Salute to Harry Warren '72

Happy Fourth of July Week everyone!

Like I promised, I bring you the Salute To Harry Warren episode from 1972, which aired two weeks ago on your local public television station.

Highlights from the show include......

Ken Delo goes to Wal-Mart.....

Gail and Dale waiting for the evening train.....

....and Lulu's back in town. Happy, happy, joy, joy.


MUSIC OF HARRY WARREN - October 7, 1972

1. LULLABY OF BROADWAY - Joe, Tanya, Dick, Gail, Bobby, Cissy, Jimmy, Norma, Ken and Mary Lou
2. WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE A WALK? - Guy Hovis and Ralna English
3. CHEERFUL LITTLE EARFUL - the orchestra
4. I FOUND A MILLION DOLLAR BABY (IN A FIVE-AND-TEN CENT STORE) - Ken Delo
5. THE KISS POLKA - Myron Floren on accordion

6. I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU - Norma Zimmer
7. 42nd STREET - danced by Bobby Burgess and Cissy King
8. SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN - Bob Ralston on piano
9. I LOVE MY BABY (MY BABY LOVES ME) - Jimmy Roberts
10. THE SHADOW WALTZ - the orchestra with Lawrence dancing with Cissy King

11. YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A BEAUTIFUL BABY - Tanya Falan
12. SHUFFLE OFF TO BUFFALO - the orchestra
13. CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO - Clay Hart
14. THE MORE I SEE YOU - Joe Feeney with Bob Ralston on piano
15. WITH PLENTY OF MONEY AND YOU - danced by Arthur Duncan

16. YOU'LL NEVER KNOW - Ralna English
17. JEEPERS CREEPERS - Bob Lido (also on violin) with Bob Smale at piano
18. REMEMBER ME? - Gail Farrell and Dick Dale
19. ON THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND THE SANTA FE - Sandi Griffiths and Sally Flynn with Guy, Arthur, Ralna, Cissy, Tanya, Clay, Norma and Jimmy
20. LULU'S BACK IN TOWN - sung and danced by Jack Imel, Bobby Burgess, Mary Lou Metzger with Joe Feeney, Ken Delo, Bob Ralston and Charlie Parlato

A terrific episode all around, very easy on the eyes and the ears too!

Plus the fact that Sandi and Sally wore mini skirts and go-go boots helped as well.

  
Sitting in the audience for tonight's show was Ralna's parents, you can tell that they were mighty proud of their daughter. Especially when she sang "You'll Never Know" in the solo spot with passion, gusto and heart.

  
And Harry Warren himself was also in the audience, he also had to be very proud of the Music Makers saluting his work.

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and if you shuffle off to Buffalo, avoid the rush hour traffic on the New York Thruway.  

Salute to Harry Warren '72

My Blue Heaven

The past few weeks since my trip to Lancaster have been a whirlwind, and there has been two new episodes that have been aired during that time. So I apologize if I haven't provided listings for them.

Today, here's the first one, My Blue Heaven from 1964, which aired during the weekend of June 16 to the 17th.

Highlights from the episode include......

......Dick Dale sitting under the apple tree.

......Janet Lennon having her cake and eating it too.

.....and Arthur Duncan running up the stairs.


MY BLUE HEAVEN - June 13, 1964

1. MY BLUE HEAVEN - featuring Lawrence Welk and Myron Floren on the accordion with the orchestra
2. I WON'T DANCE/CHEEK TO CHEEK - sung and danced by Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan
3. MORE - Dee Dee, Peggy, Kathy and Janet Lennon
4. JOSEPHINE - the orchestra
5. GALWAY BAY - Joe Feeney

  
6. HELLO DOLLY - Jo Ann Castle at the ragtime piano
7. I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO - Jimmy Roberts
8. CINDY - Dick Dale with the Lennon Sisters
9. SUNRISE SERENADE - Bob Ralston at the piano
10. DOIN' THE NEW LOW DOWN - sung and danced by Arthur Duncan

11. DOES YOUR HEART BEAT FOR ME? - orchestra featuring Pete Lofthouse on trombone
12. ONE FINE DAY - Norma Zimmer
13. TIK-A-TEE, TIK-A-TAY - Myron Floren and Jo Ann Castle on accordion, with Janet Lennon on coconuts
14. HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Janet's 18th birthday) - the orchestra and the entire cast
15. OH HAPPY DAY - Larry Hooper

