Wayne Newton

Wayne Newton is a renowned American singer and entertainer, known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, which has been compared to that of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Newton began his music career at a young age, performing with his brother, Jerry Newton, and later becoming a popular performer in Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside other notable entertainers like Elvis Presley and Johnny Carson. Newton's music style has been influenced by various genres, including country music, pop music, and jazz, and he has performed with numerous notable musicians, such as Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton. He has also been associated with the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, and Shirley MacLaine.

Early Life and Career

Newton was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Evelyn Marie and Patrick Newton, and grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, where he began performing at local events and venues, including the Roanoke Civic Center and the Norfolk Scope. He attended Northside High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he formed a duo with his brother, Jerry Newton, and performed on local television stations, such as KSAZ-TV and KTSP-TV. Newton's early career was also influenced by his performances at the Arizona State Fair and the Maricopa County Fair, where he shared the stage with other notable performers, including Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. He later became a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry, a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, which has also featured performances by Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Roy Acuff.

Music Career

Newton's music career spans over five decades, during which he has released numerous albums and singles, including his signature song, Danke Schoen, which has been covered by other notable artists, such as Connie Francis and Bobby Darin. He has also recorded duets with other famous singers, including Julio Iglesias, Neil Diamond, and Barbra Streisand. Newton's music style has been influenced by various genres, including rock and roll, blues, and gospel music, and he has performed with numerous notable musicians, such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles. He has also been a popular performer on the Las Vegas Strip, where he has performed at various venues, including the MGM Grand Las Vegas, the Bellagio, and the Caesars Palace, alongside other notable entertainers like Celine Dion and Shania Twain.

Film and Television Appearances

Newton has made numerous film and television appearances, including roles in Vegas Vacation, Licence to Kill, and The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, which also starred Andrew Dice Clay and Priscilla Presley. He has also appeared on various television shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Ed Sullivan Show, and American Idol, where he has performed alongside other notable judges, including Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. Newton has also been a guest star on several television series, including Touched by an Angel, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Mad About You, which also starred Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt. He has also appeared in several documentaries, including The History of Las Vegas and The Story of the Rat Pack, which also featured interviews with Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.

Personal Life

Newton has been married twice, first to Elaine Okamura and then to Kathleen McCrone, and has one daughter, Lauren Newton, who has also pursued a career in the entertainment industry, performing at various venues, including the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre. Newton is also a philanthropist and has supported various charitable organizations, including the United Service Organizations and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which have also been supported by other notable celebrities, including Bob Hope and Doris Day. He has also been involved in various business ventures, including a chain of restaurants and a line of clothing, and has been a longtime resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he has been involved in various community organizations, including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Resort Association.

Legacy and Impact

Newton's legacy and impact on the entertainment industry are undeniable, with a career spanning over five decades and numerous awards and accolades, including a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He has also been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Casino Legends Hall of Fame, which have also honored other notable entertainers, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Newton's music and performances have been enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and he continues to be a popular performer on the Las Vegas Strip, where he has been named one of the "Top 10 Greatest Las Vegas Entertainers of All Time" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, alongside other notable entertainers like Elvis Presley and Celine Dion. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including his support for the USO and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which have also been supported by other notable celebrities, including Bob Hope and Doris Day.