Wayne Newton, affectionately known as “Mr. Las Vegas,” is a legendary figure in entertainment, having graced the stages of Las Vegas for over 40 years. Born on April 3, 1942, in Roanoke, Virginia, Newton was drawn to music and show business from an early age. Despite suffering from severe asthma during his childhood, he pursued his passion for music, learning to play the piano, guitar, and steel guitar by ear.
At just six years old, Newton and his brother Jerry started their own radio show, gaining local fame. Their talent led to performances before movies at local theaters, and even a performance at a USO show for President Truman. Though they faced a setback when they flunked an audition for Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour, Newton’s career was far from over.
Health issues prompted his family to move to Arizona, where Newton fully recovered and resumed performing. He and his brother appeared on local television shows, gaining increasing popularity. In his junior year of high school, Newton got his big break when he and his brother were hired to perform at the Fremont Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Initially booked for two weeks, they ended up staying for a year, with Newton soon performing six shows a night for five years.
Newton’s youthful charm caught the attention of major entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., who mentored him. Their guidance, along with Newton’s strong work ethic, shaped his career. Over time, his dedication to his craft and charisma on stage earned him the nickname “Mr. Las Vegas.”
While Las Vegas has seen many iconic performers, Newton stands out. He became a residency star, performing as many as 36 weeks without a day off. Despite facing competition from big names like Elvis Presley and the Rat Pack, Newton carved his niche and became synonymous with Las Vegas entertainment.
Newton’s musical career also flourished beyond the stage. In 1963, his hit song “Danke Schoen” became a Top 20 success, followed by other hits like “Red Roses for a Blue Lady” and “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast.” Although he dabbled in acting, with appearances in films like License to Kill (1989), his true passion remained performing live for his fans.
Even as he aged, Newton showed no interest in slowing down. In 2019, he planned a new show, Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal, to celebrate his 60th anniversary in show business, but the pandemic disrupted his plans. Nevertheless, Newton remains committed to his career, continually finding joy in performing.
Offstage, Newton has enjoyed a rich personal life. After divorcing his first wife, Elaine Okamura, in 1985, he married attorney Kathleen McCrone in 1994. The couple shares a daughter, Ashley, born in 2002. Despite the ups and downs of his life and career, Newton remains a beloved figure, dedicated to his craft and his fans. Today, with an estimated net worth of $50 million, Newton continues to inspire through his remarkable journey.