From Supper Clubs to Stardom: The Venues and Legends That Shaped the Sound of Palm Springs
Palm Springs didn’t just attract Hollywood stars—it became a stage for them.
From the 1940s through the 1960s, the desert pulsed with live music. Supper clubs, hotel lounges, and intimate theaters hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, creating a music scene that was as glamorous as it was influential. For many performers, Palm Springs wasn’t just a stop on tour—it was a proving ground, a retreat, and sometimes even home.
Chi Chi Starlite Room. Credit: Palm Springs Historical Society
The Starlite Room: Where It All Began
Opening night in October 1950 drew a full house eager to see Desi Arnaz, known as the “King of the Rhumba.” His performances set the tone for what Palm Springs nightlife could become—electric, intimate, and unforgettable.
By 1954, Peggy Lee was captivating audiences. She was discovered in Palm Springs. She had been struggling for “that chance” when an engagement at the popular Doll House offered itself (a popular Palm Springs restaurant). While there, competing with the clatter of dishes, she sang so low and sweetly that the patrons stopped talking, and waiters stopped rattling cups and dishes. Her “soft-as-silk" singing style attracted the attention of Frank Bering, owner of Chicago’s Ambassador West hotel, and Peggy was soon headed east to begin her career.
In 1956, Nat King Cole opened Chi Chi at the Starlite Room, supported by an all-star show. Reservations had begun even before the public announcement of his appearance. The top recording artist in the country already had so many hits to his credit. Among them were “Nature Boy" and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.”
Liberace performed in January 1957 and later teamed up with Jane Powell for a March 1958 performance. Jane Powell is an American actress, singer, and dancer who rose to fame in the mid-1940s with roles in various Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musicals. (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) Liberace later moved to Palm Springs, where he remained until his death.
The headliners included the Mills Brothers, Patti Page, Ethel Waters, Della Reese, and so many more.
Credit: Palm Springs Life archives
Nature Boy has ties to Palm Springs.
The author was eden ahbez (who insisted his name not be capitalized), a frequent visitor to Palm Springs and an acquaintance of William Pester, a well-known fixture in town living in the Indian Canyons. Pester was called the hermit of Palm Springs, and they shared a common lifestyle philosophy that we might think of as the original hippie. Many believe that “Nature Boy” was written about, or certainly inspired by, William Pester. In 1947, ahbez composed “Nature Boy,” having set one of his poems to music. Cole ended up with the tune through his manager and began including it in his live performances, and later recorded it.
The Purple Room: Glamour, Legends, and Legacy
When the Purple Room opened in 1961, California Governor Pat Brown was on hand to cut the ribbon. Palm Springs Mayor Frank Bogart assisted the Governor and several Senators with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. There were no movie stars in The Purple Room on opening night, but they came later. All of them, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Bing Crosby, President Eisenhower, Richard Nixon (before he was president), and many Senators and Congressmen. This became one of Palm Springs' swankiest dinner clubs, with live music nightly, and helped build the city's growing music scene.
It was also the place where Frank Sinatra proposed to Barbara Marx, just one of many iconic moments tied to the venue.
Today, the Purple Room Supper Club honors that legacy by blending nostalgic elegance with contemporary flair. Guests are transported to a time when tuxedos, martinis, and smooth jazz set the tone for unforgettable nights out.
Plaza Theatre: A Cultural Stage
The 850-seat Plaza Theatre opened in 1936 with the world premiere of Camille, starring Greta Garbo. Allan Jones, the great singer of Show Boat, entertained with a song. While it was primarily built to show films, it also featured a large stage for performances.
Frank Sinatra often performed at the Palm Springs Plaza Theater. In June 1944, he did a weekly broadcast from the stage of the Plaza Theater. That September, he sang at a crowded theater with Joan Blondell and a large band.
Bing Crosby, his guests, Dinah Shore, Bill Boyd (Hopalong Cassidy), Happy Peters, and all of Bing’s cast delighted a packed house at the Plaza Theatre in 1951.
Credit: Palm Springs Historical Society
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, in partnership with the City of Palm Springs and Oak View Group, is leading the effort to revitalize this landmark as a hub for live music, theater, film, educational programming, and community events. Tickets to the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre are on sale now.
Coral Room of the El Mirador: Where Stars Gathered
The El Mirador Hotel opened in 1928, and after it opened, the stars arrived. The Barrymores, Al Jolson and his dancing wife, Ruby Keeler; Bing Crosby and his wife, Dixie Lee, and Marlene Dietrich. Other notable visitors included writers, composers (such as George Gershwin), directors, and producers. This became a very popular Palm Springs hot spot for parties, dances, and live music.
The Coral Room opened in the El Mirador Hotel in 1940 with Don Francisco and his orchestra. Francisco and his band, composed of violin, guitar, bass, and accordion, had played most of the country’s finer hotels and cocktail lounges.
This was Palm Springs at its most glamorous—where music, film, and high society seamlessly blended.
American Legion Post 519: Music for the Masses
The post was founded in 1934 by World War I veterans, including prominent Palm Springs resident Earl Coffman, and was named in honor of Coffman’s son Owen, who was killed in action during World War II. After raising funds for a permanent location, members enlisted renowned architects John Porter Clark and Albert Frey to design what was then called the War Memorial Building, which officially opened to veterans and their families on Jan. 3, 1948.
It features a large ballroom and stage, along with the original 1905 Steinway baby grand piano. That was used to accompany stars like Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, and Doris Day during the weekly Kraft Music Hall variety show that was produced live from the post from 1948 to 1954.
