Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Wayne Newton

How Wayne Newton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Wayne Newton, also known as Mr. Las Vegas, is a famous American singer and actor. He rose to prominence in the mid-to-late 20th century and has been a fixture in Las Vegas since 1963. Known for his nicknames like "The Midnight Idol" and "Mr. Entertainment," Newton remains one of the most recognizable entertainers associated with Las Vegas.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1958: Las Vegas Contract Offer

In 1958, a Las Vegas booking agent offered Wayne Newton and his brother a two-week contract to perform in Las Vegas at the Flamingo, which was later extended to a one-year contract. To pursue his music career, Newton left North High School before finishing his junior year.

September 29, 1962: First Appearance on The Jackie Gleason Show

On September 29, 1962, Wayne Newton and his brother made their first appearance on The Jackie Gleason Show, which was also his first appearance on national television.

1962: Engagement at the Copacabana

In 1962, Jackie Gleason arranged an engagement for Wayne Newton at the Copacabana where he met Bobby Darin, who would later produce Newton's records.

1963: Headliner Status at the Flamingo

In 1963, Wayne Newton achieved headliner status at the Flamingo casino hotel in Las Vegas, solidifying his place as one of the city's most popular performers.

1963: Start of Las Vegas Performances

In 1963, Wayne Newton began performing in Las Vegas, marking the start of a long and successful career as a Las Vegas entertainer.

1963: Release of "Danke Schoen"

In 1963, Wayne Newton released "Danke Schoen", which became his signature song and a major hit.

1963: Signing with Capitol Records

In 1963, Wayne Newton signed with Capitol Records, and his first album was released on the label. He was also given the song "Danke Schoen" by Bobby Darin, which became a hit.

1965: Appearance on The Lucy Show

In 1965, Wayne Newton appeared on The Lucy Show, which led to CBS offering him his own TV show, but he declined the offer.

1965: Release of "Summer Wind" and "Red Roses for a Blue Lady"

In 1965, Wayne Newton released two popular songs, "Summer Wind" and "Red Roses for a Blue Lady", further establishing his musical career.

1969: Partnership to Purchase Naborr

In 1969, Wayne Newton partnered with Tom Chauncey to purchase the stallion Naborr for $150,000, which was the highest price ever paid for an Arabian horse at auction at the time. This marked Newton's initial significant involvement with Arabian horse breeding.

July 1972: "Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast" Awarded Gold Disc

In July 1972, Wayne Newton's recording of "Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast" was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA after selling over one million copies.

1972: Sole Owner of Aramus

In 1972, Wayne Newton became the sole owner of Aramus, a son of Naborr. Aramus later became the namesake of Newton's horse ranch.

1972: Release of "Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast"

In 1972, Wayne Newton released "Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast", which became a hit song and further boosted his career.

1975: Featured in Glen Campbell Live in London

In 1975, Wayne Newton was featured in Glen Campbell Live in London, a TV special for the BBC. Campbell and Newton sang three songs together.

1980: Part Owner of Aladdin Hotel

From 1980, Wayne Newton became part owner of the Aladdin Hotel.

1980: Release of "Years"

In 1980, Wayne Newton released the song "Years", adding to his collection of well-known songs.

1982: End of Aladdin Hotel Ownership

In 1982, Wayne Newton's part ownership of the Aladdin Hotel ended.

1983: Failed Attempt to Purchase Aladdin Hotel

In 1983, Wayne Newton's attempt to purchase the entire Aladdin Hotel failed, following his part ownership from 1980-1982, leading to a number of lawsuits.

1986: "Danke Schoen" in Ferris Bueller's Day Off

In 1986, Wayne Newton's signature song "Danke Schoen" was featured in the popular movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off, increasing the song's popularity.

May 23, 1989: Wayne Newton Live in Concert Pay-Per-View

On May 23, 1989, Wayne Newton's live stage show was broadcast as a pay-per-view event called Wayne Newton Live in Concert. He closed the show with a special finale of "MacArthur Park" which culminated with an onstage rainfall.

December 12, 1992: Number One Hit on Cashbox Charts

On December 12, 1992, Wayne Newton's "The Letter" hit No. 1 on the Cashbox Pop and Country charts. This was his first time and only time a record hit #1 on the Cashbox Top 100 chart yet failed to chart on Billboard's Hot 100.

1994: 25,000th Solo Show in Las Vegas

In 1994, Wayne Newton performed his 25,000th solo show in Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone in his career.

1996: Featured in "You Can't Say Love Enough"

In 1996, Wayne Newton was featured in the all-star single "You Can't Say Love Enough", which raised funds for diabetes research. The Wayne Newton Research Grant awarded by the American Diabetes Association was also created at this time.

1999: 10-Year Deal with the Stardust

In 1999, Wayne Newton signed a 10-year deal with the Stardust, becoming a "headliner-in-residence" and performing there 40 weeks out of the year.

2001: Chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle

In 2001, Wayne Newton succeeded Bob Hope as chairman of the United Service Organizations Celebrity Circle, a nonprofit-charitable corporation that provides live entertainment to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.

January 2005: Premiere of "The Entertainer" Reality Show

In January 2005, Wayne Newton started a reality television show on E! called The Entertainer, where the winner would get a spot in his act and a headlining act of their own for a year.

April 20, 2005: Final Show at the Stardust

On April 20, 2005, Wayne Newton performed his final show at the Stardust Casino, singing nearly his entire repertoire and songs of other Vegas mainstays.

2007: Dancing with the Stars Appearance

In 2007, Wayne Newton was featured on Dancing with the Stars partnered with Cheryl Burke, but he was the third contestant to be eliminated. During the taping, he also became the first guest on The Price Is Right under host Drew Carey.

October 14, 2009: Premiere of "Once Before I Go" at the Tropicana

On October 14, 2009, Wayne Newton began performing his newest show "Once Before I Go" at the Tropicana in Las Vegas.

2010: Testimony Before Virginia House of Delegates

In 2010, Wayne Newton testified in front of the Rules Committee of the Virginia House of Delegates in support of recognizing the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, as he believes his father and grandfather had Patawomeck ancestry.

2014: Aramus Arabians Breeding Program

As of 2014, Wayne Newton's Arabian horse breeding program, Aramus Arabians, had produced six generations of horses, breeding over 700 foals, with 96 champions.

2016: Return to the Stage at Bally's

In 2016, Wayne Newton returned to the stage at Bally's Hotel with a lounge show called "Up Close & Personal," combining live singing, playing instruments, and showing movie and TV clips.

May 2019: 60th Year on Stage Show at Caesars Palace

In May 2019, after performing more than 30,000 shows on the Las Vegas Strip, Wayne Newton celebrated his 60th year on stage with a show entitled "Mr. Las Vegas" at Caesars Palace.

June 2020: Spokesperson for Caesars Entertainment

In June 2020, Wayne Newton was featured in television commercials as a spokesperson for Caesars Entertainment to promote the reopening of their resorts during the COVID-19 pandemic.