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Last admissions to the Museum: NOV-FEB 9 p.m. | MAR-APR 10 p.m. | MAY-AUG 11 p.m. | SEP-OCT 10 p.m. Due to frequent sell-out nights, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Opening times this week:
Monday
2pm - 10pm
Tuesday
2pm - 10pm
Wednesday
2pm - 10pm
Thursday
2pm - 10pm
Friday
2pm - 10pm
Saturday
2pm - 10pm
Sunday
2pm - 10pm
Last admissions to the Museum: NOV-FEB 9 p.m. | MAR-APR 10 p.m. | MAY-AUG 11 p.m. | SEP-OCT 10 p.m. Due to frequent sell-out nights, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Opening times this week:
Monday
2pm - 10pm
Tuesday
2pm - 10pm
Wednesday
2pm - 10pm
Thursday
2pm - 10pm
Friday
2pm - 10pm
Saturday
2pm - 10pm
Sunday
2pm - 10pm

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Wayne Newton: Who Is Mr. Las Vegas?

When you think of Las Vegas, one name that’s sure to come to mind is Wayne Newton. Known as “Mr. Las Vegas,” Newton has been a defining presence in the Entertainment Capital of the World for decades. But how much do you really know about him? 

Let’s dive deeper into the life of this fascinating entertainer, explore how he earned his iconic nickname, and look at his journey to stardom.

WHO IS WAYNE NEWTON?

Wayne Newton, born Carson Wayne Newton on April 3, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, began his professional singing career as a child. By his teenage years, he was performing regularly with his brother Jerry, though he eventually went solo in the early 1960s. 

Since then, Newton has become one of the most recognizable performers in Las Vegas, known for his larger-than-life showmanship and enduring popularity. Over the years, he’s earned a reputation as one of the highest-paid performers in the city.

A GLIMPSE INTO HIS EARLY YEARS

Wayne Newton’s love for performing began at an early age. Inspired by country music star Hank Williams, Newton started singing around the age of six. Alongside his brother, he toured with the Grand Ole Opry’s traveling show, gaining invaluable experience. A natural musician, Newton taught himself to play 13 instruments, a talent that would serve him well throughout the course of his career.

Due to severe asthma, Newton’s family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where the dry climate was better for his health. Even in a new city, Newton continued to perform, appearing on local television shows and sharing his talent with the world.

As the brothers gained more attention, their success grew. However, it was Wayne Newton’s solo career in the 1960s that truly propelled him to stardom.

HOW DID HE BECOME “MR. LAS VEGAS”?

Wayne Newton earned the nickname “Mr. Las Vegas” not through self-promotion, but through the dedication he showed to the city and its audiences. 

His reliability and talent quickly earned him favor with Las Vegas audiences and the media. A local writer coined the nickname after one of Newton’s performances, and it stuck. Rightfully so, as Newton performed over 30,000 solo shows in Las Vegas over 40 years. 

HIS SIGNING CAREER

Wayne Newton performing in 1968 in the television music special One More Time. Courtesy ABC Television

Wayne Newton’s career took off in the 1950s when he and his brother Jerry landed a gig at the Fremont Hotel and Casino in 1959. The brothers were initially hired for a two-week stint but ended up performing there for over a year. During this time, Newton made appearances on The Jackie Gleason Show and opened for famous musicians, gradually building his own reputation.

Newton’s solo career really began to soar in 1963, thanks to the mentorship of singer Bobby Darin. With Darin’s guidance, Newton scored his first hit, Danke Schoen, which reached the Top 20. He followed up with hits like Red Roses for a Blue Lady in 1965 and Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast in 1972. Although Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast was his last chart-topping single, Newton continued to enjoy immense success as a live performer.

 

OVER 65 YEARS OF ENTERTAINING LAS VEGAS

Courtesy of Caesars

Wayne Newton has spent most of his career in Las Vegas, and despite traveling and performing around the world, he has always returned to his beloved city. He has remained a headlining act on the Las Vegas Strip for decades and continues to perform today. In fact, as of 2023-2024, he is still a resident performer at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, where he has said he isn’t ready to call it quits just yet.

In his current show, Wayne: Up Close and Personal, Newton offers fans an intimate glimpse into his life, sharing personal stories, taking audience questions, and even bringing in surprise guest stars. What makes this show so special is that it’s never the same twice. With such a rich and diverse life, Newton always has new stories to tell, ensuring each performance is a unique experience.

Wayne Newton’s journey from a young boy with a dream to “Mr. Las Vegas” is a testament to his talent, dedication, and love for performing. Over 65 years later, he remains a legendary figure in the Las Vegas entertainment scene, showing no signs of slowing down. For Newton, Las Vegas isn’t just a stage, but a home, and the legacy he leaves behind will forever be a part of the city’s vibrant history.