Sights and Sounds of Los Angeles '79

Back in the 80s, Randy Newman said "I Love L.A." in song, but as we all know, the Champagne Music Makers did one better.....

They did a whole show about L.A. and here are some of the highlights!

Guy Hovis reign as Sheriff of Dodge City is clean, as you can tell by his clothes....

Bobby teaches Barbara how to fly.....

and the Good Ship Lollipop set sail that day for a three hour tour....

....a three hour tour.


SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF L.A. - March 31, 1979

1. CALIFORNIA, HERE I COME - Sherry, Sheila, Ralna, Gail, Mary Lou, Kathie, Guy, Jimmy, Ken, Larry, Joe 

2. ERES TU - Anacani
3. LAZY RIVER - the orchestra
4. CALIFORNIA DREAMING - Guy Hovis & Ralna English
5. L.A. IS - danced by Bobby Burgess & Barbara Boylan

6. SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES - Henry Cuesta on clarinet with orchestra
7. TIGER BY THE TAIL - Ava Barber with Bob Smale at the piano
8. HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD - danced by Arthur Duncan
9. RHINESTONE COWBOY - Guy Hovis
10. IT'S A SMALL WORLD - Myron Floren on accordion, danced by Lawrence & Mary Lou

11. THE NUTCRACKER SUITE - orchestra, danced by Lawrence & Mary Lou
12. HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN? - Kathie Sullivan
13. SAN FERNANDO VALLEY - Jimmy Roberts with Sandi Griffiths, Gail Farrell, Mary Lou Metzger
14. IF THEY COULD SEE ME NOW - Ken Delo
15. BE YOURSELF - sung and danced by Mary Lou Metzger, Jack Imel, Bobby Burgess, Barbara Boylan

16. MOON LOVE - Joe Feeney with Bob Ralston at the organ and Ernie Earhardt on cello
17. IN CALIFORNIA - Sheila and Sherry Aldridge with Roger and David Otwell (also on guitar)
18. RED SAILS IN THE SUNSET - Norma Zimmer
19. RUNNIN' WILD - Bob Lido (also on fiddle) with the Hotsy Totsy Boys with Bob Havens on trombone, Russ Klein on piccolo sax, Charlie Parlato on trumpet, Neil Levang on banjo, Richard Maloof on tuba and Jack Imel on drums and musical spoons

Another fine episode, and a tribute show that the residents of L.A. would be proud of....

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and avoid those traffic jams on the 405 freeway!

 

Sights and Sounds of Los Angeles '79

Easter Parade '79

Greetings everyone, hope you all had a pleasant Easter weekend!

As you can guess, the subject of last Saturday's Welk episode was Easter so put on your grey bonnet and lets go to the highlights!

Barbara Boylan pretends she's the Columbia Pictures logo.....

Neil Levang plays the guitar.....

.....and the Trio are playing with flowers.

EASTER PARADE - April 14, 1979

1. EASTER PARADE - Gail, Joe, Norma, Jimmy, Guy, Ralna, Sherry, Roger, Sheila, David, Mary Lou, Ken, Kathie, Larry, Anacani, Curt
2. ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE - the orchestra
3. HE TOUCHED ME - Tom Netherton
4. DO LORD - Sheila and Sherry Aldridge with Roger and David Otwell
5. THE LORD'S COURT - Myron Floren on accordion with orchestra

6. GIMMIE THAT OLD TIME RELIGION - Guy Hovis & Ralna English with Curt, Kathie, Ken, Mary Lou, Jimmy, Gail, Joe, Sherry

7. I'D LIKE TO TEACH THE WORLD TO SING - Anacani
8. A PRETTY GIRL IS LIKE A MELODY - danced by Bobby Burgess & Barbara Boylan
9. SPRING IS HERE - Kathie Sullivan
10. LOVE LIFTED ME - Henry Cuesta on clarinet with orchestra

11. MEDLEY OF SONGS FROM "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" - the orchestra
12. SUNRISE, SUNSET - Joe Feeney
13. THE OLD RUGGED CROSS - Norma Zimmer
14. THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S - the orchestra
15. TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS - Sandi Griffiths, Gail Farrell, Mary Lou Metzger

16. SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS - Bob Ralston at the piano
17. APRIL SHOWERS - Jimmy Roberts with Bob Smale at the piano
18. ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET - Ken Delo
19. PUT ON YOUR OLD GREY BONNET - danced by Arthur Duncan
20. MEDLEY OF HYMNS - entire cast with Bob Ralston at the organ and conducted by Bob Ballard

I really enjoyed the show, especially Sandi, Gail and Mary Lou's number. You can tell that the girls were really into it.

