Sunday, July 06, 2008

California '68

This week, we got a brand new episode courtesy of our public television stations. It's the Music Maker's salute to California which originally aired back in June 1, 1968 on ABC. Here are some of the highlights from that particular show.

The gang opens things up at Knott's Berry Farm with "California, Here I Come".

Next, we have Dick Dale joined by his fellow cowpokes for "San Fernando Valley".....

And here's Andra Willis of Danville, Virigina singing "Besame Mucho", the Spanish-speaking version that is...

This is not a scene from an episode of "CHiPs", it's Sandi & Sally singing "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" while Officer Bob Ralston writes them a ticket.

Other fine numbers in the show include, "Talk To The Animals" by Larry Hooper, "A Spoonful Of Sugar" by Myron Floren and his PAN accordion, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" by Jimmy Roberts and Natalie Nevins with "When The Swallows Come Back to Capistrano".

This was a great show, everyone was on top of their game....and did the Golden State very proud!

And being interviewed this week by Mary Lou is Margaret Heron, head of Welk Syndication and Gatekeeper to the Stars (of the Musical Family). She talked about her years working for the Welk organization and quite a few nice stories about the Maestro and the Music Makers. From a personal standpoint, she's a huge help for this blogmeister...answering some of my questions about the Musical Family and providing fun facts about the show among many things.

Thanks Margaret! On behalf of myself, Welk Musical Family and all the fans everywhere salute you.

Until next week, take care now.


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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the pics of the Hail to California show. I watched it the other evening, and was trying to identify one of the male singers. He shows up in the opening number at Knott's Berry Farm, directly beneath the Saddle Shop sign. Tall, sandy haired, third from the left of the picture. Thought his name was Steve Schmidt (sp), but can't find any reference to him. Do you know his name? Thanks.

topredbull@aol.com

jbfunky said...

His name is Steve Smith