Bing Crosby and Bob Hope share the NBC microphone stationed at the American Legion Post No. 519 in Palm Springs, which used to broadcast the Kraft Music Hall variety show. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 519
The Icons Who Defined the Sound
Frank Sinatra
Frank is by far the most famous star who has lived in Palm Springs, as he spent a significant amount of time here. He began coming in the mid-1940s, where he would vacation between broadcasts. Jimmy Van Heusen, a four-time Oscar winner for Best Song, was Frank's good friend and introduced him to Palm Springs. He was truly a man about town and defined the Palm Springs music scene like no other.
He was involved in numerous Palm Springs charities and collaborated with notable figures such as Mack Gordon, Rudy Vallee, Bob Hope, and Jack Benny. There is so much more to say that we'll save for another future article.
Learn about his Palm Springs Home, the Twin Palm Frank Sinatra Estate
Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
Credit: Palm Springs Historical Society
Rudy Vallee
Rudy was a famous radio musician and band leader from the 1920s, credited with being the first star “crooner” leader of a long line that would follow. He was the principal musician at the Palm Springs Racquet Club, one of the most popular clubs of the time, which would remain in operation for years.
Credit: Palm Springs Life
Elvis Presley
The King was planning to wed his Queen, Priscilla, in Palm Springs. He popped the question to her just before Christmas in 1966, presenting her with a 3.5-carat diamond engagement ring. The wedding was set for May 1, 1967, which was a Monday. They arranged to lease the home from the well-known developer Robert Alexander. It was close to the home of Elvis’s Manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Rona Barret, a famous gossip columnist who lived around the corner, had her suspicions when Priscilla showed up with her entire family. She then announced the pending wedding. Frank Sinatra came to the rescue and arranged for a limousine and a private jet to take them to Las Vegas, where they married. They then honeymooned in the leased Palm Springs home, which is now called the “Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway.”
👉 Elvis in Palm Springs: The King’s Connection to the Desert Oasis
Trini Lopez
Trini López, the singer and guitarist who had hits in the 1960s with songs like "If I Had a Hammer" and "La Bomba," and appeared in the classic war movie “The Dirty Dozen.” He first began to stay in Palm Springs in 1966 and later moved here full-time in 1981. He played for many charities in Palm Springs. In 1966, it was the Palm Springs police show, featuring Lopez, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Julie London, and the Andrews Sisters, among others. He was flown to Palm Springs by Frank Sinatra in 1971 to perform at the Tennis Club for the Bob Hope Desert Classic. In 1977, he performed with Sammy Davis Jr. at the Riviera Hotel’s grand ballroom. He would later perform with the Lennon sisters at the Palm Springs High School for another charity event.
Trini was a long-time resident of Palm Springs, owning a home in Old Las Palmas.
You can visit the Trini Lopez exhibit at the Palm Springs Historical Society.
50's Album Anniversary with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin
The ninth annual Police Show was on March 29, 1958. From left, Jimmy Van Heusen, Peggy Lee, Sinatra, and Ray Ryan. Credit: Palm Springs Historical Society
Barry Manilow
In 1983, Mel Haber welcomed Barry Manilow to his restaurant, Melvyn’s. He was living in Palm Springs in the greatest example of midcentury modern architecture, the Kaufman House. In 2008, Barry launched Manilow’s Music Project by giving over 300 instruments to 20 middle and high school music departments in Palm Springs and the Desert Sands. Barry Manilow is still a Palm Springs resident.
Where to Experience Live Music in Palm Springs Today
Palm Springs’ music scene didn’t end with the Rat Pack—it evolved. Today, visitors can still experience live performances in venues that echo the city’s golden age, along with new spaces bringing fresh energy to the desert.
Classic Supper Club Experience
For a true throwback to Palm Springs’ glamorous past, the Purple Room Supper Club continues to host live music, jazz, and cabaret-style performances in an intimate setting that feels straight out of the 1960s.
Dinner + Entertainment
For something more immersive, PS Underground offers themed dining experiences that combine storytelling, live music, and performance art—bringing a modern twist to the classic dinner show.
Advance booking is required, and themes change throughout the season, which keeps the experience fresh and highly repeatable.
Explore More Nightlife
Smaller venues and hotel lounges across Palm Springs keep the live music tradition alive with rotating local and touring artists. These spaces offer a more relaxed, contemporary vibe while still honoring the city’s roots in live performance.
Located inside Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, Cascade Lounge hosts live bands, DJs, and touring acts in a stylish, high-production setting. It’s ideal for those who want live entertainment paired with casino excitement. See the Entertainment
A cornerstone of the local arts community, the Cultural Center hosts concerts and live theater productions
👉 Palm Springs Nightlife Guide
Palm Springs Theaters
This historic 1936 theater has reclaimed its role as a premier downtown performance venue. It is now the downtown anchor of live entertainment and special programming in the heart of the city, with programming almost every night.
Located downtown, the Annenberg Theater presents dance, music, lectures, and touring performances in an intimate setting.
Get Your Tickets
Pair It with Dinner
Make it a full night out by reserving a table before the show. Browse the Palm Springs dining guide for restaurants near top music venues, from upscale supper clubs to casual bites.
Pro Tip
Plan a night out in Palm Springs the way visitors did decades ago: start with dinner, catch a live show, and end the evening with a cocktail under the desert sky. The venues may have evolved, but the experience is timeless.