Legend of lounge era critically ill

Freddie Bell, one of the last survivors from Las Vegas' golden lounge era, is critically ill with lung cancer, a family spokesman said Tuesday.

Bell, 76, was on life support at Valley Hospital and family members were being notified, according to longtime friend and former publicist Norm Johnson.

A product of south Philadelphia, Bell and his Bellboys are credited with being an influential force in the rock 'n' roll movement.

They were among the first white groups to play the R&B hits and were one of the first American rock 'n' roll acts to tour the United Kingdom.

Their arrival in Las Vegas added sparks to the booming casino lounge scene led by Louis Prima, Keely Smith and Sam Butera.

In recent years, he got the entertainment rolling at the Bootlegger Bistro, when the health of another lounge legend, Sonny King, declined. King died two years ago in February at age 83.

During his recent hospitalization, Bell had a spirited response when nurses came by to check on him.

Bell pal Nelson Sardelli said, "They wanted to know if he was aware of 'where he is and what day it is.' "

Sardelli said Bell told them, "I may not know what day it is, but I know the lyrics to 'How High is the Moon,' 'Laura' and 'Stardust.' "

GROWING PAINS

With March Madness about a month away, Jay-Z's 40/40 Club at Palazzo has some operational challenges to iron out.

I spent part of my Super Bowl Sunday at the hottest new sports-themed club in town, now 5 weeks old.

Jay-Z accommodated me with an interview prior to the club's biggest day so far, and he threw in a tour of his suite, which connects to a street-level, Strip-front patio on the world's hottest intersection.

"It's prime real estate," he said. "I'm ecstatic. I think the concept is so bullet-proof, how can it not work?"

He added, "The product delivers."

With some time, I don't doubt. He's got the know-how of running two others in highly competitive markets. But for now, there are serious service issues, most likely related to the size of the club.

My party of four had our food order take more than an hour to arrive. We were told they were out of Bud Light late in the second quarter, and the second round of beers arrived at room temperature.

"Super Bowl weekend was our first big event since opening weekend," said a spokesperson. "As is the case with all things new, we did our best to provide the utmost experience for all our guests. The event was sold out, so we had 1,500 guests that we were taking care of all at the same time. It was the place to be that day."

The e-mailed response continued, "The response to 40/40 Club since our opening is overwhelmingly positive, and Vegas has embraced the club as a great addition to the city."

SIGHTINGS

New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau, getting over Sunday's Super Bowl loss with friends Monday at Privé (Planet Hollywood Resort). Hip-hop star Nas provided a surprise performance. Also in the house: Suge Knight, NFL standouts Sean Phillips, Donte' Stallworth and Jamie Sharper, UFC fighters Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Frank Mir, and poker pros Dave Williams and Phil Ivey. ... Seau having cocktails at BOA Steakhouse inside The Forum Shops at Caesars on Monday evening. ... Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter, having a $3,000 bottle of 1994 Joseph Phelps Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon wine with his filet Sunday at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms). ... At ESPN Zone (New York-New York): former Notre Dame football coach Bob Davie, having lunch on Tuesday. In for Super Bowl Sunday: four-time NFL Pro-Bowler Dwight Hicks. ... Former Pittsburgh Steelers star Jerome Bettis at The Bank Nightclub at Bellagio on Sunday. ... Philadelphia Eagles center Jon Dorenbos, dining with the Fantasy girls at CatHouse (Luxor) on Monday. At another table: Carrot Top, dining with his road manager and then hanging out in the loungerie with Anthony Cools and Nathan Burton. ... Members of the rock group War, at the midnight "X Burlesque" show at the Flamingo on Monday. ... Baltimore Ravens' All-Pro offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden, having pancakes for breakfast at PT's Gold tavern in Anthem on Tuesday. ... Star chef Guy Savoy, with his son Frank, at Vintner Grill for lunch on Monday. ... Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek, star of his reality TV series "Rob and Big," at a Palms Super Bowl party. Earlier he had dinner at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) with Barry Bonds and Xzibit. Also at N9NE: Scott Van Pelt of ESPN's "Sports Center" and Melvin Fowler of the Buffalo Bills.