Showing posts with label obituary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obituary. Show all posts
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
James Hobson (1922-2013)
Last April, the longtime producer and director of the Lawrence Welk Show, James Hobson passed away at the age of 90.
From the very beginning on July 2, 1955 as a director until its conclusion in 1982, Jim was part of the Welk Show with his impeccable behind the scenes production that gave the program that added sparkle of champagne.
Rest In Peace Jim. Here's a reprint of his obituary (edited to remove dated references) from the Los Angeles Times.
James Hobson was born on December 30, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois to John Surtees Hobson Sr. and Mary Ellen Jones.
James attended public school and later St. John's Military Academy and Purdue University. Drafted into the army in 1943. He was assigned to the 397th Field Artillery in France, Italy and Germany and was awarded the Bronze Star for stopping an artillery barrage. He also attended Signal Corps Motion Picture School in London and was discharged in 1946.
In that same year, he attended the Pasadena Playhouse where he met Elsie Holmes, a talented and successful actress in stage and movies from Yazoo City, Mississippi. They married in 1950.
James began his career as a cameraman for Channel 13, KLAC TV in 1949. He made the transition to producer director in 1952 with "The Liberace Show". He became director of "The Lawrence Welk Show" in 1955 and in 1962 became the producer/director of the Welk show until his retirement in 1986.
After Elsie Hobson died in 2001, James met actress, singer and writer Ashley Aarons. In 2005, they founded " Coffee Dog Productions" and he produced a catalogue of songs and a musical in pre-production entitled, "Dance Myself Free". His hobbies included building a "Rogallo Wing Hang Glider", sailing and collecting model airplane engines.
James Hobson died in his wife's arms in Santa Monica on April 26, 2013. Services was held on Thursday, May 23rd at the Old North Church in Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, CA.
From the very beginning on July 2, 1955 as a director until its conclusion in 1982, Jim was part of the Welk Show with his impeccable behind the scenes production that gave the program that added sparkle of champagne.
Rest In Peace Jim. Here's a reprint of his obituary (edited to remove dated references) from the Los Angeles Times.
James Hobson was born on December 30, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois to John Surtees Hobson Sr. and Mary Ellen Jones.
James attended public school and later St. John's Military Academy and Purdue University. Drafted into the army in 1943. He was assigned to the 397th Field Artillery in France, Italy and Germany and was awarded the Bronze Star for stopping an artillery barrage. He also attended Signal Corps Motion Picture School in London and was discharged in 1946.
In that same year, he attended the Pasadena Playhouse where he met Elsie Holmes, a talented and successful actress in stage and movies from Yazoo City, Mississippi. They married in 1950.
James began his career as a cameraman for Channel 13, KLAC TV in 1949. He made the transition to producer director in 1952 with "The Liberace Show". He became director of "The Lawrence Welk Show" in 1955 and in 1962 became the producer/director of the Welk show until his retirement in 1986.
After Elsie Hobson died in 2001, James met actress, singer and writer Ashley Aarons. In 2005, they founded " Coffee Dog Productions" and he produced a catalogue of songs and a musical in pre-production entitled, "Dance Myself Free". His hobbies included building a "Rogallo Wing Hang Glider", sailing and collecting model airplane engines.
James Hobson died in his wife's arms in Santa Monica on April 26, 2013. Services was held on Thursday, May 23rd at the Old North Church in Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, CA.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
R.I.P Warren Luening (1941-2012)
It is with heavy hearts that the world lost another fine musician. Warren Luening, who played trumpet for the Welk Orchestra from 1958 to 1960, passed away due to complications from cancer this past Sunday.
Here is his obituary from All About Jazz.
WARREN LUENING, RENOWNED STUDIO TRUMPETER DIES
Here is his obituary from All About Jazz.
WARREN LUENING, RENOWNED STUDIO TRUMPETER DIES
Friday, May 13, 2011
A Toast To Our Champagne Lady
In the last few days, the newspaper and media coverage of Norma Zimmer's passing has been fast and furious.
There has been many obituaries and tributes published, but 90% of them are basically reprints from the AP wire service.
However there are exceptions of course, here below is a sweet, lovely and well written original piece by Jonathon Pinkerton which in my opinion gives the best tribute of them all....
LAWRENCE WELK'S CHAMPAGNE LADY: A TOAST TO HER CAREER courtesy of Examiner.com
There has been many obituaries and tributes published, but 90% of them are basically reprints from the AP wire service.
However there are exceptions of course, here below is a sweet, lovely and well written original piece by Jonathon Pinkerton which in my opinion gives the best tribute of them all....
LAWRENCE WELK'S CHAMPAGNE LADY: A TOAST TO HER CAREER courtesy of Examiner.com
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Norma Zimmer obituares
The written tributes are coming in paper by paper.....
The first one comes from Rita Sherrow of the TULSA WORLD
Another fine tribute comes courtesy of Lynn Elber from the SACRAMENTO BEE.
