April Showers '67

Hope your spring is in bloom, and just like the flowers in the garden, the Musical Family is in bloom with this Springtime episode from '67.

And here are the highlights.....

The Lennon Sisters sing the praises of DDT.....

Barbara and Bobby play Bavarian Pattycake....

......and Larry Hooper listens to Howard Stern on the radio.

APRIL SHOWERS - April 15, 1967

1. APRIL SHOWERS - Kathy, Steve, Natalie, Jimmy, Barbara, Bobby, Dee Dee, Jack with Bob Havens on trombone, Mahlon Clark on clarinet and Dick Cathcart on trumpet
2. WISH ME A RAINBOW - the orchestra with Frank Scott on harpsichord, Bob Ralston on the calvietta and Orie Amodeo on flute
3. LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING - Norma Zimmer and Jimmy Roberts
4. STORMY WEATHER - Bob Ralston at the piano
5. CHERRY BLOSSOM LANE - Janet, Dee Dee, Kathy and Peggy Lennon

   
6. SINGING IN THE RAIN - sung and danced by Bobby Burgess, Arthur Duncan and Jack Imel
7. APRIL LOVE - Steve Smith
8. APRIL IN PORTUGAL - the orchestra
9. LOOK TO THE RAINBOW - Natalie Nevins
10. THE SHOE PLODDLER - danced by Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan with Myron Floren on the concertina

11. A GARDEN IN THE RAIN - Joe Feeney
12. YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE - Jo Ann Castle at the honky tonk piano with Buddy Merrill at guitar and Neil Levang at banjo
13. SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW - Norma Zimmer
14. RAIN - tap danced by Arthur Duncan

15. IT'S A LOVELY DAY (TO BE CAUGHT IN THE RAIN) - Kathy Lennon and Steve Smith
16. RHYTHM IN THE RAIN - Frank Scott at the piano
17. IT AIN'T GONNA RAIN NO MORE - Larry Hooper
18. INTO EACH LIFE SOME RAIN MUST FALL - Dick Dale
19. IN THE GARDEN - Norma Zimmer with backing chorus of Charlie Parlato, Dick Cathcart, Curt Ramsey and Steve Smith

  
Each and every one of the numbers featured on the show was terrific, but there is one thing I question....

Why would Kathy Lennon and Steve Smith go cycling in the rain? Especially without wearing protective rain gear?

At least one can say these two know how to take risks in life.

Hope your spring so far has plenty of sunshine, even if you do have some rain and until next time, keep a song in your heart and don't step into any mud puddles.

April Showers '67

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

The Norma Zimmer Show '65

This past Saturday in the Wide Wide World of Welk, the featured episode we received was a Champagne Tribute to the Champagne Lady, Norma Zimmer.

And here's more highlights from Normafest '65.....

Norma shows her portrait of Mr. Natural.....

.....then shares a dance with her son Mark,

.....and finally paints happy little trees with Jimmy Roberts

THE NORMA ZIMMER SHOW - November 13, 1965

1. SMILES - Bobby, Barbara, Natalie, Bob Duncan, Kathy, Steve, Janet, Greg, Dianne, Dick, Jo Ann, Jimmy, Larry featuring Bob Havens on trombone, Dick Cathcart on trumpet and Frank Scott at the piano
2. WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK - Norma Zimmer
3. THE JOLLY CABALLERO - danced by Bobby Burgess & Barbara Boylan with Myron Floren and Jo Ann Castle on the accordion
4. TAMMY - Dee Dee, Peggy, Kathy and Janet Lennon
5. MEMORIES - (with picture montage of Norma's family) Norma Zimmer with husband Randy, sons Mark and Ron and the orchestra

6. LIDA ROSE - Natalie Nevins with the Bob Duncan, Steve Smith, Greg Dixon and Johnny Johnson
7. SONG OF THE ISLANDS - Jo Ann Castle on the honky tonk piano with Buddy Merrill at the steel guitar
8. WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN THE POLKA? - Norma Zimmer, Barbara Boylan and Bobby Burgess
9. TEA FOR TWO - danced by Arthur Duncan
10. DON'T TAKE YOUR LOVE FROM ME - Bob Ralston at the piano

11. LATIN PRAYER - Joe Feeney with Frank Scott at the piano
12. PICK YOURSELF UP - Jack Imel with Bobby, Barbara, Arthur, Jo Ann, Dick and Janet
13. VIENNA ECHOES - danced by Lawrence Welk and Norma Zimmer
14. I'M GONNA BUILD A FENCE AROUND YOU - Janet Lennon with the Blenders
15. THE ST. LOUIS BLUES - Mahlon Clark on the clarinet with the orchestra

16. COTTON FIELDS - Larry Hooper
17. WILL YOU REMEMBER? (SWEETHEART) - Norma Zimmer & Jimmy Roberts
18. BEANS FROM BOSTON MY HOMETOWN - Bob Lido & Aladdin
19. GETTING TO KNOW YOU - orchestra conducted by Norma Zimmer

This episode was truly a fine and loving tribute to a lovely Champagne Lady. We lost Norma almost a year ago, but the memories live on through weekly episodes like this where we can watch her sing with the best of them. 

