Saturday, July 02, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Have you ever met a real live girl?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Frank Scott Plays Harpsichord
As plenty of us Welk fans know, Frank Scott was a multi-talented keyboardist and arranger for the Lawrence Welk Orchestra from 1956 to 1969.
The native son of Fargo, North Dakota was a natural playing the piano, harpsichord and the Vox.
Perhaps the greatest example of his work came from his 1962 Dot Records album Frank Scott Plays Harpsichord
Each and every of the tracks is a instrumental gem, like Boogie Woogie, Yankee Doodle Rag and Woodchopper's Ball just to name a few. You can find the album at a vintage record shop near you or search on ebay or any fine reputable online auction site.
In the meantime, here's two of the tracks from the album you can have a sample with.
CARMEN'S BOOGIE
The native son of Fargo, North Dakota was a natural playing the piano, harpsichord and the Vox.
Perhaps the greatest example of his work came from his 1962 Dot Records album Frank Scott Plays Harpsichord
Each and every of the tracks is a instrumental gem, like Boogie Woogie, Yankee Doodle Rag and Woodchopper's Ball just to name a few. You can find the album at a vintage record shop near you or search on ebay or any fine reputable online auction site.
In the meantime, here's two of the tracks from the album you can have a sample with.
CARMEN'S BOOGIE
KITTEN ON THE KEYS
Friday, June 24, 2011
Things go better with Skokiaan
From 1968, here's the boys in the band with their rendition of the instrumental piece known to music lovers everywhere as just one word.
Skokiaan.
Your featured musicians are Frank Scott at the Vox, Neil Levang on guitar, Richard Maloof on bass guitar, Bob Davis and Dave Edwards on clarinet, Johnny Klein on drums and Jack Imel at the marimba.
Skokiaan.
Your featured musicians are Frank Scott at the Vox, Neil Levang on guitar, Richard Maloof on bass guitar, Bob Davis and Dave Edwards on clarinet, Johnny Klein on drums and Jack Imel at the marimba.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Champagne Satellite Survey - April 19, 1969
I was thinking of doing something different to put on my blog, to keep it fresh.
One day, and idea came to me when I listened to repeats of Casey Kasem's AT40 countdown show and I thought, I wonder what episode of the Lawrence Welk Show aired during the week of the featured countdown?
So tonight, I decided to choose a particular episode of a Welk show and also show who was on Billboard magazine's Top 40 list that same week.
It's kinda a neat trip down musical nostalgia, maybe it might bring back memories for you guys!
So my grand experiment begins with a random episode, April Showers which first aired April 19, 1969 on the ABC network
And here's the Top 40 most popular records on that same Saturday, beginning at #40 and counting down to #1....
40. ARBORS - The Letter
39. PEPPERMINT RAINBOW - Will You Be Staying After Sunday
38. BETTYE SWANN - Don't Touch Me
37. THE BEE GEES - First of May
36. SIR DOUGLAS QUINTET - Mendocino
35. ELVIS PRESLEY - Memories
34. TYRONE DAVIS - Is That Something You Got
33. FRANK SINATRA - My Way
32. THE BEACH BOYS - I Can Hear Music
31. CLARENCE CARTER - Snatching It Back
30. JAMES BROWN - I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing
29. THREE DOG NIGHT - Try A Little Tenderness
28. 1910 FRUITGUM COMPANY - Indian Giver
27. BUBBLE PUPPY - Hot Smoke & Sasafrass
26. NEIL DIAMOND - Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
25. DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES & THE TEMPATIONS - I'll Try Something New
24. BOOKER T & THE MGs - Time is Tight
23. DAVID RUFFIN - My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
22. DIONNE WARWICK - This Girl's In Love With You
21. JOE SIMON - The Chokin' Kind
20. SIMON & GARFUNKEL - The Boxer
19. CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL - Proud Mary
18. PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS - Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon
17. THE VENTURES - Hawaii 5-0
16. CLASSICS IV - Traces
15. GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP - Don't Give In To Him
14. CRAZY ELEPHANT - Gimmie Gimmie Good Lovin'
13. WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND - Do Your Thing
12. TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS - Sweet Cherry Wine
11. THE TEMPTATIONS - Runaway Child Running Wild
10. STEPPENWOLF - Rock Me
9. ZOMBIES - Time of the Season
8. EDWIN STARR - 25 Miles
7. THE COWSILLS - Hair
6. GLEN CAMPBELL - Galveston
5. TOMMY ROE - Dizzy
4. JERRY BUTLER - Only The Strong Survive
3. ISLEY BROTHERS - It's Your Thing
2. BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS - You've Made Me So Very Happy
1. THE 5TH DIMENSION - Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In
One day, and idea came to me when I listened to repeats of Casey Kasem's AT40 countdown show and I thought, I wonder what episode of the Lawrence Welk Show aired during the week of the featured countdown?
