WAYNE NEWTON

Wayne was the first person inducted into the AMEHOF.

Known for the past 40 years at “MR LAS VEGAS”, Wayne Newton has been performing since childhood. Born in Norfolk, Virginia in April 1942 as a child he and his brother performed and sang in clubs, theatres and fairs. Newton learned how to play piano and guitar and played the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and appeared on Ted Macks “Amateur Hour” on early television.

The Newton family moved to Phoenix in 1952 because of Wayne’s severe asthma benefiting from the dry climate. He soon became a regular on the local Lew King “Rangers” tv show. By the late 50’s he started a successful rise to stardom. In the 60’s he appeared on the Jackie Gleason show and started a recording career. His best known hits include DADDY DON’T YOU WALK SO FAST and his signature song, DANKE SCHOEN.

His first big gig in Las Vegas was at the FLAMINGO HOTEL and has played all the big casino showrooms and an estimated 30,000 solo shows over 40 years. Wayne Newton really is “MR. LAS VEGAS” but made an early inpact on the Arizona music and entertainment scene.

(bio by Jim West)

Wayne Newton web site