It also gave viewers a glimpse into her family, made up her loving husband of more than sixty years, Randy, and her two sons, Ron and Mark. This show, when first aired on ABC, was the first time Welk fans found out Norma was a terrific painter. The portraits featured on the show was actually painted by her.

We shall never again see the likes of her, so until next week, keep that old familiar song in your heart!

 

The Norma Zimmer Show '65

Salute to St. Patrick's Day '79

Yeah, I know that St. Pattie's Day was over a week ago, but last Saturday's episode was a sight for green eyes, especially after three weeks of pledge drives and no Welk.

Highlights from the show include.....

Jack Imel looking at the lunch menu.....

Joe Feeney wearing a green hat.....

.....and Bob Lido with his Hotsy Totsy Boys going green, period.

ST. PATRICKS DAY - March 17, 1979

1. IT'S A GREAT DAY FOR THE IRISH - Jimmy, Arthur, Norma, Barbara, David, Sheila, Joe, Sherry, Mary Lou, Sandi, Gail, Guy, Ralna, Roger, Ken, Kathie, Tom, Ava, Larry, Anacani & Myron on the accordion
2. GALWAY BAY - Joe Feeney with Myron Floren on the accordion
3. LIKE BE GORRA - the orchestra
4. HARRIGAN - Ava Barber
5. A TRADITIONAL IRISH REEL - danced by Barbara Boylan and Bobby Burgess

  
6. CLANCY LOWERED THE BOOM - Ken Delo and the cast
7. TOO-RA-LOO-RA-LOO-RAL - Guy Hovis and Ralna English
8. UNIDENTIFIED NUMBER - the orchestra
9. HI LILI, HI LO - Norma Zimmer
10. DANCING THE DEVIL AWAY - Myron Floren at the accordion with Bobby and Barbara dancing

11. DANCE AROUND A STACK OF BARLEY - the orchestra
12. IF YOU'RE IRISH, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU - Jack Imel and Mary Lou Metzger
13. SHAMROCKS, SHILLELIES & SHENANIGANS - Anacani 
14. ALIVE, ALIVE-O - Tom Netherton with Bob Ralston at the piano
15. GREEN GREEN - Sheila and Sherry Aldridge with David and Roger Otwell

16. DID YOUR MOTHER COME FROM IRELAND? - Kathie Sullivan with Bob Ralston at the organ
17. HOW ARE THINGS IN GLOCCA MORRA? - Bob Ralston at the piano
18. MISS ANNE ROONEY - tap danced by Arthur Duncan
19. KATHLEEN - Jimmy Roberts with Bob Ralston at the organ
20. I'M LOOKING OVER A FOUR LEAF CLOVER - Gail Farrell, Sandi Griffiths and Mary Lou Metzger with Bob Lido and his Hotsy Totsy Boys

 
A delightful episode I must say. It will bring out your inner Irish and go green!

Next week is another new one, a salute to Norma Zimmer from 1965 which is one to watch.

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and don't forget to speak softly and carry a big shillelagh!

 

Salute to St. Patrick's Day '79

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

R.I.P Warren Luening (1941-2012)

Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral and then some.....

So, how is your St. Patrick's Day so far?

It's still pledge time in Toledo, but to pass the time....as well as Irish cheer....here's a YouTube clip of Joe Feeney with Lawrence at the accordion singing one of the most popular of lullabies from the Emerald Isle.

 

Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral and then some.....

The Maestro's Birthday!

Right now, it's pledge week hell in Toledo.

But today's date, March 11th.....is one always worth celebrating!

Which then leaves us one very important question.....

I like a corner piece please.

The Maestro's Birthday!

Salute to New York '77

Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today.....

You must have guessed by now that this particular Lawrence Welk episode, half of you saw last Saturday while the other half saw the Saturday before that, is all about the city so nice they named it twice.

New York, New York.

Here are some of the highlights.....

Norma Zimmer paints happy little trees.....

Joe Feeney and Myron Floren guest star in a very special N.Y.P.D Blue.....

......and Mary Lou Metzger's dogs are barkin'


SALUTE TO NEW YORK - October 15, 1977

1. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Anacani, Gail, Sandi, Mary Lou, Cissy, Arthur, Jimmy, Ken and Bobby
2. TAKE THE "A" TRAIN - the orchestra
3. MANHATTAN - Tom Netherton with Bob Smale at the piano
4. AUTUMN IN NEW YORK - Norma Zimmer
5. 42nd STREET - tap danced by Arthur Duncan

  
6. CAB DRIVER - Larry Hooper with Charlie Parlato, Dick Dale and Bob Lido
7. MATCHMAKER - Donna, Audrey, Jo Anne, Valerie and Michelle Semonski
8. THE BROADWAY MELODY - danced by Cissy King and Bobby Burgess
9. GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY - Joe Feeney with Myron Floren at the accordion
10. THE WALTER WINCHELL RHUMBA - Gail Farrell, Sandi Griffiths and Mary Lou Metzger

