Wayne Newton on Rat Pack Memories and Becoming Mr. Las Vegas

Adam sits down one-on-one with the legendary Wayne Newton. Wayne gets into his childhood and explains how growing up with severe asthma led to him getting his start in Vegas as a teenager. He tells a story of when someone died in his audience and how their family demanded he keep playing before getting into some memories of the Rat Pack. Next, Wayne talks about how comedian Jack Benny helped him get into the main Vegas showrooms and how he reunited with his estranged brother. Finally, Adam learns the origins of the song “Danke Schoen” and gets into Wayne’s acting work and horse breeding.
PLUGS:
See Wayne Newton live at ‘Wayne: Up Close & Personal’ in Las Vegas. For tickets go to WayneNewton.com.
Wayne Newton US Tour Dates 2023:
July 8 - Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center - Westhampton Beach, NY
July 9 - Lynn Memorial Auditiorium - Lynn, MA
August 24 - Riviera Theatre - North Tonawanda, NY
August 25 - Watertown Municipal Arena - Watertown, NY
August 26 - Parx Casino - Bensalem, PA
August 27 - Bergen Performing Arts Center - Englewood, NJ
August 29 - Rehoboth Beach Convention Center - Rehoboth Beach, DE (not announced yet)
August 30 - Carnegie of Homestead - Munhall, PA
August 31 - Tioga Downs Casino Resort - Nichols, NY
September 1 - Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center - Chester, NY
September 13 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
September 14 - Tennessee Theatre - Knoxville, TN
September 15 - Bourbon & Beyond Festival - Louisville, KY (w/ The Killers, Hozier, Brittany Howard)
December 14 - Rialto Square Theater - Joliet, IL
December 15 - Adler Theater - Davenport, IA
For tickets go to WayneNewton.com.
And follow Wayne on Twitter: @WayneNewtonMrLV
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING TODAY’S SPONSORS:
Turo.com
SimpliSafe.com/ADAM
Harrys.com/ADAM
Angi.com
OReillyAuto.com
Executive Producers: Chris Laxamana & Mike August
Audio Engineer: Mike Dawson
Writer: Mike Lynch
Technical Director: Emi Funes
Producer: Ben Hayes
Assistant Producer: Byron Perez

[@MTknitter22]

Thank you Adam for being so kind and respectful to this dear man. I have seen some young interviewers almost almost being a bit condescending to him with no understanding of who Newton is. He represents that dying breed of big entertainers who started super young and worked with all the American music greats for 50 years. We have so few of them left. He likes and appreciates his fans too. Great great respect for him. Today’s music stars could take a lesson.

[@wayneclose5299]

Wayne Has had some economic problems but somehow has maintained his lifestyle go figure

[@valeriehancotte-galan4790]

Amen!

[@gigigiseleworld]

❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@gigigiseleworld]

He most certainly is a Gem. No one like him.

[@susanmulvey6311]

I always thought Wayne Newton was not only very talented, but such a gentleman!

[@lorenstevens8693]

met him a few times. a good fellow

[@vegasmarc7252]

Truly the last of the original Vegas headliners. A living Vegas legend.

[@michaellorenzen8200]

my grandparents would go to see him every year in Vegas in the late 70s to early 80s and took me to see him in '84 not my cup of tea being a young punk but DAMN what a show I will never ever forget !

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

There's a reason why you called him the last headliners. It's seen by all the blue haired ladies.

[@muziktrkr]

Definitely one of the last who worked "old Vegas" but there's still entertainers who worked the Strip in the 70s and 80s that opened for Vegas legends that have been on Adam's show, and some that I hope will be on the podcast before they get too old. Kind of sad that Wayne had to close down his museum and ranch - not sure what happened there.

[@michaellorenzen8200]

@@muziktrkr I just recently watched the movie "The Night Stalker" which took place in 1972 Last Vegas I don't think I saw Mr. Newton's name on a marquee although it was a treasure trove of old CLASSIC Las Vegas entertainment ! well worth checking out

[@juliekostas7322]

What a wonderful interview. Adam had the uncanny ability to be so disarming. So fascinating to hear the rigor behind Mr. Newton’s success/story!

[@marcuswright6579]

⁶⁶⁶⁶6⁶TY

[@juanitalewis9306]

This is Awesome

[@thomasandersen2938]

Adam did not do his homework jerry newton past at 75 noon in 50s like wayne said

[@stevenrunyon170]

In 1988 I was in the Navy on a ship in the middle of the Persian gulf in Dec. We had been out there at sea for about 5 weeks. Capt came on the 1MC and told the crew to muster on the flight deck at 1900 hours. Around 1930 hours two HC46 helicopters flew on board and off walked Wayne Newton and his band. They did a 2 hour show and talked to the crew than flew off. I have never forgotten that.

