Can you name the Las Vegas performer who has been entertaining audiences for nearly fifty years? The performer is Wayne Newton, nicknamed ‘Mr. Las Vegas, has performed over 25,000 shows in various venues around Las Vegas alone.

Mr. Las Vegas has entertained audiences of all ages around the world for years from personal appearances to television specials and a long list of albums (over 160).

Newton got his start when he and his brother performed on the Jackie Gleason Show back in the early 60s and was on 12 Gleason shows over the next couple years. Other famous icons that helped Newton gain his notoriety included Lucille Ball George Burns Danny Thomas and Jack Benny.

It was Jack Benny who gave ‘Mr. Las Vegas’ his big start in Las Vegas when he hired Newton as an opening act for his show. When that job ended Newton was offered a job as the opening act for another show but Newton turned that down and was given his own show.

Over the years Mr. Las Vegas has performed in such Vegas landmarks as The Flamingo, The Aladdin (which Newton was part owner of for a few years), and Harrah’s.

Wayne Newton continues to perform across the United States but if you get the opportunity you really should try to catch one of his appearances while in Las Vegas.