Lola Falana

Lola Falana, a talented and ambitious individual, was born in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, in the year 1942. As a teenager, she made the bold decision to leave her home in pursuit of a career in the entertainment industry. This journey was not without its challenges, as she often found herself sleeping in subway stations before securing work. Despite these obstacles, Falana remained determined and dedicated to her craft. She honed her skills by studying African dance, which would later become a hallmark of her performances. Her big break came in 1964 when she appeared alongside the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. in the Broadway production of "Golden Boy". This groundbreaking performance marked the beginning of her successful career, which would take her to the international stage. Falana's talents soon caught the attention of Italian filmmakers, and she went on to star in two Italian movies, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and captivating performer. In the 1970s, she toured with the renowned Tavares Brothers, and it was during this time that she met her future husband, Feliciano "Butch" Tavares. In 1979, Falana achieved unprecedented success in Las Vegas, earning the title of "First Lady of Las Vegas" and becoming the highest-paid entertainer in the city.