One thing about the wardrobe in the opening number "Easter Parade", I doubt that anyone dresses like that anymore, even in the 1970s.

Regardless of how anyone dresses, the spirit of Easter remains the same and that consists of family, friends, tradition and religion. I hope that never changes.

In the meantime, keep a song in your heart and don't get a tummy ache from biting the head off that chocolate bunny! 

Easter Parade '79

This Day in Welk History: Lawrence Welk Tops The Charts

It was exactly fifty years ago today on February 13, 1961 that one of the greatest milestones in Welk history took place.

The Maestro's instrumental version of Calcutta became the Number One song in America for the week according to the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.

And it played an important role in Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan getting on the show, where they became important members of the Musical Family.

And here's Bobby and Barbara from '61 dancing to Calcutta!

This Day in Welk History: Lawrence Welk Tops The Charts

Classic episodes: Viva Italia '76

Today, we'll look back at one of the most interesting and fun episodes in the history of the Lawrence Welk Show.

It's Viva Italia, the Bicentennial version!

And in this show, Tanya co-hosts with the Maestro!

VIVA ITALIA - December 11, 1976

1. THAT'S AMORE - Tanya with Kathie, Larry, Anacani, Arthur, Ava, Tom, Norma, Joe, Ken & Jamie Corey
2. CIRIBIRIBIN - Johnny Zell on trumpet
3. AMORE (MY LOVE) - Tom Netherton
4. MELODY OF LOVE - Joe Livoti on violin, danced by Lawrence and Barbara Boylan
5. THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN - Norma Zimmer
6. EH CUMPARI - Tanya Falan with Charlie Parlato (on trumpet), Bob Lido (on violin), Russ Klein on saxophone and Frank Morocco on accordion
 

 
7. ISLE OF CAPRI - Ken Delo with Bob Havens on trombone, Henry Cuesta on clarinet and Johnny Zell on trumpet
8. AMINA CORE - Anacani
9. TARENTELLA - Frank Morocco on accordion, danced by Tanya and Barbara and reprised by Lawrence and Tanya's grandmother
10. BIG NOISE FROM WINNETKA - Charlie Parlato on trumpet with sons Chris on drums and Dave on bass
11. SAY IT AGAIN - Ava Barber
12. COPPELIA - the orchestra

 
13. A GOLFING SEGMENT starring Lawrence, guest Laura and announcer Bob Warren
14. TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME TONIGHT - Kathie Sullivan
15. THEME FROM LA STRADA - orchestra featuring Johnny Zell on trumpet, Dave Edwards on saxophone and Joe Livoti on violin
16. CARNIVAL OF VENICE - danced by Arthur Duncan
17. ARRIVEDERCI ROMA - Joe Feeney with Bob Smale at piano
18. OH, HOW MY HEART BEATS TONIGHT WHILE WE'RE DANCING - The Semonski Sisters with Frank Morroco at the accordion, danced by Lawrence and Barbara
19. ADIOS, AU REVOIR, AUF WEIDERSHEN - Semonski Sisters, Norma, Joe, Tanya, Barbara, Ken, Kathie, Tom, Ava, Larry, Jamie, Anacani and Arthur

Notice that many of the regulars we're used to didn't appear on this episode?

For those keeping score, here's who were missing in action....

Guy Hovis
Ralna English
Myron Floren
Bobby Burgess
Cissy King
Gail Farrell
Sandi Griffiths
Mary Lou Metzger
Jimmy Roberts
Jack Imel

I'm guessing that they were all out on tour at the time....