[@markbrumbeloe1956]

Wayne Newton is a True American Legend. Up Close and Personal is fantastic.

[@gigigiseleworld]

💥🎶🌟🌟🌟🌟🎶🌹

[@PraiseYaHuWaH]

Wayne Newton, what a class act! There are still remnants of good clean light in a world that is dimming quickly.

[@douglasbarnes]

I thought I'd catch a few minutes and jump out. Now I wish this interview had gone on for another hour. Loved the stories and now appreciate Wayne more. Probably the best interview from Adam as well.

[@michaellorenzen8200]

I agree the stories that man has would be an amazing show in itself 😊

[@gigigiseleworld]

🌟🌟🌟

[@susancarter9351]

Great job Adam! Wayne is the ultimate performer, and you were able to highlight this legend of a man and expose to your viewers how very special Wayne is. Thank You Adam and a heartfelt shout out to my friend Wayne Newton.

[@barrylewis3923]

😅😂😂😂😂❤😂😂😅❤❤😂😂😊😊😊😊😂😊😂😂😂😂😂😂❤😅😊😊😅😂❤😅😂😂😊😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😊😅❤😂😂😅😊😂😂😂😂😊😊😂😊😂😊😊😂😊😊😂😂😂😊😂😊😊😊😂😊😊😂😊😊😊😅😊😂😂😂😂😊😂😊😊😊😂😅😂😊😅😊😅😂😅😂😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😂😊😊❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😂❤❤❤😊😊😂😊😊❤😊😂😂😊😊😊😊😊😊❤😊😊❤😅😊😊😊😊😊❤😊😅😅😅😊😊😊❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😂😊😊😊😊

[@christophertyler6863]

Why no Elvis questions?

[@SpookMane]

It's a Christmas miracle, at 81 years old still no gray hair! Simply amazing

[@chuckfan1]

Ummm, its called Hair Dye

[@SpookMane]

@chuckfan1 simply amazing

[@DippyHippie]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@slowery4336]

His skin is so stretched to keep him young looking….why not age gracefully?

[@SpookMane]

@slowery4336 lol yeah lots of work done

[@sparkytuttle2966]

Many, many years ago (early 1970's) my best friend had her horse boarded on Happy Lane. At Pecos and Happy Lane was Casa De Shenandoah , Wayne's ranch. We never saw him but his horses were always running along the fence with us. They were so beautiful, you could tell they were loved. It was always a joy to see them. As the area grew, he moved his horses to Logandale, which was very wise. No matter what he did on stage, for me my respect was always how well he loved those beauties.

[@MTknitter22]

I think it’s lovely through Wayne’s rough times and mean press, the Las Vegas natives stand by him, love him and are protective of him. It’s what “HOME” should be!

[@mikezaremba2031]

Ace man, love all these deep interesting interviews, I only wish you did more, get more of these legends if you can before they are gone.

[@cafferacer]

Yes sir, reminds me of the Amazing Colossal Podcast.. they would almost interview some great and they would be dead that week. But the ones they got are great!

[@CletusHunnicutt]

Love this guy. I look at his album covers and laugh at him trying to be so suave and debonair with rings on his fingers and then I watch his performances and become even more of a fan. Ain't that a kick in the head!

[@gigigiseleworld]

💥🎶💥

[@cindyallison2528]

Thank you Wayne for entertaining in the USO. I know the servicemen appreciated your coming to perform for them.

[@gigigiseleworld]

❣️❣️🌟❣️❣️

[@ritawilkinson401]

Mr. Newton is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. He has a wonderful stage presence and he is very respectful to the audience.

[@dynjarren8355]

He is a living legend! I’m so pleased he is able to recall his history and he’s still healthy. All these stories should be preserved for posterity. He dominated Vegas for so many years.

[@zekrk504]

Great to see a true icon give his story to one of the fabulous interviewers of our time! Thanks Adam!

[@glennadamsmusic]

In 1980 Wayne Newton had one of his Vegas shows made into a concert film for Showtime. Ever since watching that show, I have had nothing but the highest respect and admiration for Mr. Newton as an entertainer and showman ever since then. An incredible talent as a singer and musician. He is one of the last great legends of the classic Vegas era. Such a giant.

[@ssnoc]

Newton gets a lot of crap, but the truth is he is an incredible entertainer and one of the legacy performers that helped build Vegas. He’s also a rough and tumble type of guy that won’t take any crap from anyone. Been up and been down and he’s still around … that’s deserves respect.