16. HE - The Lennon Sisters
17. DON'T LET THE STARS GET IN YOUR EYES - Jimmy Wakely with Buddy Merrill on guitar and Bobby Bruce on violin
18. FLAG OF THE FREE - recited by Aladdin
19. YOU'RE A GRAND OLD FLAG - Janet, Dick, Kathy, Larry, Norma, Jimmy, Peggy, Arthur, Barbara and Bobby
20. THE PRESIDENT KENNEDY MARCH - the orchestra

I always enjoyed watching the old black and white episodes, gives me a chance to see some the musicians from that era in action. This week it was guys like Jimmy Wakely singing his version of "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" with Buddy Merrill at guitar and the talented Bobby Bruce at the violin.

Also, Pete Lofthouse got shine with his trombone solo. But what was more fascinating is that afterwards, a fella from the audience also did his trombone solo, without the actual instrument!

You never know where you can find talent.

Sometime this week, I should have the listings up for 1972's Salute to Harry Warren so watch out for that.

In the meantime, keep a song in your heart and stay cool from this summer heat!

My Blue Heaven

Lawrence Welk on the Radio!

As someone who is in radio myself, what I am hearing these days they call entertainment is well....crap.

Thankfully, there is relief thanks to the internet and the words up from my buddy Peter.

Just visit Lawrence Welk Radio at Live365.com for 24/7 Champagne Music, it will keep a song in your heart and your car stereo happy!

Oh, and you're welcome.

Lawrence Welk on the Radio!

Home from Lancaster, with pictures and all

Well, I am back home, tired just like any traveler.

But it was worth as I had fun, fun, fun. As in Welk Stars in concert fun.

That's me with the lovely Anacani. There's more of that where it came from!

In addition to Anacani, Guy & Ralna, Ken Delo and Mary Lou Metzger sang and dance on stage, to the delight of yours truly, my friends at Welknotes and the fans at the American Music Theater on Father's Day.

And I just made an album on the webpage, just click on the picture below to view them!

 

Home from Lancaster, with pictures and all

Cissy is "Singing In The Rain"

If you want to know what Cissy King has been up to these days, here's the scoop! She's appearing in Albuquerque Little Theater's production of "Singing In The Rain" which is running through this weekend. 

If you're anywhere near ABQ or anywhere in New Mexico, come see the show, I hear it is terrific! Here's Cissy on the local lifestyle show "New Mexico Style" on KASA-TV where she talks about the show and share memories of dancing on the Welk Show.

 

Cissy King is "Singin' in the Rain": kasa.com

Cissy is "Singing In The Rain"

Lawrence Welk Memes!

Hope you all are having a safe and blessed Memorial Day weekend so far.

I noticed in the internet pop culture that memes have been popular, especially using celebrities, politicians and pop culture icons like Willy Wonka have been popular.

So, I decided to make some of my own, using Lawrence Welk of course, because if I don't do it, someone else will.

 

Lawrence Welk Memes!

Salute to Cole Porter

Once again, it's time for another d'lighftul episode of the Lawrence Welk Show and featured last Saturday was a musical salute to the works of Cole Porter.

So without delay, let's go to the d'lovely highlights!

 Tanya rubs a fella's head for good luck.....

Upon noticing her ring, Bobby Burgess realizes that Cissy King went to Jared....

.....and Clay Hart gets fenced in.


SALUTE TO COLE PORTER - October 27, 1973

1. WUNDERBAR - Anacani, Joe, Norma, Jimmy, Mary Lou, Ken, Gail, Clay,Bobby & Cissy (also dancing)
2. TRUE LOVE - Guy Hovis & Ralna English
3. NIGHT AND DAY – the orchestra
4. THE CONTINENTIAL - danced by Bobby Burgess & Cissy King
5.YOU DO SOMETHING TO ME - Tanya Falan

 