Regardless, this episode featured a mix of familiar and new faces like Barbara Boylan (Bobby's first dance partner), talented accordionist Frank Morocco and family members like Tanya's grandma and Charlie Parlato's grown boys Dave and Chris, both whom are very talented musicians in their own right.

And knowing this episode would be different, the Maestro could not resist getting in a game of golf with that segment featuring his guest, a pretty lady named Laura.

This episode later resurfaced on the public television rotation twenty five years later in 2001 with Tanya hosting the wraparound segments.

 
And it was also Tanya playing first time host, where we Welk fans caught up with her since her days on the show.

I really enjoyed this episode, sometimes it doesn't hurt to stray from the normal routine and mix things up.

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and to brush up on my Italian, Ciao!

Classic episodes: Viva Italia '76

We have one of our former members in the studio audience tonight....

Here's Barbara Boylan and her kids David and Dee Dee with Myron Floren.

 

We have one of our former members in the studio audience tonight....

Can't Help Singing

Think your friends sing too much? Well, they can't help it.

This week's episode is Can't Help Singing, and here are some of the highlights!

Hal Roach hires the Lennon Sisters as his new Little Rascals....

Jack Imel sweeps Norma Zimmer off her feet....

.....and Charlie Parlato orders a pizza.

CAN'T HELP SINGING - November 12, 1966

1. LOOKING FOR LOVE (LOOKING FOR HAPPINESS) - Dee Dee, Janet, Norma, Barbara, Kathy, Jack, Jimmy, Arthur, Bobby and Larry
2. POOR BUTTERFLY - Bob Ralston at the piano
3. CUDDLE UP A LITTLE CLOSER - Natalie Nevins and Jimmy Roberts
4. SPANISH SAMBA - Myron Floren on the PAN accordion
5. JUST A LITTLE STREET WHERE OLD FRIENDS MEET - Kathy, Janet & Dee Dee Lennon with Barbara Boylan

   
6. WHEN MY BABY SMILES AT ME - the orchestra
7. I'M IN HIS CARE - The Blenders featuring Bob Duncan, Greg Dixon, Steve Smith and Paul Sjoland
8. INTERMEZZO - Joe Livoti on the violin and the string section
9. WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL - Bob Lido with Neil Levang on guitar
10. ROMANY LIFE - danced by Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan and sung by the Blenders

  
11. CAN'T HELP SINGING - Norma Zimmer
12. I KNOW WHEN I'M HAPPY - sung and danced by Arthur Duncan
13. MEDLEY OF SONGS FROM MARTHA - the orchestra
14. JUST LUCKY I GUESS - Bob Lido
15. SOFTLY, AS I LEAVE YOU - Joe Feeney with Frank Scott at the harpsichord

  
16. LULU'S BACK IN TOWN - Jo Ann Castle with Larry, Charlie, Bob (Lido), Jack, Aladdin, Bobby and Jimmy
17. BILL BAILEY - Jo Ann Castle at the honky tonk piano with sound effects by Jack Imel
18. MY TRULY TRULY FAIR - Dick Dale with vocals by Greg, Bob (Duncan), Steve, Paul, Barbara, Janet, Kathy and Dee Dee
19. WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN - the orchestra featuring Dick Cathcart on trumpet, Bob Havens on trombone and Johnny Klein on the drums
20. SOMEBODY ELSE IS TAKEN MY PLACE - Jimmy Roberts

  
You'll noticed in tonight's show that Barbara Boylan is filling in for Peggy Lennon as one of the Lennon Sisters. I'm guessing she could have been on maternity leave, but I doubt it as at the time of taping, her most recent child, Chris, was born February 27th and her next arrival, Joseph, would be born June 29, 1967.

It was nice seeing Bob Lido featured in plenty of numbers, his versatility as a musician and performer was really on display. 

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and if you still can't help singing.....Lulu will take care of that when she's back in town.

Can't Help Singing

Strike Up The Band

The year was 1964....

Beatlemania has struck the land as the British Invasion of American Music was in full force.

In the midst of all this, Lawrence Welk and his Music Makers carry on by striking up the band, which happens to be this week's episode.

