MY FRIEND WAYNE NEWTON
Where do you start? How do you start? What do you say, when trying to describe friendship? Real friendship. A friendship that goes beyond being kind to another person. That goes beyond doing something "nice" for someone else. A friendship that goes (pardon the cliche) above and beyond the call of duty. Wayne Newton is that kind of friend. He is always there for my family and I whenever we need him, and willing to do anything he can to help. I first met Wayne at the opening of Yakov Smirnoff's show in Branson in 1993. My wife and I had gone to the show with a friend of ours and our friend told us he needed to talk to Wayne after the show. I questioned his ability to just go and talk to Wayne Newton, but he assured us he knew Wayne and it would be Okay. After the show we went to the back of the theatre to await the departure of Mr. Newton. He indeed did seem to know our friend but I was most amazed that when my wife Gina and I were introduced to Wayne he knew me as well. He said, "Bear and I listen to you on the radio, your the afternoon voice of the Ozarks". I thought, Huh?! Wayne Newton listens to me? I was bowled over and flattered beyond belief. We talked for a few minutes and Wayne invited us to come to see his show sometime as his guests at his theatre in Branson. Gina nor I had ever seen a Wayne Newton show before in our lives but had always wanted to. So before he closed for the 1993 season we went, and I again was blown away! What a showman this is, what a superstar, what a legend! I could finally understand what my mother had been telling me for years. This man on that stage is truly the greatest entertainer in the world.
About a year passed before I would talk to Wayne again. This time it was to have him as a guest on my radio show in Branson. I had just conducted a poll on the air when it was announced that Louise Mandrell was not returning to the Grand Palace. So I asked my listeners who they would most like to see there. The results were overwhelming. Over 500 phone calls said...WAYNE NEWTON! It was very obvious at this point that I needed to get in touch with Wayne and see about doing an interview. I was told by his publicist that he was not doing interviews at the time due to his hectic tour schedule, but she would relay the request. The next day I recieved a phone call from the publicist saying, Mr. Newton told me tell you that he would be more than happy to do an interview. We did the interview and I felt right away as though I had known Wayne all my life.
From this interview came the oppurtunity to be the first to announce where Wayne would be performing the next season in Branson, and the oppurtunity to produce Wayne's new radio ads for the 1995 season in Branson. Again Wayne displayed his sincere interest in people when he said hello to my kids Michael and Kaethe who were present during the taping. He didnt just say hello to them, he called them by name. The only way Wayne knew their names was from a Christmas card we sent he and his beautiful and equally caring wife Kathleen 6 months earlier. Now Michael is a fairly common name to remember, but Kaethe? He knew them both.
When Wayne was ready to open in Branson about a month later, Gina and I were ready obviously to see the show. I was going to finish my airshift and head for the theatre, when the phone rang. It was Kathleen calling to see if I would come to the theatre about an hour early as Wayne wanted me to introduce his opening night show. I said, "Me? Tell Wayne it would be an honor"! And it was. I was never so nervous in my life, but Wayne has a way of calming the nerves and getting you ready to tackle anything. You say to yourself, If Wayne Newton thinks I can do this, I can! So I did and what a cherished memory that is. Little did I know I would be introducing Wayne every night as a part of his show.
It was coming into the Christmas season 1995 in Branson, when I got a call from my parents, and was given the horrifying news that my Mother had cancer and the outlook was not good. It was also Gina's last day on her job due to the business' closing created by the failing economy in Branson. And just the day before our family dog Molly had been hit by a car a killed. It felt as though our lives were coming apart at the seams. I said to Gina and the kids, "lets go out to eat and just get out of the house for awhile". We all needed to get our minds in other places and on different things. Upon arriving back at the house the message light on the answering machine was flashing, I hit the button and the words I heard would forever change our lives. The little box said, "Uh..Jeff, this is Wayne, as in Newton. We are going to be starting our Christmas rehearsals tonight after the show, and I'll expect you at the theatre around 10:30 or so. Okay? See ya there". I figured Wayne wanted me to come and see what they had planned for the Christmas show, and so I went to the station and picked up the gear I needed to tape an interview. When I arrived at the theatre Wayne looked at me and said,"Oh good, you made it. Theres your mike and theres your stool have a seat". I'm thinking, What?! My mike, my stool. Then I remembered that Wayne's previous bass singer would possibly have to leave the show, and I told Wayne if they needed someone to get through the Christmas season I would be more than happy and honored to fill the seat until they could find a replacement for him. The rehearsal was a blast, and getting to sing with Wayne was a dream come true. But it wasn't until after the rehearsal that I fully realized just what kind of person and what kind of friend Wayne Newton truly is. Wayne said to me, "Jeff, what is this I hear about your Mom"? Keep in mind here, I had just found out about it earlier that evening. All I said to him was, "Yes, its true". And he said, "How soon can she be on a plane to Houston"? I said, "Houston"? As it turned out Wayne was ready to get her to a specialist right away to see what they could do. Then he says, "Whats this I hear about Gina not having a job"? Dumb founded at this point I said, "Yes". And he said, "Tell her she can start here at the theatre on Monday". Well, all I wanted to do at that point was cry. I just couldn't believe this man was doing what he was doing. What reason did have to do it? None. None other than his personal commitment to those he calls his friends. Gina did not take the job he had offered as we found out later, there were no jobs available. He was just going to create one so she could get back to work and she didn't feel right in doing that after all he had already done for us. This is Wayne Newton. The real Wayne Newton.
A lot of time has passed since I first met Wayne Newton. Although it seems like just yesterday we met. A lot of great things have happened to me since then as well. He has given me full time employment with his organization. He was there every step of the way as we went through the loss of my mother. He allowed me to organize and produce his National Day Of Prayer event for the past three years. He has given me the opputunity and the freedom to do things I never thought that I could do. Designing his internet web site for example. He has given me time in his show, that he certainly does not need to do, and through this has presented me in front of the cameras of The Tonight Show and his movie "Vegas Vacation". On stage in front of royalty, heads of state and national leaders. Taken me to places all over this country on tour and enabled me to see things and places I had only dreamed of. I never thought I would see, the Golden Gate bridge, or New York City, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Washington D.C., Canada, Donald Trumps Mar-A-Lago, or Australia. But I have seen them now. I have been more places, done more things, and had more happen to me, all because of one man. One incredible person whom I have all the love and respect I can give for. A man I thank God everyday has become a part of my families lives. A man I could never repay for all he has done for me, but will die trying. That man is my friend, Wayne Newton. I love you Chief and my wish for you is that you are as happy and blessed as you have made me. May you have another 50 years of unstoppable success and all of Gods greatest blessings to You, Kat, Erin and Lauren!
YOU ARE VISITOR #
Since 09/01/99
Jeff Brandt Enterprises 2008
www.jeffbrandt.com is a division of Jeff Brandt Enterprises
All images and text within www.jeffbrandt.com are owned and held by Jeff Brandt Enterprises. Any use or reproduction of these
images and/or text is strictly prohibited without the expressed written consent of Jeff Brandt Enterprises.
Get your own Free Home Page