Wayne Newton in the Southern Quote

This half-Indian son of an auto mechanic was born April 3rd, 1942 in Roanoke, Virginia. He was four when his parents took him to see the Grand Old Opry. Enthralled by the likes of such country music greats as Hank Williams and Kitty Wells, the little boy announced to his mother that “this was what he wanted to do.” “What?” she asked. Carson Wayne Newton pointed to the stage. “That,” he answered.

Within two short years he was doing just that, wowing audiences with his big voice as he accompanied himself on the piano, the guitar, and the steel guitar, instruments he mastered mostly by ear with the help of a few outside lessons. Two years later he had his first setback when he paired with his brother and auditioned unsuccessfully for one of the nation’s biggest amateur shows. They were in good company. Another young performer, a teenager named Elvis Presley missed the cut, too.

Today, Wayne Newton is a legendary entertainer with world-wide appeal who plays thirteen musical instruments. He has performed live for more than 30 million people, released over 150 albums, and established himself as a fine actor to boot. Though hugely talented, the natural showman has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams because of an exceptional work ethic and determination to work harder and dig deeper every time he takes the stage. Whether performing before a sold out theater in Las Vegas, or entertaining the American troops he loves and is dedicated to supporting, Wayne Newton won’t close a show until he feels sure everyone has had their money’s worth.

In today’s Southern Quote we hear the resolve of a popular entertainer who continues to wow audiences some sixty years after that fateful evening back in 1946 at the Grand Old Opry. Wayne Newton has said, “I believe that fate is choices – it’s not chance.”