WAYNE NEWTON

April 3, 1942

Carson Wayne Newton was born in Norfolk, Virginia. While he was a child, his family moved to near Newark, Ohio. He began singing in local clubs, theaters, and fairs with his older brother, Jerry. Because of Newton’s severe asthma, his family moved to Phoenix in 1952, where he left High School before finishing his junior year. As the Rascals in Rhythm, the Newton Brothers appeared with the Grand Ole Opry roadshows and performed in front of president Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

He is one of the best-known entertainers in Las Vegas, known by the nicknames the ‘Midnight Idol,’ ‘Mr. Las Vegas’ and ‘Mr. Entertainment.’ His well-known songs include 1972’s “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Fast” (#4 on the Billboard chart), “Years” (1980), and his signature song “Danke Schoen” (1963).

His first television appearance was in 1963′s “Celebrity Party” a Dick Clark production featuring many of the top singers and musicians of the time.  

Newton first appeared with Lucille Ball in “Lucy Discovers Wayne Newton” (TLS S4;E14) aired on December 27, 1965. When Lucy Carmichael hears Newton singing on his farm, she decides to introduce him to a record producer.

Although already a rising pop singer, Newton is literally catapulted into stardom by this appearance. He performs: 

• “Side By Side”
• “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You”
•  “Bessie the Heifer” (an ode to his cow)

“I played a country boy singing to animals on ‘The Lucy Show,’ and CBS wanted her company Desilu to produce a series around that character. Just before the final papers were signed, I get a call from Lucy saying, ‘Wayne, I haven’t been able to sleep. Can my husband and I fly to Vegas tonight and meet you?’ Lucy says, ‘We’re going to say a name and I want your reaction: Jim Nabors. Unless you want to be this country boy the rest of your life, turn the series down because it will ruin your life.’ I thought that was the greatest example of someone, being the great star she was, caring that much about somebody else.” ~ Wayne Newton

Lucille Ball took a parental-like interest in Newton’s career. She invited him back for “Lucy Sells Craig to Wayne Newton” (HL S1;E9) on November 25, 1968.  

Lucy Carter gets her son Craig a gig filling in for Wayne Newton’s drummer. Naturally, Lucy and Kim also manage to get into his act. Newton sings:

• “Danke Schoen”
• “You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You”
• “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody”
• “Swanee” / “Waiting for the Robert E. Lee”

Wayne Newton is one of ten celebrities to also have appeared on “The Lucy Show.”  

His final appearance with Lucille Ball on television was again on “Here’s Lucy,” in “Lucy and Wayne Newton” (HL S2;E22), first aired on February 16, 1970.

This episode was shot on location at Newton’s ranch outside of Las Vegas. Like the previous episode, it also features his brother Jerry, who’s catch-phrase is “Oh gosh yes.” 

Newton sings:

• “Tumbling Tumbleweeds”
• “I’ve Got the World on A String”

In 1968, Newton married Elaine Okamura. They have one child; they divorced in 1985. In 1994, Newton married Kathleen McCrone. The couple have one daughter.