Mr. Las Vegas to perform at Paramount Theatre

Some audiences might know him as a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars." Others may think of him as the guy who really sang that song during the parade in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

But generations of fans call Wayne Newton "Mr. Las Vegas" and know exactly why he's earned the city's Entertainer of the Year award more often than any other performer.

His heartfelt charisma on stage has taken him from child star to music legend. With signature hits such as "Red Roses for a Blue Lady," "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast" and "Danke Schoen," the entertainer's entertainer has recorded 165 albums to date.

Newton also lends his nonstop energy and talents to worthwhile causes. He has entertained troops in every major confrontation our country has been in since Vietnam. In his 1989 autobiography, "Once Before I Go," Newton says he wants to be "a man who dares to dream and pursue it, using my head for myself and my heart for others."

Q. With more than 40 years in the music industry, how do you keep your show fresh?

A. I gear each show to the audience. Since I am always appearing to a different audience, I never do the same show twice.

Q. How many instruments do you play and which were the first few?

A. I play 13 instruments. I started on steel guitar at the age of 4, lead guitar and banjo at the age of 8 and violin at 13.

Q. Which do you play most often for your own enjoyment?

A. Guitar, piano and trumpet.

Q. When you were a young performer and watching people such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, did you ever think someday that star status might be yours?

A. It never crossed my mind. In my mind, I still am not. I think it is important to never replace your heroes.

Q. Are you as comfortable as you appear as a parody of yourself, starting back with appearances with Lucille Ball, and in parts of your Las Vegas performances?

A. I don't look at it as a parody. I look at it as an extension of my personality. I think it is very important to never take oneself too seriously.

Q. Do you think "Dancing with the Stars" introduced you to a young audience? Are you pleased you did it?

A. I am very glad I did it and would do it again. Not only did it introduce me to a new audience, but it reached my existing audience, too. The definition of failure to me is having never tried.

Q. Did you really have a radio show when you were 6 years old?

A. I had a radio show at the age of 6 on WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia, for 30 minutes each day before school. I sang and played steel guitar with a band.

Q. How old are your daughters and what are their present activities?

A. My daughter Erin, 31, is in interior design. My daughter Lauren, 5, is in kindergarten.

Q. What brought the family to Las Vegas?

A. I went to Las Vegas at the age of 15 to take a job at the Fremont Hotel and Casino. I did six shows a night, six days a week, for almost five years.

Q. Is your real first name Carson, and why did it get dropped when it sounds so show business-like?

A. My first name really is Carson after the Western movie star Sunset Carson. My mother chose Wayne as my middle name after the bandleader Wayne King. Actually, I never changed my name, my parents always called me Wayne.

Q. Who gave you your first big break into show business?

A. Jackie Gleason saw me perform and put me on his television show. Then Bobby Darin produced all of my early records and gave me "Danke Schoen" that was meant for him. Jack Benny was the one who took me into the main rooms in Nevada.

Q. What does being the chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle mean to you?

A. Being chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle, and having been asked by Bob Hope to do it, is such an honor for me.

I performed in my first USO show at the age of 7. Performing for the men and women in the military is truly one of the highlights of my life. They are my heroes, and if I can bring a little touch of home to them, I have succeeded in life.

I can tell you that I bring home much more than I take. I could go on for days about that.

-- Joan Broz

If you go

What: Wayne Newton: The King of Vegas

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Paramount Theatre; 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora

Tickets: $55.50 to $75.50

Info: (630) 896-6666 or paramountarts.com