[@geofencingTV]

An amazing interview. Wayne is an absolute superstar and very “to himself”… getting this interview is really good work. Adam, this is the interview that the world needs to hear from this fantastic talent. Thank you.

[@gigigiseleworld]

🌟🌟🌟

[@ritalewis1021]

Love your interviews Adam. Wayne is a true American.

[@samlyons3552]

Wayne is the last of an era .

[@waylandwhitney9668]

Seen Wayne Newton on my first trip to Las Vegas at the Stardust. Told my wife I want to do something super “Las Vegasey” so glad we did. Great interview Mr. Carolla. Hoping to see you in Las Vegas in August.

[@teenieteenez]

What a special, genuine man.

[@FreeSpeechisMyRight10]

Wayne is very down-to-earth and just a genuine nice guy, despite his legendary stardom.

[@gigigiseleworld]

❣️❣️🌟❣️❣️

[@lauranorena3631]

This man can still put on a great show!!! Didn’t know I would love his act so much 😍

[@poobum9857]

Robert Goulet .. i wont send flowers, the way we were, i wont last a day without you, who can i turn to , if ever i would leave you, on a clear day , impossible dream .. he sang with heart and style ..as does Mr Newton

[@paulmurphy8993]

There has never been another man who so represents a city in America like Wayne Newton. A true legend.

[@IrishOhionan]

May dad played his Christmas albums every holiday season when I was growing up. Now in my late 40s not a holiday season goes by without listening to his music.

[@alanaadams7440]

Good times

[@crewmax4240]

What an excellent interview. I thought I knew the man until I watched this. Mr. Newton is a national treasure.Thanks, Adam.

[@PorkChopJones]

Some amazing stories here from an amazing entertainer that has spanned decades. I remember watching Wayne on my grandmothers black and white TV back in the late 1960's. In those days when something good was on, everyone would gather around the TV set. This interview was very refreshing, it's like meeting up with an old friend you haven't seen in a long time.

[@jadezee6316]

a sweet and gentle man who appreciates to this day every person who helped and was kind to him...

[@DesignRhythm]

Incredible interview...well worth the time.

[@11UncleBooker22]

When Adam said Wayne Newton has always been there, I agree and can't remember a time when he didn't represent entertainment, Vegas, etc. I've been struck by Waynes down to earth, neighborly friendliness he shows to the average person on the street. Looking back more than 50 years there isn't one memory of Wayne Newton being an AS%HOLE to a fan, casino worker, etc. Thanks, Mr. Newton, for never disappointing.

[@showtime951]

What a class act! Pay attention Gen-whatevers. That is what a bonafide nearly 7-decade Star looks, sounds, and acts like.

[@marcusbailey2632]

What a great interview. Adam is perfect and Mr. Las Vegas is the classiest of all.

[@lazur1]

Looking 12 at 19 has helped Wayne look 60 at 81.

[@harrisdupree3323]

Choosing the wrong Cosmetic Surgeon has destroyed a nice looking man. Too often the end result with these celebrities who don't know how to age gracefully.

[@jademorey]

What a wonderful interview. Mr. Newton is an American icon.

[@richb313]

A very good interview of Wayne he really opened up.

[@markcatanzaro9699]

Adam you're SUCH a GREAT interviewer- Wayne Newton is a fascinating subject to be sure but you are PHENOMENAL at it!

[@nglazas]

Great interview that I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did.

[@rjnuzzi1648]

Carolla is treating Mr. Newton like he's a novelty act, full of second hand stories... Wayne Newton is one of the greatest male singers, hands down!

[@k.goldstein5664]

Thanks Adam for a terrific interview. Wayne is an amazing entertainer and a charming, sweet person. I had the privilege to spend about 4 hours, one on one with him about 40 years ago. He is funny, kind and a total gentleman. It is one of my fondest memories in life. I still have the scarf he gave me with the feather embroidered on the corner! Thanks Wayne!

[@abelincoln95]

Adam is the sleeper of all interviewers. He never walks into a conversation without knowing his guest...

[@martyc2637]

Just a wonderful journey of an interview. Wayne is the real deal.

[@stephengiese7549]

This was a cute, very comfortable, informative and drug free interview. He took care of himself. He did not let Vegas get to him. Be ready, be greatful and be careful. Appreciate your longevity, fans and friends, always😊

[@davcochrane]

Wayne Newton is a class act!

[@pmk5238]

Fascinating interview with the great Wayne Newton!

[@coastuncle1965]

Wow... great show and great stories... singing to a dead guy in 76'...talk about killing it.

