Childhood and Education Journey of Wayne Newton in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Wayne Newton. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

1915: Patrick Newton's Birth

In 1915, Patrick Newton, Wayne Newton's father, was born. He later worked as an auto mechanic.

1921: Evelyn Marie Smith's Birth

In 1921, Evelyn Marie Smith, Wayne Newton's mother, was born.

April 3, 1942: Wayne Newton's Birth

On April 3, 1942, Carson Wayne Newton, who would become known as Mr. Las Vegas, was born. He later became a highly popular American singer and actor.

1952: Family Moved to Phoenix

In 1952, due to Newton's severe asthma, his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, as suggested by his doctor.

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.

June 1, 1968: Marriage to Elaine Okamura

On June 1, 1968, Wayne Newton married Elaine Okamura.

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.

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.

1976: Birth of Daughter Erin

In 1976, Wayne Newton's daughter, Erin, was born.

April 1983: Banning of Rock Bands on National Mall

In April 1983, James G. Watt, President Reagan's Secretary of the Interior, banned Independence Day concerts on the National Mall by rock bands, leading to Wayne Newton performing at the 1983 celebration.

1985: Divorce from Elaine Okamura

In 1985, Wayne Newton divorced Elaine Okamura.

April 9, 1994: Marriage to Kathleen McCrone

On April 9, 1994, Wayne Newton married Kathleen McCrone, a lawyer from North Olmsted, Ohio.

1999: Financial Recovery

By 1999, Wayne Newton had recovered financially after filing for bankruptcy in 1992.

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.

2002: Birth of Daughter

In 2002, Wayne Newton and Kathleen McCrone had a daughter.

2005: Plane Flown in for Renovations

In 2005, Wayne Newton's $2 million Fokker F28 plane was flown in for renovations at Oakland County International Airport in Waterford, Michigan.

2007: Renovations Completed on Plane

In 2007, renovations were completed on Wayne Newton's plane. It was subsequently moved to an outside parking area at Oakland County International Airport.

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.

2010: Five-Year Hiatus

In 2010, Wayne Newton took a five-year hiatus to spend time with his family and prepare his voice for later shows in Las Vegas.

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.

September 2015: Casa de Shenandoah Opens for Public Tours

In September 2015, after reaching an accord with Lacy Harber, Wayne Newton and his family moved back into Casa de Shenandoah, and the estate was opened for public tours after the construction of a museum to house memorabilia.