The Las Vegas Sun reports that the chronically financially troubled  former entertainer, Wayne Newton is attempting to make his home (which has a rural designation) into a museum and dinner theater and wedding chapel. The creators seem to be bandying the term “Graceland West.” Of course, Newton fans are neither as numerous nor as dedicated as Elvis Presley fans.

The project seems to be being bankrolled by Texas money, specifically, a Steve L. Kennedy of Blanco, Texas. The poor rich guy apparently has a deluded notion of Newton’s stature and appeal. His goal, according to the Sun, is to resurrect Newton’s career to “back where it should be.” Kennedy thinks he has found a soul mate in Newton, a “special bond.” And, Newton for his part, has conveniently found access to much needed millions of dollars  via this profound bond.

But Newton’s longevity and tenacity for holding the spotlight have already resulted in a career that long ago eclipsed his modest talents. Newton’s voice is so wretched and wrecked that hearing him perform has been painful for years and years as he has bounced from casino-to-casino, each resort trying to wring the last $ out of “Mr. Las Vegas’s” dwindling audience. If there was money to be made on Wayne Newton still you can be sure a casino would be doing that.

This Newton Museum idea appears to be a star struck fan’s expensive delusion that Wayne Newton is as popular as Lady Gaga. Not happening. Sometimes if you build it they still won’t come. (photo: Sarah Gerke)