[@PhotoDaveJax]

What a great interview. Big surprise at what the real Wayne is like & the stories of his career. Awesome. Continued success & happiness.

[@lucasjames572]

Simply amazing when Wayne was going through a tough time and about to lose his home, no one in Las Vegas stepped up to help him. The casinos that he packed as a teenager up to before his daughter became very ill should be ashamed.

[@robertmarino2158]

I was able to see a Wayne Newton show back in the 80's , Wayne was remarkable, his talent was outstanding ! What a gentleman , i will always remember the great time ! Thank you Wayne !!

[@smckinley6373]

Great interview Adam. Thank you!

[@LucretziaB]

Wayne, I remember you since I first heard you on the radio, singing Danke Schoen. In 1966, my sister & her husband went to the Americana Hotel in NYC for their honeymoon, where you were performing. They loved your show! You are an awesome talent, who is much appreciated. God bless you & NEVER GIVE UP!

[@michaellunburg8567]

Saw Wayne in concert years ago. I was indifferent going in, and a fan coming out of that show. Fabulous entertainer.

[@kimihuff7645]

What an absolutely outstanding conversation.Just really,really engaging,both of you.Thanks,Adam Carolla.

[@dosesandmimoses]

Such a wonderful conversation.. thank you gentlemen and all the talented people that produced this video! Gratitude

[@robingrl23]

This is the GOAT. Wow… spectacular interview. Such an “in the Zone” for both of you. Thank you.

[@alanaadams7440]

Newton is a born entertainer. He is a good man

[@queenslander954]

Hat’s off to both , it was was just two people talking to each other , slow & steady without the usual rushed interview style of current times , so you ponder the questions & answers .. and take it in. Wayne Newton is a total living , preforming legend.

[@jimsmith9717]

Great interview, thanks to both of you.

[@rays9033]

Wayne Newton is a stud, no doubt. No one will ever top him as a performer.

[@flintlong2937]

This is wonderful! I was appearing at the Royal Hotel on Convention Center Drive, next door to Debbie Reynold's place. Bassist, Danny DeMorales, would play the happy hour with me and my guys, and then he'd rush over to play for Wayne in the evening. He would take my jokes and probably tell 'em around backstage, and imagine my surprise when we went to see Wayne at the Hilton, and I heard Wayne tell a couple of my jokes! I loved it and still do, and that was in about 1993.

[@jimfoley8014]

Wayne Newton always seems like the nicest guy in the world.

[@becomingjane786]

Great interview, Adam!

[@graniteman62]

Adam, thanks for this interview, Im 61, so I know who Wayne Newton is, first time I saw him was in Winnipeg Manitoba, just before xmas 2009, I was staying at the Fairmont hotel downtown, coldest spot in Canada, Wayne was in the lobby before I went for dinner and i couldn't get myself to say hello, Wayne was playing at a local Casino Resort, he was so nice to whomever came up to him. Few years later my wife and I saw him perform at the Tropicana, he was fantastic, so professional and loved his audience and veterans. He is a great star and performer who gave everything to his fans

[@gregjackson-ks1gh]

This man is an American treasure. Right there with John.... Wayne.

[@niceguy91320]

Absolutely Fantastic interview Adam! Wayne has always been such a fascinating & genuine person. Thank you both!

[@OrdoSanctiBenedictus]

What a gentle soul.

[@christinepettett9138]

Two of my favorites, one of my first crushes Wayne Newton, saw him on the Lucille Ball show and fell in love. He was singing Bessie the Hefier, so adorable! No surprise my husband's Native American, he sends his thanks we've been together 39 years now!

[@lavonnekelly9173]

I was introduced to his talent from an early age because my good friend in school was a huge fan of his.One of the biggest thrills of her life was seeing him in person at Rochester.....many years ago....

[@richardmartinez8385]

Great job Adam wayne newton is treasure ❤

[@luckyluc03]

One of the BEST interviews of the year.

[@johnforeman634]

Man, what a legend. I’ll never forget the only time I ever went to Vegas, I thought I’ve got to see his show. Front row at one point he picked me to be sort of temporarily part of the show. After, he reached down and shook my hand and said thank you. I always thought that was so cool that of all those people he tapped me.

[@lazur1]

Brother Jerry's bio says he did his own show in Vegas'63.

[@mailmanjim57]

So much respect for Wayne Newton, an amazing life story. Also, so much regard for Adam Carolla for the respectful approach to this interview. I had no idea about the struggles that Wayne had in his early life. I pray that God continues to richly bless him.

[@tinviper123]

Pleasure listening to this what a great interview!

