Carson Wayne Newton, born on April 3, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, is an iconic American singer and actor, often referred to as "Mr. Las Vegas." His journey into performance began at the young age of four when he expressed to his parents his desire to become a performer while attending a Grand Ole Opry show. Displaying a natural musical talent, he learned to play both the guitar and piano during his childhood and started performing at local fairs and clubs after his family relocated to Ohio.

In 1952, Wayne's family moved to Arizona in search of a better climate due to his severe asthma condition. It was here that Wayne and his brother formed a duo called Rascals in Rhythm, enhancing their musical skills while performing at various venues, including Opry roadshows. A pivotal moment in Wayne’s career occurred when a Las Vegas booking agent spotted the duo during a local television performance, leading to a successful audition that would launch them into five years of frequent shows in Las Vegas.

Wayne's breakthrough came in 1962 when he appeared on The Jackie Gleason Show, bringing him national fame. This exposure set the stage for a series of hit songs, including “Danke Schoen” (1963), “Red Roses for a Blue Lady” (1964), “Summer Wind” (1965), “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Fast” (1969), and “Can’t You Hear the Song?” (1972). His notable film credits include appearances in 80 Steps to Jonah (1969), License to Kill (1989), and Ocean’s Eleven (2001), reinforcing his status as one of the most recognizable entertainers in Las Vegas.

Newton’s illustrious career in Las Vegas officially began when he was hired by Jack Benny as an opening act, which soon led to his own headlining shows. By the early 1990s, he had performed over 25,000 shows in the city, becoming known as “ America's number one night club act” and surpassing the prominence of legendary performers like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley during his peak. He became the highest-grossing entertainer in Las Vegas history, and in 1999, he took a residency at the Stardust, performing for forty weeks a year until 2005.

After taking a break to focus on his family life following the end of his contract, Wayne made a triumphant return to Vegas in 2009 with the show “Once Before I Go” at the Tropicana. His performances continue to attract audiences around the world, showcasing his enduring appeal and talent.

Most recently, Wayne Newton appeared in the 2013 film Getting Back to Zero and made a cameo in the 2016 camp comedy Sharknado: The 4th Awakens. With a career spanning decades, Wayne remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, embodying the spirit and excitement of Las Vegas.