Finally, here's her profile from legacy.com where you can send your condolences.
The first one comes from Rita Sherrow of the TULSA WORLD
Another fine tribute comes courtesy of Lynn Elber from the SACRAMENTO BEE.
Finally, here's her profile from legacy.com where you can send your condolences.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
R.I.P Norma Zimmer (1923-2011)
I found out last night over on Facebook that Champagne Lady Norma Zimmer has passed away yesterday.
She was as Lawrence Welk described, one of the most beautiful women in television, and she was both inside and out.
I will pass along more information as soon it becomes available.
She will be missed.
She was as Lawrence Welk described, one of the most beautiful women in television, and she was both inside and out.
I will pass along more information as soon it becomes available.
She will be missed.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Bob Smale's obituary at the Los Angeles Times
For those who just started reading this blog, one of the famed Music Makers, pianist and arranger Bob Smale passed away last November at the age of 79.
His obituary is now online at the LA Times, you can go there to read it, leave your condolences and watch a well done and moving memorial video put together by his daughter Margaret.
His obituary is now online at the LA Times, you can go there to read it, leave your condolences and watch a well done and moving memorial video put together by his daughter Margaret.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
R.I.P Bob Smale (1931-2010)
I just heard today from my friends Mark and Judy that the talented pianist and arranger from the Welk Orchestra Bob Smale passed away yesterday.
We at Welk Musical Family.com send our condolences to the Smale family and the Champagne Music Makers.
In his memory, we bring you Bob playing his version of Chopsticks from the 1972 episode "Childhood Memories"
We at Welk Musical Family.com send our condolences to the Smale family and the Champagne Music Makers.
In his memory, we bring you Bob playing his version of Chopsticks from the 1972 episode "Childhood Memories"
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Natalie Nevins sings Maria
First off, there's another new obit about Natalie from the Philadlephia Inquirer and this one offers more details about her life
NATALIE NEVINS, 85, A WELK SINGER
To continue our salute to this talented songbird, here's a number that best demonstrates her pitch-perfect singing voice. It's the song "Maria" from the show "The Sound of Music" sung on the Welk Show in 1967.
NATALIE NEVINS, 85, A WELK SINGER
To continue our salute to this talented songbird, here's a number that best demonstrates her pitch-perfect singing voice. It's the song "Maria" from the show "The Sound of Music" sung on the Welk Show in 1967.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
R.I.P Natalie Nevins
It's with deep hearts and great sadness to inform all you Welk fans that Music Maker Natalie Nevins has passed away last Monday...
From 1965 to 1969, Natalie's was a very popular member of the Musical Family, both with her colleagues as well as television and concert audiences. She also was a natural when it came to playing reed instruments like the flute and the piccolo, but it was her pure and elegant singing....whether as a soloist or in duets with Jimmy Roberts or Joe Feeney that we remember her the most.
Our prayers go out to her family at this time.
Here are her written obituaries, both from the Philadelphia area where she was born and raised and lived in until recently.
PHILLY BURBS.COM: NATALIE NEVINS
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: NATALIE NEVINS
From 1965 to 1969, Natalie's was a very popular member of the Musical Family, both with her colleagues as well as television and concert audiences. She also was a natural when it came to playing reed instruments like the flute and the piccolo, but it was her pure and elegant singing....whether as a soloist or in duets with Jimmy Roberts or Joe Feeney that we remember her the most.
Our prayers go out to her family at this time.
Here are her written obituaries, both from the Philadelphia area where she was born and raised and lived in until recently.
PHILLY BURBS.COM: NATALIE NEVINS
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: NATALIE NEVINS
Friday, March 05, 2010
R.I.P Big Tiny Little (1930-2010)
Heaven will now be filled with the sounds of ragtime, it is with deep hearts and sadness that Big Tiny Little has passed on Wednesday.
The native of Worthington, Minnesota has had a productive career in music, beginning at age five in which he recorded several albums and played at President Reagan's inaugural ball in 1985 as well as being a popular member of Lawrence Welk's orchestra
Tiny Little's hometown paper, the Worthington Daily Globe has a detailed obituary on his wunnerful, wunnerful life.
The native of Worthington, Minnesota has had a productive career in music, beginning at age five in which he recorded several albums and played at President Reagan's inaugural ball in 1985 as well as being a popular member of Lawrence Welk's orchestra
Tiny Little's hometown paper, the Worthington Daily Globe has a detailed obituary on his wunnerful, wunnerful life.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
R.I.P Jayne Walton (1917-2010)
Jayne Walton (Rosen), Lawrence Welk's Champagne Lady from 1940 to 1945 has passed away last Sunday.
As Champagne Lady during the years America fought in World War II, she was known for haunting renditions of Spanish tunes....her most popular number was "Marie Elena".
