Wayne Newton, also known as Mr. Las Vegas, recently recorded a song titled “This Is America” in honor of President Ronald Reagan. Reagan was a dear friend of Newton’s, and the inspiration for the song came after Newton viewed a rough cut of the hit biopic “Reagan,” starring Dennis Quaid. The 82-year-old crooner found himself moved to tears while watching the film and wanted to contribute to the project in any way he could. Newton described Reagan as a genuine and kind person who truly believed in what he stood for.
Producer Mark Joseph, the founder and CEO of MJM Entertainment Group, revealed that “This Is America” was inspired by Ronald Reagan’s own words. The song includes phrases that Reagan used to say, giving it a nostalgic feel that connects the era of Reagan to the present day. Joseph explained that the song will be featured on two albums being released by Curb Records – one with songs used in the film and another with songs inspired by the movie. Newton’s contribution is the second-to-last track on the “inspired by” collection.
Newton has been performing in Las Vegas for over six decades and shows no signs of slowing down. He recently signed on for another year of residency at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, where he has been performing since he was 15 years old. Despite his lengthy career, Newton has no plans to retire unless his voice gives way and he can no longer give his audience the kind of show they deserve. His passion for performing and entertaining has kept him going all these years, and he intends to continue delighting audiences with his music for as long as he is able.
During the recording session for “This Is America,” Newton was joined by his wife, attorney Kathleen McCrone, as well as a producer and an engineer. He poured his heart out into the vocals, expressing his admiration for Reagan and the impact he had on his life. Newton shared that he first met Reagan when the former president was running for governor of California, and he supported him during both of his presidential campaigns. Their friendship grew over the years, and Newton felt compelled to pay tribute to him through music.
The song “This Is America” is a celebration of what Reagan stood for – genuine kindness, honesty, and a desire to see happiness on people’s faces again. Reagan’s belief in bringing joy and positivity to the country is reflected in the lyrics of the song, which draw from his own speeches and statements. Newton’s deep connection to Reagan and his admiration for his principles shine through in his performance, capturing the spirit of the former president in a heartfelt and moving tribute.
As part of the production for “Reagan,” Newton’s recording of “This Is America” will be featured prominently in the accompanying albums, showcasing his talent and his dedication to honoring Reagan’s legacy. The song represents more than just a musical tribute; it is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and admiration for a dear friend and an inspirational leader. By lending his voice to this project, Newton hopes to keep Reagan’s memory alive and remind others of the values he embodied during his time in office.