Born in Philadelphia in 1942, Lola Falana Left home as a teenager to seek her fortune in entertainment. Often slept in subway stations before finding work. Studied African dance. Appeared in "Golden Boy" opposite Sammy Davis Jr. in 1964. Then toured Italy and won fame there in two Italian movies. Toured with the Taraves Brothers in the 70s and married Feliciano "Butch Tavares". In 1979, Lola became the highest paid entertainer in Las Vegas, thus earning her the title, "First Lady of Las Vegas".