History of Wayne Newton in Timeline

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.

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.

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.

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.

1976: Birth of Daughter Erin

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

1980: The Beach Boys and The Grass Roots Performed Independence Day Concerts

From 1980, The Beach Boys and The Grass Roots performed Independence Day concerts on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., attracting large crowds.

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.

1981: Rock Bands Independence Day Concerts

In 1981, rock bands performed on the Mall on Independence Day.

1982: The Beach Boys and The Grass Roots Performed Independence Day Concerts

From 1982, The Beach Boys and The Grass Roots performed Independence Day concerts on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., attracting large crowds.

1982: End of Aladdin Hotel Ownership

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

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.

July 4, 1983: Performance on the National Mall

On July 4, 1983, Wayne Newton performed at the Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, facing both cheers and boos from the audience due to the controversy surrounding the banning of rock bands.

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.

1985: Death of Evelyn Marie Smith

In 1985, Evelyn Marie Smith, Wayne Newton's mother, passed away.

1985: Divorce from Elaine Okamura

In 1985, Wayne Newton divorced Elaine Okamura.

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.

1990: Death of Patrick Newton

In 1990, Patrick Newton, Wayne Newton's father, passed away.

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.

1992: Filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

In 1992, Wayne Newton filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize an estimated $20 million in debts, largely due to a libel suit against NBC.

April 9, 1994: Marriage to Kathleen McCrone

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

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: Breeder of the Year Award

In 1996, Wayne Newton was awarded the Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman's Association Breeder of the Year award.

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: Financial Recovery

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

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.

2000: Elected to the Gaming Hall of Fame

In 2000, Wayne Newton was elected to the Gaming Hall of Fame.

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.

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.

August 2005: IRS Lawsuit

In August 2005, the IRS filed a lawsuit against Wayne Newton alleging that he and his wife owed more than $1.8 million in taxes and penalties.

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.

2006: Monty Ward Lawsuit Filed

In 2006, Monty Ward, Wayne Newton's former personal pilot, filed a lawsuit against Newton for past-due wages, which ultimately led to a judgment in 2009.

2007: NBA All-Star Weekend Performance

During the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas, Wayne Newton sang Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas" during player introductions.

2007: Grand Marshal of Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

From May 1–7, 2007, Wayne Newton was the grand marshal of the 80th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia. He canceled a sold-out show to participate in the Festival.

2007: AHBA Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2007, Wayne Newton received the Arabian Horse Breeders' Alliance (AHBA) Lifetime Achievement Award during the Arabian Breeder's World Cup in Las Vegas.

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.

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.

2008: Received Woodrow Wilson Award

In 2008, Wayne Newton received a Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, which honors leaders who have given back to their communities.

January 2009: Monty Ward Judgment

In January 2009, Monty Ward, Wayne Newton's former personal pilot, won a $501,388 judgment against Newton for past-due wages.

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.

2009: Unpaid Airport Parking Fees Claim

In late 2009, officials at Oakland County International Airport claimed Wayne Newton owed the airport more than $60,000 for unpaid parking fees after abandoning a plane there.

February 2010: Bruton Smith Lawsuit and Foreclosure Attempt

In February 2010, Bruton Smith sued Wayne Newton, seeking foreclosure of Newton's Las Vegas ranch Casa de Shenandoah, claiming delinquency on a loan.

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.

December 17, 2012: Sale of Casa de Shenandoah Approved

On December 17, 2012, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Bruce Markell approved the sale of Wayne Newton's estate, Casa de Shenandoah, with the property valued at $50.8 million.

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.

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.

April 26, 2018: Last Public Event at Casa de Shenandoah

On April 26, 2018, Wayne Newton's Casa de Shenandoah hosted its last public event before closing indefinitely for renovations.

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.