Saturday, July 07, 2007

George Cates

And now, let's meet Lawrence Welk's talented musical supervisor George Cates!

Born and raised in New York City, George first joined the Champagne Music Makers in 1951 as his musical supervisor after working with the comedy team of Olsen and Johnson in the musical revue Hellzapoppin and working as both an arranger and saxophone player for several bands.

Before 1973, he was seldom seen on camera...working behind the scenes on the band's musicial numbers and recordings as well. That all changed that same year when the Maestro encouraged George to conduct the orchestra on camera, where viewers got to know him....and love him for his personality and wunnerful musical arrangements.

Did you know that the show's theme song "Champagne Time" was written and arranged by George?

He passed on in May 2002, at the ripe old age of 90....but his life was filled with so much music and happiness!


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