6. BEGIN THE BEGUINE -Henry Cuesta on clarinet with orchestra
7. IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT - Norma Zimmer
8. JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS - danced by Arthur Duncan
9. I LOVE YOU - Joe Feeney with Bob Ralston at the piano
10. I LOVE PARIS - Sandi Griffiths with Tanya, Anacani, Norma, Ralna, Gail, Mary Lou

 

11. I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU - orchestra
12. YOU'D BE SO NICE TO COME HOME TO - Ken Delo
13. IT'S D'LOVELY - Myron Floren on accordion with Norma, Ralna, Anacani, Mary Lou, Sandi, Gail, Tanya, Cissy
14. ANYTHING GOES - Bob Ralston and Larry Hooper at the piano

15. MY HEART BELONGS TO DADDY - Anacani & Tanya Falan
16. EASY TO LOVE – the orchestra
17. ROSALIE - Jimmy Roberts with the saxophone section
18. DON'T FENCE ME IN - Clay Hart with Ralna, Anacani, Gail, Cissy, Sandi, Norma, Mary Lou, Tanya, Joe, Ken, Guy, Bobby, Arthur, Larry

A d'lecteable episode if I must say so. And Myron Floren looks like he's having lots of fun!

If you may have noticed during the show, there's a new guy in the band. To the right of Charlie Parlato is Laroon Holt, sporting a mustache! He would go on to be a mainstay of the orchestra for the next nine years with his talents playing the trumpet.

So, until next time, keep a song in your heart and don't get fenced in!

Salute to Cole Porter

Mother's Day '56

Hope everyone had a pleasant Mother's Day weekend, the featured Lawrence Welk episode is a classic Silver Champagne Special from 1956!

Here are some of the highlights!

Aladdin goes to his secret stash.....

Alice Lon is shocked.....

......and Rocky Rockwell lives the lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

MOTHER'S DAY SHOW - May 12, 1956

1. I WANT A GIRL (JUST LIKE THE GIRL THAT MARRIED DEAR OLD DAD) - the orchestra
2. I GOT LOST IN HIS ARMS - Alice Lon
3. MELODY IN F (WELCOME SWEET SPRINGTIME) - the orchestra
4. PAL OF MY CRADLE DAYS - Jimmy Roberts
5. SATURDAY NIGHT WALTZ - Myron Floren on accordion

6. BLUE SUEDE SHOES - Buddy Merrill on guitar
7. KENTUCKY BABE - Kathy, Dee Dee, Peggy and Janet Lennon
8. MORITAT (MACK THE KNIFE) - Jerry Burke and Larry Hooper on piano
9. MY GRANDFATHER'S CLOCK - Larry Hooper
10. BALLIN' THE JACK - the orchestra

11. CHIHUAHUA POLKA - orchestra danced by Lawrence and Alice Lon
12. CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART - Larry Dean
13. MEDLEY: BYE BYE BLACKBIRD/BILL BAILEY/I'M LOOKING OVER A FOUR LEAF CLOVER - Big Tiny Little on honky tonk piano
14. SHIFTING WHISPERING SANDS - Aladdin with the Lennon Sisters
15. ROCK ISLAND LINE - Bob Lido

16. WHEN YOUR HAIR TURNED TO SILVER - Dick Kesner, Bob Lido and Aladdin on violin
17. I'VE GOT THE WORLD ON A STRING - guest Donna Bailey with husband Norman Bailey on trumpet
18. MEDLEY: THAT WONDERFUL MOTHER OF MINE/LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART - Lawrence Welk at the organ
19. THE BIRDS AND THE BEES - Alice Lon with Buddy Hayes
20. WHEN I TAKE MY SUGAR TO TEA - Rocky Rockwell with comedy assist by Curt Ramsey
21. CHICAGO - the orchestra

Those classic black & white episodes are always a delight to watch, especially when the musicians in the band have a chance to exhibit their individual talents.

Like Buddy Hayes, who played tuba and bass in the band, gets to sing here with Champagne Lady Alice Lon.

Also, the family members of the Music Makers get to take part, like when trumpet player Norman Bailey had his wife Donna join him in the song, "I Got The World On A String."

There is plenty of talent here going on, and it seems an injustice that only a hour can be allotted for it to be showcased.

 
So until next time, Goodnight Ladies, Farewell Gentlemen and don't forget to keep a song in your heart!

Mother's Day '56

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