Highlights from the classic black & white episode include....

....behind the scenes at a taping of Norwegian Bandstand

....the coal mines hiring zoo animals to replace striking miners

.....and the Maestro discussing the Designated Hitter rule with the Commissioner of Baseball Ford Frick.

STRIKE UP THE BAND - May 16, 1964

1. STRIKE UP THE BAND - the orchestra
2. MY WONDERFUL ONE - Norma Zimmer & Jimmy Roberts
3. THE BUNNY HUG, VALENTINO TANGO, LAMDEB WALK & THE TWIST - danced by Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan
4. THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING BIG - Bob Ralston at the piano
5. SNUGGLED ON YOUR SHOULDER (CUDDLED IN YOUR ARMS) - sung and danced by Dick Dale and Dee Dee Lennon

 
6. A BLUES SERENADE - the orchestra
7. SUGAR BLUES - Norman Bailey on trumpet
8. COTTON FIELDS - Larry Hooper with Buddy Merrill and Neil Levang on guitar
9. SLIPPED DISC - Jack Imel on the marimba and Mahlon Clark on clarinet

10. THE HAPPY NORWEGIAN - Myron Floren and Jo Ann Castle on accordion with Buddy Hayes on tuba, Johnny Klein on drums, Neil Levang on banjo and Buddy Merrill on guitar
11. I LOVE THEE - Norma Zimmer
12. JOHNNY OSLO SHADISH - danced by Bobby and Barbara with Myron and Jo Ann on accordion
13. MOCKINGBIRD HILL - Kathy, Janet, Dee Dee and Peggy Lennon
14. THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR THE SUNRISE - Charlotte Harris an her cello with flautists Orie Amodeo, Bill Page and Russ Klein

15. LITTLE GREY HOME IN THE WEST - Joe Feeney with Frank Scott at the piano
16. AMERICAN PATROL - Jo Ann Castle at the honky tonk piano with Johnny Klein at drums and Neil Levang at banjo
17. SIXTEEN TONS - sung and danced by Bobby Burgess, Jack Imel and Arthur Duncan
18. I AM THE UNITED STATES - spoken word recitation by Aladdin
19. THE NATIONAL EMBLEM MARCH - the orchestra

This was a delightful, timeless episode, and I am very impressed with how well the video quality has held up after forty six years since it was first recorded.

Also, this was an rare example of early videotaping that survived, considering that back in 1964 it was a new and expensive way of recording. It was not uncommon for networks to tape over, or wipe programs in order to save money. Supposedly, producers and executives did not have the foresight to archive television programs which meant some episodes or even entire television series were lost forever.

However, Lawrence saw the value of preserving episodes of his show, and we are all thankful for his decision to this day.

There were many milestones in this week's show. It marked Dee Dee Lennon's return to the show after a four year hiatus of raising her family. This was also one of the first episodes that Arthur Duncan appeared as a regular member of the cast after guesting many times. And it was also great to see Ford Frick, who at the time was Commissioner of Major League Baseball attending the show as a member of the studio audience.

I wonder if the Maestro was pleading on Roger Maris' behalf of granting him true ownership of baseball's single season home rum record?

Anyway, until the next new episode comes along....keep a song in your heart and learn how to hit those tricky curveballs!

Strike Up The Band

Shall We Dance?

If you ask that question, prepare yourself for the answer.

From 1967, here's Myron Floren on his reliable PAN accordion playing that polka. It starts off with Lawrence dancing with Barbara Boylan, but soon enough all hell breaks loose!

Shall We Dance?

The Lennon Sisters....as Hal Roach's Little Rascals

Now lets meet Our Gang of pretty girls....

Kathy Lennon as Froggy

Janet Lennon as Scotty

Dianne Lennon as Spanky

.....and what's this? Barbara Boylan?!

I'm guessing Barbara is starring as Butch.

And where you may ask is Peggy Lennon? I'm guessing she's either Miss Crabtree or Robert F. McGowan (director of the Our Gang shorts)

The Lennon Sisters....as Hal Roach's Little Rascals