[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S1799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WAYNE NEWTON

 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear 
friend and perhaps the most recognizable Nevadan the world-over, Wayne 
Newton, for reaching his incredible fiftieth year in show business.
  Wayne Newton has reached amazing goals in an industry in which 
success can be short lived. Before most Americans had heard of Elvis 
Presley or the Beatles, Wayne Newton released a best-selling record, 
sung for the President of the United States, and toured with the Grand 
Old Opry road show.
  In a half-century, Wayne Newton has performed live for an astonishing 
fifteen million people and that number continues to grow each year. 
Tens of millions around the world have also enjoyed his talents through 
the radio, television, and movies.
  Wayne's musical genius was recognized early in life. At the age of 
six, the precocious youngster was already dazzling audiences as the 
star of a radio show, which aired before he went to school each 
morning. During his adolescent years, he entertained us through the new 
medium of television, performing regularly on our favorite variety 
shows. Americans quickly discovered Wayne's irresistible stage 
presence, enchanting voice, and charming smile.
  While still a teenager, he headlined a Las Vegas show and became one 
of the area's most popular attractions. Indeed, over the years, 
millions of tourists flocked to the Silver State to enjoy the sunny 
climate, scrumptious buffets, spectacular lights, magnificent resorts, 
and, to be sure, the singular magic of Wayne Newton. Wayne's nickname, 
Mr. Las Vegas, is richly deserved, and, as his career has grown and met 
with amazing success, so has that great city.
  At the age of 21, his single ``Danke Schoen'' made music history. 
Many of his songs have topped the charts, and there are too many to 
mention here, but some of my favorites include ``Heart,'' ``Summer 
Wind,'' and ``Red Roses for a Blue Lady.''
  Wayne Newton's gifts extend well beyond his extraordinary showmanship 
and musical talent. For example, he has distinguished himself as a 
skilled actor, having been featured in ten films, and countless 
television and cable programs.
  Many Americans are aware that Wayne Newton has earned a star on the 
Hollywood Walk of Fame, but how many know that he has been awarded the 
Medal for Distinguished Public Service, Founder's Award of St Jude's 
hospital, the VFW's Hall of Fame Award, the American Legion's 
Exceptional Citizen Award and the Humanitarian Award of the American 
Cancer Society's Research Center--just to name a few? After fifty years 
before the public eye, Wayne Newton has become one of the world's most 
prolific entertainers, but he has always found time and energy to 
devote to scores of worthy causes.
  Wayne Newton's career is the stuff of legend. I am confident there 
will be many more years in which visitors to Las Vegas will be 
mesmerized by this amazing performer. It is hard to imagine anyone 
reaching greater heights of success, but certainly, if anyone could, 
it's Mr. Las Vegas. However, to me the greatest attribute of Wayne 
Newton is the quality of his friendship. He is above all my good 
friend.

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