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Wayne NewtonSinger and entertainer of Las Vegas
Date of Birth: 03.04.1942
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Wayne Newton
Wayne Newton, also known as "Mr. Las Vegas," is an American singer and entertainer based in Las Vegas. He has participated in over 30,000 solo performances in Las Vegas over a 40-year period, earning himself the nickname "Mr. Las Vegas."
Early Life and Career
Wayne Newton was born on April 3, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Evelyn and Patrick Newton. His father worked as an auto mechanic, and while his father was in the navy, Newton spent his childhood in Roanoke. He quickly ventured into show business, learning to play the piano, guitar, and steel guitar at the age of six. Alongside his older brother, Newton appeared on the radio show "Grand Ole Opry" and auditioned for Ted Mack's "The Original Amateur Hour" program, but was unsuccessful.
When Newton was a child, his family relocated to Newark, Ohio. He began singing in local clubs, theaters, and fairs with his brother. Due to severe asthma, Newton's family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, known as the "Valley of the Sun," in 1952.
In the spring of 1958, a Las Vegas entrepreneur saw a local TV show featuring the Newton brothers. He invited them to audition, originally planning a two-week engagement, but their performance lasted for six years with six shows per day. Wayne Newton gained national recognition on September 29, 1962, when he and his brother appeared on "The Jackie Gleason Show." Over the next two years, Newton appeared on the show 12 more times. He received support from iconic figures such as Lucille Ball, Bobby Darin, Danny Thomas, George Burns, and Jack Benny. For example, Jack Benny hired Wayne Newton as his show opener.
After working with Jack Benny, Newton accepted an invitation from Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, specifying that he would not be just a comedian, but the headliner of the establishment. From 1980 to 1982, Newton was a co-owner of the Aladdin Hotel. The establishment faced legal battles, one of which Newton lost, and he did not become the sole owner in 1983.
In 1994, Newton celebrated his 25,000th solo performance in Las Vegas. In 1999, he signed a 10-year contract with Stardust, a casino complex, where he performed 40 weeks per year, six shows per week, in a theater named after him. In 2005, it was speculated that the casino might be demolished, and Newton began working with 30 shows at the Hilton. His last performance for Stardust was on April 20, 2005. That night, he announced to the crowd that he wanted to spend more time with his wife and daughter, using it as the main reason not to renew his contract, and took a break from work for a while.
Later Career and Achievements
In 2001, Newton followed American comedian Bob Hope as the Chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle, a non-profit organization that helps members of the U.S. military worldwide. In January 2005, Newton started working on the reality show "The Entertainer." In 2003, the city of Newark selected Newton as the grand marshal for its bicentennial parade. He also served as the grand marshal of the 80th annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia, from May 1 to 7, 2007, canceling scheduled shows to participate in the festival.
Newton appeared in various TV series, such as "Ellie McBeal," "Ellen," "The Fugitive," portrayed a casino manager in "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," played roles in "Tales from the Crypt," "Highwayman," "LA Law," "North and South II," and "Bonanza." He became a participant in shows hosted by Dean Martin, Danny Kaye, Lucille Ball, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and many others. He also voiced King Croesus for the animated series "Hercules" and, as for his recent works, in 2008, he participated in the voiceover for the animated film "The True Story of Red Riding Hood 2: Hood vs. Evil."
Wayne Newton put his incredible talent, energy, and charm into his performances, garnering more attention than any other person of his time and satisfying the whims of his numerous fans.
