Kansas City’s own Darcus Speed Gates, a veteran performer with 30+ years on the Las Vegas Strip, was recently honored with her own day in the entertainment capital of the world. The City of Las Vegas proclaimed Sept. 29, 2024, as “Darcus Speed Gates Day,” recognizing her contributions to the city’s music scene.
Gates, who is married to George Gates of the Gates Bar-B-Q family, began her illustrious career in Las Vegas in 1978. As one of the longest consistently performing acts on the Vegas Strip, she graced lounges and main stages alongside industry giants like Frank Sinatra, Smokey Robinson, and Johnny Mathis.
“I spent nearly all my youth singing in Las Vegas,” says Gates. “So to get the call, and they say that they’re going to have Darcus Speed Gates Day on what would have been my mother’s birthday, what a huge honor.”
Gates’ mother was an opera singer who instilled in her a love of music. After growing up in KC, she chased her music dream to Los Angeles before performing in Las Vegas for decades. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed by entertainment legends. “American Bandstand” host Dick Clark was a frequent attendee of her shows, and even comedian Don Rickles couldn’t resist playfully ribbing her during performances.
Gates’ accolades extend beyond the Strip. In 2023, she won a regional Emmy Award for her performance in “People Get Ready,” a charitable project benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that featured Stevie Wonder and CeCe Peniston, among others.
Gates returned to KC full time in the late 2000s, and today, she hosts “Darcus After Dark,” a weekly Friday night show at Gates Bar-B-Q on 12th Street. The series showcases local talent, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping emerging artists. The shows start at 8 p.m. and are livestreamed on Facebook.com/DarcusAfterDark and Instagram.com/DarcusAfterDark.
Gates’ hometown is set to celebrate her achievements as well. Jackson County Executive Frank White will present her with a proclamation on Nov. 4. Mayor Quinton Lucas also plans to honor her at an upcoming city council meeting in November.
“Most people around here just know me as ‘Mrs. Gates’ and they might not know about Vegas,” says Gates. “So to be recognized at home, that’s something special.”
To learn more about Darcus Speed Gates and hear her music, visit Darcus.net.
