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

Doin' it for the first time.....the Calcutta that is

For Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan, it was a night to remember....

From 1961, here's Barbara and Bobby dancing to "Calcutta" for the very first time on the Welk Show!

Doin' it for the first time.....the Calcutta that is

Picture of the day (5-30-07)

From 1971, here's Cissy and Bobby dancing to the sounds of "Calcutta" with Mary Lou, Norma and Gail clapping them on.

And dig those short skirts the ladies are wearing....totally foxy!

Picture of the day (5-30-07)

Picture of the day (3-14-07)

St. Patrick's Day is only three days away....so here's Bob Ralston and Buddy Merrill wearing their green jackets while playing some of that "Calcutta".

Picture of the day (3-14-07)

Calcutta

Calcutta, as Welk fans know, became the Welk Orchestra's first very big hit single which reached Number One on the music charts in 1961. It has a really great beat that everyone can dance to!

From 1964, here's the Maestro, with a rare early appearance by George Cates, in the recording studio ready to record the song.

Calcutta