Here's Jayne in 2000 at the Milestones and Memories reunion show
Her obituary is online at SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS
You can view and sign messages of condolences at her Legacy.com Guestbook
As Champagne Lady during the years America fought in World War II, she was known for haunting renditions of Spanish tunes....her most popular number was "Marie Elena".
Here's Jayne in 2000 at the Milestones and Memories reunion show
Her obituary is online at SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS
You can view and sign messages of condolences at her Legacy.com Guestbook
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Molly Bee 1939-2009
You may have heard of her from such as work as "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and as a frequent guest on Tennessee Ernie Ford's television show.
We, the Lawrence Welk fans, knew that Molly appeared on the Maestro's show on September 12, 1959....the opening show of the 1959-60 season, as a guest Champagne Lady.
She passed away last Saturday at her home in Oceanside, CA from stroke complications, here's a link to her obit from the Tennessean newspaper.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Bernie Mac passes on
I know what you're thinking, what does comedian Bernie Mac has to do with Lawrence Welk?
To answer your question, he does have at least one Welk connection, granted he never appeared on the show itself (his comedy is not the Maestro's "Cup of Dish")...one of members of the musical family, Mary Lou Metzger, guest starred on "The Bernie Mac Show" a few years back in the episode "Fantasy Football" where she played a nun.
I'm guessing that many of you may have saw that episode....
Anyway, Bernie Mac died earlier today from pneumonia at age 50....that's the same illness Mr. Welk passed away from back in 1992.
Right now, heaven has a new comic, laughing until it hurts.
Monday, April 21, 2008
North County Times article on Joe Feeney
Here's a nice story about Joe, it has alot of stuff about him that you might not have known already.
REMEBERING JOE FEENEY: NORTH COUNTY TIMES
REMEBERING JOE FEENEY: NORTH COUNTY TIMES
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Joe Feeney (1931-2008)
Very sad news here today in the Wide World of Welk, according to his family...Irish tenor Joe Feeney passed away yesterday.
The following is from San Diego's Channel 10 news, CLICK HERE to read the news bulletin.
The following is from San Diego's Channel 10 news, CLICK HERE to read the news bulletin.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Mahlon Clark: 1923-2007
Sad news, found out from the Los Angeles Times obituary section that clarinet player Mahlon Clark has passed away on September 20th.
While most of us remember him as a member of the Maestro's reed section, and who also married Kathy Lennon, Mahlon was known as a very talented musician who performed on many movie soundtracks for Paramount Studios and movies such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Dick Tracy."
He also played for many artists as diverse from Frank Sinatra to Madonna.
Also, he was active with rights of his fellow musicians as a member of the Musicians Guild of America whom he served on the union's board.
Mahlon was 84 years old and living in Van Nuys, CA. He is survived by two daughters, a son and four grandchildren.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
A Musical Salute to Charlie
Here's a nice memory of Charlie Parlato, performing with his sons David and Christopher in the number, "Big Noise From Winnetka" from the 1976 "Italian Special" episode.
Here is Charlie's obituary from Northwest Indiana.com....you can read all about and pay your respects as well.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Charlie Parlato: 1919-2007
I received sad news from the Yahoo! Welknotes group I belong to that trumpet player/vocalist Charlie Parlato passed on last Saturday.A native of Fredonia, New York, Charlie was a member of the Music Makers from 1962 to 1982, who joined Lawrence from Kay Kyser's band. We all remember him as an excellent trumpet player, a fine singer, a great comic and most of all...a wunnerful man with a wunnerful family.
His memorial mass will be held in Westlake Village, CA on September 15th, you can send a card of condolences to his widow Margaret and his family at
MARGARET PARLATO
c/o WELK GROUP
2700 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
SANTA MONICA, CA 90404
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Salute to Nashville
Before I begin, I just heard this morning that entertainer-musician-game show genius Merv Griffin had died from prostate cancer. He gave us great game shows such as Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy! plus was a nifty talk show host and on many occasions had interviewed Lawrence Welk and the Lennon Sisters as well. I also knew that he and Ralna English were friends as well, as both worked for the charity Childhelp USA.
He will be missed by all, including this blogmaster.
Now on with this week's show, it's a 1977 Salute to Nashville which aired on WBGU, while WGTE aired "Precious Memories" for the 900 billionth time.
Here's a few highlights, the gang with "Take Me Home, Country Roads" for the opening number.
He will be missed by all, including this blogmaster.
Now on with this week's show, it's a 1977 Salute to Nashville which aired on WBGU, while WGTE aired "Precious Memories" for the 900 billionth time.
Here's a few highlights, the gang with "Take Me Home, Country Roads" for the opening number.
And here's Ava with her cowpokes singing, "Waiting At The End Of Your Run."
How about a little "Bonaparte's Retreat" with Arthur Duncan and Tanya Falan?
And here's Ken doing a little "Walkin' The Floor Over You" with Sandi Griffiths...
Until next week, good wishes and keep a song in your heart!
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