The native of Chicago joined the Musical Family in 1951, when they made their move out to Southern California and started out on local television. When the show made it's national debut on ABC in 1955, he played a nice sax solo of "Unchained Melody" on the pilot episode. Until his departure in 1965, he was a fan favorite with his skills at the saxophone, clarinet and flute.
Since, he has worked with stars such as Judy Garland, Barry Manilow, Ted Mack and has appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He and his wife Musa today make their home in Studio City, CA....and have a grown son, Scotty.
Once, while the Welk show was filmed live on location in Florida....he played two clarinets at the same time.....while water skiing! I would like to see footage of that.
Bill Paige was one of the best reed players Welk ever had. I missed him when he left. God Bless Bill,I hope you are doing well!!!
ReplyDeleteBill sold me his used Volkswagon Rabbit back in 1986 which served me pretty well for about 5 years. Really nice guy.
ReplyDeleteForget the fact that he played reed instruments great - boy, was he handsome back then!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBill came to Stevensville, MT in 1959 and played a concert with the Stevensville High School Band, directed by Mel Gaudin. My sister played the clarinet and I played the drums, and we were absolutely in awe of Mr. Page. We recorded the concert and pressed a record, which I still have. What a wonderful time we had!
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