[@linapagliari8003]

Wayne Newton a classy guy very talented mr Las Vegas yess😁🇨🇦🇨🇦❤️

[@AfterTheGoldRush1990]

Icould listen to mr newton talk allnight , he is very interesting and tells such interesting storiesabout his life. Very good interview. God bless😊 linda 😊

[@kdevinturner8778]

Great interview. Loved the stories of "yore" as Adam said. Great questions and great answers.

[@ronp4737]

Great interview. Wayne Newton an icon total class and gentleman...I saw him perform el san juan hotel in Puerto Rico many years ago when I was a kid....remember till today amazing show

[@mdpolaris]

Adam Carolla presents "The Legends of Vegas" series is a pure delight. I'm looking forward to more surprises from that trip, and future gets! I know one thing, Adam and Elvis would have been amazing!

[@michaelparr7525]

Great show, Ace. Loved Wayne in the " The Adventures of Ford Fairlane"

[@theanalystofeverything]

Great interview with one of the most famous people from that era and who is still showing. Wow

[@Cindy-cj8bw]

My girlfriends literally dragged me to a Wayne Newton show in Atlantic City, I had zero interest in seeing Wayne at that time. Well, let me tell you.... It was one of the BEST shows I've ever seen!! He sang, he play multiple instruments, and he stayed on stage forever, just entertaining us! He was fabulous and I walked away feeling I more than got my money's worth. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed his show so much, when I was in Vegas, I went to see him again! Wayne seems to be a genuinely nice guy and an entertainer in a class all by himself . A true star!

[@jayrhough1912]

Fantastic interview. Great show.

[@janetkovacic1381]

A great and talented true entertainer. Saw many of his shows. Never was disappointed. I wish him only the best. He deserves it.

[@roren2466]

It was a great interview. Wayne Newton is a classy performer! He’s had a great career!!

[@gigigiseleworld]

❣️❣️🌟❣️❣️

[@callesierra]

Fantastic interview, thank you guys. The stories about the horses brought me to tears. There really are some amazing people in this world.

[@randyspung9024]

I’m remember seeing Wayne perform on The Lucy Show when I was 9 years old. 👍👍

[@showtime951]

That was a great, unforgettable episode.

[@john-mc5sb]

Mr Wayne Newton u Sir are total Rolls-Royce a real beautiful human being we love u in Canada sir ❤❤❤great interview a living Legend U are Sir Wayne Newton may God bless u and your family 👍 cheers rimbey John Scotty 😊😊😊

[@xtraxtrathirsty]

this guy is awesome and so classy

[@kln58cub]

I saw Wayne Newton at the Aladdin a few times, after seeing him on various t.v. shows and every year on the Jerry Lewis telethon for the kids. What made me a fan and admirer of Wayne Newton was his movie 80 Steps To Jonah. I was 11 years old when the movie came out. He played a character hiding from the law in a summer camp for blind kids. I thought he was the kindest man I had ever seen. I knew it was a character he was playing but to this 11 year old he was not acting. He had a kind face and was the most remarkable caring man to the blind girl (after being a real pain in the beginning) and I wanted to meet him. You see, my cousin was born with no sight. She was 67 when she died never seeing the sun rise or the faces of her family in her entire life. It was very sad and hard when she died. I was never able to meet Wayne but I was blessed to have experienced his unbelievable voice and incredible musical talent. And I still think of the young guy who was so kind to the blind girl in the movie.

[@thomasfahey2091]

What a treat that was lads. Two classy guys recalling much of my youth and that familiar voice of Mr. Newton's. And now I know your a horseman as well! Thank you Adam, great job.

[@veronicapamela989]

Thankyou Wayne for all your sharing of God's Gift to You!!! Thanks Adam for this Podcast!!! God Bless Your Soul!!!

[@chuckfinley3542]

Adam surprised me by conducting such a good interview without injecting a lot of himself into it. He realized that he was in the presence of Vegas royalty & allowed his guest to carried the show.

[@lazur1]

Dion also switched from pop to folk; he did 'Abraham, Martin, & John'. (84 on July17th, now an acoustic blues artist.) Bobby Darin's folk hit was 'If I Were a Carpenter', (written/ recorded by Tim Hardin). Bobby resumed a pop career afterwards, shortly before his death.

[@josettelisella9513]

I have been a big fan of Wayne Newton. All my life love him. Great entertainer. I love the interview. He is a legend and a great entertainer. And it was very interesting, the interview.❤

[@EnligUlv]

During my 60 years of life, I was well aware of Wayne Newton during 55 of those. I’ve always associated him as one of the pillars of Las Vegas, and that’s the public perception.