clifford Guest/(staged by George Arnold), Kirby Stone Four, Summer Ice Revue w/Sammy Shore, and Garwood Van Orchestra. The Topaz Lounge showcased Pete Buti-Kay Brown & The Millionaires, Los Churumbeles de Espana, Eddie Domingo & Norma, Jim Feeney, Four Coins, Frank Gusto Trio, Tomma Jean Trio, The Lancers, Arthur Lyman, The Millionaires & Kay Brown, Vido Musso, Kiki Paige & the Paiges, Hank Penny, Dave Rodgers, Jerry Stewartson, Sue Thompson & Co., and Wilder Brothers.
On December 19, 1961, Joe Wells brought the first Broadway show to the Thunderbird, Flower Drum Song.
In 1962, Everett McCarlie was listed as Casino Manager, Joe Wells as Executive Director, and Jack Walsh as General Manager. The resort advertised recreational facilities, 450 rooms, year-round pool, apparel and gift shops, world's finest foods and beverages, barber and beauty shops, a deluxe buffet, and top entertainers in The Turquoise Room and Topaz Lounge.
In early 1962, it was reported that Sid Wyman/Charlie Rich group previously of the Riviera was unsuccessful in its efforts to purchase the Thunderbird from the dying Marion Hicks. After his death, Cliff Jones' desire was to still represent the hotel. Jones had become the operator of casino interests in Aruba and was ineligible to obtain a license in Nevada due to his "foreign" gambling interest. The Wyman/Rich group then moved over to the Dunes.
In late 1962, Thunderbird introduced a red cable car to transport tourists from their airport to the resort.
Also during this time period, Jay Eisenberg brought in his cerw and a staff of male models to shoot a fashion layout to show what the boys in the front room wer wearing.
In 1962, Thunderbird Theatre showcased Flower Drum Song starring Jack Soo/Romi Yamada/Arlene Fontana/Jon Lee/Josephine Chianese/Chao Li/Franklin Sui/George Minami/Linda Harris/Florence Ahn/Bob Kino, and Garwood Van Orchestra; and South Pacific starring Joan O'Brien/Stephen Douglass/Benny Baker.
The Thunderbird Lounge showcased Molly Bee; Louis Bellson; Peggy Dietrick; The Exciters; Ford & Reynolds; Sonny King; Kings IV; Carmen McRae; Marvelle; Vido Musso; Novelites; Original Exciters; Danny Peppermint; and The Tyrones.
In 1963, Thunderbird Theatre showcased the musical South Pacific starring Bill Meigs/Metropolitian opera star Cesare Siepi/Joan O'Brien/Benny Baker/Mokihana/Ty Whitney/Stephanie Hill/Alan Baxter/Sonja Habana/Johnny O'Neill, a cast of 50, and Nat Brandwynne Orchestra. This show was produced by Monte Proser, and co-directed by James Hammerstein & John Fearnley. Also showcased was Anything Goes starring Dick Shawn/Eileen Rodgers, and Flower Drum Song starring Jack Soo (Yemana on Barney Miller), Arlene Fontana/Juanita Hall/Monette Malvar/Mokihana/George Minami/Romi Yamada/Alvin Ing/Patti Kim/Franklin Siu/George Young, and Nat Brandwynne Orchestra. The show was produced by Monte Proser. The Maitre d' was Nat Hart.
The Thunderbird Lounge showcased Al Antonio, Belle Barth, Louis Bellson, Tommy Butler, Christine Chatman, The Corvairs, Peggy Dietrick, Dukes of Dixieland, The Original Exciters, Frances Faye, Frank Fanelli, Vicki Frazier, The Gayords, Gil & Nikki, The Hines Brothers, Jo Ann Jordan Trio, Doris King, Kirby Stone Four, Micki Lynn, Wingy Manone, Val Martinez, Duke Mitchell/April Ames, Vido Musso/Norma Calderon, The Orchids, Peter & Hank, Teddy Randazzo, Buddy Rich w/Sweets Edition/Rosette Shaw, Jack Schafer, Ting & Tung/Ethel Azama, The Town Pipers, and Dinah Washington. The buffet in the Pow Wow Room was opened 11:00am to 2:30pm at the cost of $1.50.
In 1964, Del Webb bought the Thunderbird for $10 million adding a new fa�ade south of the original entry as well as bringing the room count to 500. The thunderbirds were replaced by an updated one created by Ad-Art.
The 700-foot sign which stretched across the old room wings south of the entry was the Strip's biggest, over three times as long as the 1958 Stardust.
During this year Earl F. Thompson was appointed General Manager of the resort. Thompson had managed hotels in New York and the Virgin Islands. He had left a similar post at the Beverly-Wilshire Hotel in California to accept this appointment. Stan Irwin booked celebrities and shows for the resort as well as for the Sahara.
November 1-3, 1964, Thunderbird hosted the National Cutting Horse event. These horses had special training to cut select cows from the herd.
On December 16, 1964, Thunderbird Lounge hosted Sheer Lingerie of the Hour. This strictly was for men who wanted to buy pretties for their ladies in the company of men.
In 1964, the Thunderbird Theatre showcased The Ziegfeld Follies starring Sue Carson/Jerry Antes/Barbara Costello/Benny Baker/Victor Rogers/Nelida & Navarro/Joyce Roberts/Charles D'Arvo/Johnny Stewart/Eddie Hanley/Inga Neilsen/The Ziegfeld Girls/Nat Brandwynne Orchestra. The show was produced by Monte Proser. Comedian Danny Thomas caught the Ziegfeld Follies and later visited with Benny Baker to reminisce of former days when both were "candy butchers" at the Gayety Theatre in Rochester, New York. It was reported that the two thirteen foot cutouts of Inga Neilsen on the marquee of the resort made her just about the tallest bundle of curves in creation. Passing cars noticeably slowed their pace as they drove by. Neilsen accepted a guest spot on the Tycoon TV show and commuted between Vegas and Ellay to avoid missing curtain calls. Also showcased was Anything Goes w/Nat Brandwynne Orchestra/Joanna Lester/Peter L. Marshall/Eileen Rodgers. This show was produced by Monte Proser, music & lyrics by Cole Porter.
The Lounge showcased Back Porch Majority, Big Beats, Russ Cantor and his Stringettes, Cliff Duphiney, Billy Eckstine, Fabulous Echoes, Frank Moore Four, Girls a la Carte, Glorious Greeks, Robert Goulet, Teddy Randazzo, Cathy Ryan/The Gents, Mary Sanchez/The Bandamas, Jackie Paris/Anne Marie Moss/Larry Steele Smart Affairs Revue w/Fred Payne, and Glen Tomlinson. Olive Miller, who was the harpist for Smart Affairs, was originally at Club Bingo before it became Sahara.
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