Wayne Newton is an American singer and actor. He was one of the famous singers performing in the mid to late twenties. He’s known by the nicknames “The Midnight Idol”, “Mr. Las Vegas” and “Mr. Entertainment”. He has been performing since he was a child. His impact in the music industry is established, as he has been performing for six decades.
As a teenager who performed in the late 1950s, he was mentored by great musicians, such as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darwin, and Elvis Presley. With his achievement in making and singing music, the Washington Post named him “America’s Number One Night Club Actor”. He has also appeared in different movies and shows.
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | April 3, 1942 |
| Age | 81 years (as of March 2024) |
| Full name | Carson Wayne Newton |
| Place of birth | Norfolk, Virginia |
| Current residence | Paradise, Nevada |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Native America |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 186.7cm |
| Weight | 90kg |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Profession | Singer |
| Instagram handle | @waynenewtonmrlv |
Wayne Newton Biography
He was born in Norfolk, Virginia on April 3, 1942. His father, Patric Newton, was a mechanic and his mother, Evelyn Marie Smith, who stayed at home to raise Wayne and his brother, Jerry. Both of his parents were of the Native American roots. Wayne spent his early years learning musical instruments such as piano, guitar and steel guitar. He started learning the instruments at age 6. He started performing in a local music show before starting school.
His parents moved to Ohio, where he and his brother started performing in local clubs, theatres and fairs. The brothers performed in a local television talent show Lew King Rangers and won. They were able to get their Television show from Tom Chauncey, owner of KOOL-TV.
Wayne Newton Personal life
Wayne is currently married to his second wife, Kathleen Newton. He has two children, one from his first marriage with Elaine Okamura while the other child is from his second wife.
Wayne Newton Career
Wayne performed with his brother at different shows before he went solo. Bobby Darin mentored Wayne in 1962 and helped him launch his singing career. With Bobby’s guidance, he made it to the Top 20 with Danke Schoen. Later in 1965, he hit the chart with another ballad named “Red Roses for a Blue Lady.” By 1972, he was already a seasoned singer, he released a single hit song “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast.” His rise in the music world was impressive and so coined the name “Mr Las Vegas”.
He became the highest paid entertainment in Las Vegas. He continues to play gigs around the country and entertains his audience with great success. He also made guest appearances in television variety shows.
Legal Financial Problems
In 1992, Newton filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. He filed this to reorganise $20 million of debts. The debt was mostly incurred from suing NBC for libel. He claimed the company had reported he collaborated with the Mafia to buy the Aladdin Hotel. In the bankruptcy was a $341,000 IRS tax lien, which he had recovered financially by 1999. However, the IRS filed a lawsuit against him claiming he and his wife owed more than $1.8 million in taxes and penalties in August 2005.
Also, officials at the Oakland County Airport in Waterford, Michigan, accused Newton of owing the airport more than $60,000 for unpaid parking fees in August 2005. This was after he abandoned a $2 million dollar private plane there more than three years prior. The monthly parking fee for the plane was $5,000. He never showed up to pay the fines and the plane became filled with mould to the point where it was no longer viable as an aircraft.
Wayne Newton Net worth
Wayne Newton has a net worth of $50 million dollars. This he garnered from his years of performing. He filed for bankruptcy in 1992 and also in 2010, but has since recovered financially.