   
11. PENTHOUSE SERENADE - Kathie Sullivan and the saxophone section
12. THE LULLABY OF BROADWAY - the orchestra
13. PUT YOUR SHOES ON LUCY - Jack Imel and Mary Lou Metzger
14. SPANISH HARLEM - Anacani

  
15. MEDLEY OF SONGS FROM MY FAIR LADY: I'VE COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT/I'VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE/ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE - the orchestra plus a vocal by Ken Delo
16. MANHATTAN SERENADE - Bob Ralston and Bob Smale at the piano with the orchestra
17. MANHATTAN SERENADE (REPRISE) - Bob Ralston at the Thomas Organ
18. BUTTONS AND BOWS - Ava Barber
19. MEDLEY OF NEW YORK SONGS: IN OLD NEW YORK/THE BOWERY/SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK - Norma, Jimmy, Gail, Joe, Anacani, Ken, Sandi, Tom with dancers Cissy, Bobby, Arthur, Mary Lou and Jack

  
This was a fine salute to the Big Apple, and considering the year the show was taped, Gotham needed a pick-me-up for it's psyche. New York had weathered through a financial crisis (Ford to New York: Drop Dead), the Son of Sam murders, and a power blackout just to name a few.

To quote Howard Cosell from the '77 World Series, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx is Burning."

But at least for one episode, the Musical Family made New Yorkers feel good about themselves again, and the city has once again reclaimed it's spot as the best in the world.

Until next time, keep a song in your heart and keep that Empire State of Mind all over. 

Salute to New York '77

Salute to the Mardi Gras '66

Funny how programming works....

Last week, half the country got the New York episode while the other half got the Mardi Gras show.

Today, we'll recap Mardi Gras in Champagne Style.

Here are some of the highlights.....

The Lennons play Queen For A Day......

Natalie Nevins wears a really big hat.....

 .....and Myron Floren joins the Orange County chapter of the 4H club.


MARDI GRAS - February 19, 1966

1. BROTHERHOOD OF MAN - Dick Cathcart, Jo Ann, Dick Dale, Natalie, Jimmy, Charlotte, Larry, Kathy, Bobby, Janet, Joe, Barbara and Charlie
2. STREET OF DREAMS - Bob Ralston at the piano
3. I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT - Norma Zimmer
4. CIRIBIRIBIN - special guest Warren Luening on trumpet
5. I DREAMED - Janet, Dee Dee, Peggy and Kathy Lennon
6. FRASQUITA SERENADE - Joe Livoti on violin with Frank Scott at the piano
7. TOGETHER, WHEREVER WE GO - Jack Imel, Arthur Duncan and Bobby Burgess

8. MAPLE LEAF RAG - Frank Scott at the piano
9. MR. WONDERFUL - Natalie Nevins
10. IRVING BERLIN MEDLEY - the orchestra
11. TIJUANA - Charlie Parlato and Dick Cathcart on trumpet, Frank Scott at harpsichord, vocals by Jo Ann Castle, Norma Zimmer, Kathy and Janet Lennon and danced by Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan
12. I LOVE LIFE - Joe Feeney
13. DARK EYES - special guest Kenny King on the accordion
14. CLARINET POLKA - Jo Ann Castle, Kenny King and Myron Floren on the accordion

15. COME TO THE MARDI GRAS - Aladdin
16. HIGH SOCIETY - danced by Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan
17. SHRIMP BOATS A' COMIN - Dick Dale
18. DOWN YONDER - Jo Ann Castle at the honky tonk piano
19. WHILE WE DANCED AT THE MARDI GRAS - Norma Zimmer and Jimmy Roberts
20. JAMBALAYA - Bob Lido with Neil Levang and Buddy Merrill at the guitar
21. SOUTH RAMPART STREET PARADE - the orchestra and the singers

Even though there were no college girls flashing their goods for beads, and no signs of public intoxication on Bourbon Street, this episode in all parts an accurate portrayal of the pageantry that is Mardi Gras.

Also from this episode was an example of the musical talent from NORAD, first with Warren Luening, who was no stranger to the Music Makers having played first in the Maestro's "Junior Band" on the spinoff Top Tunes And New Talent (aka The Plymouth Show) in the 1950s.

And on accordion is the talented Kenny King.

NORAD, which is the North American Aerospace Defense Command, in addition to protecting the skies for the United States and Canada, has provided exceptional musical talent through their band, the Commanders. In addition to Luening and King, other Commanders alumni have found work in the music industry. Johnny Zell, Dave Edwards and Richard Maloof before joining the Welk orchestra, cut their military and musical teeth in NORAD.

And we at Welk Musical Family salute the fine men and women that have served protecting the skies.

Hope you guys had a wunnerful Mardi Gras, and a excellent Paczki Day as well. I'll be back later this week with the rundown of the New York show. 

Salute to the Mardi Gras '66