So tonight, I decided to choose a particular episode of a Welk show and also show who was on Billboard magazine's Top 40 list that same week.
It's kinda a neat trip down musical nostalgia, maybe it might bring back memories for you guys!
So my grand experiment begins with a random episode, April Showers which first aired April 19, 1969 on the ABC network
And here's the Top 40 most popular records on that same Saturday, beginning at #40 and counting down to #1....
40. ARBORS - The Letter
39. PEPPERMINT RAINBOW - Will You Be Staying After Sunday
38. BETTYE SWANN - Don't Touch Me
37. THE BEE GEES - First of May
36. SIR DOUGLAS QUINTET - Mendocino
35. ELVIS PRESLEY - Memories
34. TYRONE DAVIS - Is That Something You Got
33. FRANK SINATRA - My Way
32. THE BEACH BOYS - I Can Hear Music
31. CLARENCE CARTER - Snatching It Back
30. JAMES BROWN - I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing
29. THREE DOG NIGHT - Try A Little Tenderness
28. 1910 FRUITGUM COMPANY - Indian Giver
27. BUBBLE PUPPY - Hot Smoke & Sasafrass
26. NEIL DIAMOND - Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
25. DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES & THE TEMPATIONS - I'll Try Something New
24. BOOKER T & THE MGs - Time is Tight
23. DAVID RUFFIN - My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
22. DIONNE WARWICK - This Girl's In Love With You
21. JOE SIMON - The Chokin' Kind
20. SIMON & GARFUNKEL - The Boxer
19. CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL - Proud Mary
18. PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS - Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon
17. THE VENTURES - Hawaii 5-0
16. CLASSICS IV - Traces
15. GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP - Don't Give In To Him
14. CRAZY ELEPHANT - Gimmie Gimmie Good Lovin'
13. WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND - Do Your Thing
12. TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS - Sweet Cherry Wine
11. THE TEMPTATIONS - Runaway Child Running Wild
10. STEPPENWOLF - Rock Me
9. ZOMBIES - Time of the Season
8. EDWIN STARR - 25 Miles
7. THE COWSILLS - Hair
6. GLEN CAMPBELL - Galveston
5. TOMMY ROE - Dizzy
4. JERRY BUTLER - Only The Strong Survive
3. ISLEY BROTHERS - It's Your Thing
2. BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS - You've Made Me So Very Happy
1. THE 5TH DIMENSION - Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In
Sunday, June 19, 2011
What to wear when going on vacation
You have to dress accordingly, which depends on the place you're visiting....
For a trip to Niagara Falls, stay dry like Guy in a raincoat.
If you're heading down Acapulco way, dress like you're going to dance the Cha Cha....
But if you're going to the beach, and you want to avoid sunburn at all costs, this will do.
And finally, what goes better with the islands of Hawaii than those bold and colorful Hawaiian Shirts.
They're having a great time, wish you were here!
For a trip to Niagara Falls, stay dry like Guy in a raincoat.
If you're heading down Acapulco way, dress like you're going to dance the Cha Cha....
But if you're going to the beach, and you want to avoid sunburn at all costs, this will do.
And finally, what goes better with the islands of Hawaii than those bold and colorful Hawaiian Shirts.
They're having a great time, wish you were here!
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Lennon Sisters help out Joplin
You may have heard about last month's devastating tornadoes that struck Joplin, Missouri.
The Lennon Sisters, just one of the many stars of nearby Branson will be taking part in a live benefit concert and telethon titled the Branson Cares Benefit.
It will air nationwide on the RFD Network on Sunday, June 26th from 7-10pm Central Time.
For more information on the stars taking part, and how you can help, visit OZARKS FIRST: BRANSON CARES BENEFIT
The Lennon Sisters, just one of the many stars of nearby Branson will be taking part in a live benefit concert and telethon titled the Branson Cares Benefit.
It will air nationwide on the RFD Network on Sunday, June 26th from 7-10pm Central Time.
For more information on the stars taking part, and how you can help, visit OZARKS FIRST: BRANSON CARES BENEFIT
Sunday, June 12, 2011
It's all happening at the County Fair
This week's show, if you were able to get it, was the Carnival episode from 1981.
Let's see what is going on over at the midway....
"Sitting down on the job again? That will be TWO custard pies to the face!"
And the competitors take the customary bow of respect before tonight's match.....
"Ouch! That really hurts Gail!"
"And now let's groove on down the Soul Train Line to see what's jivin...."
Let's see what is going on over at the midway....
"Sitting down on the job again? That will be TWO custard pies to the face!"
And the competitors take the customary bow of respect before tonight's match.....
"Ouch! That really hurts Gail!"
"And now let's groove on down the Soul Train Line to see what's jivin...."
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Today, UAW Local 12....Tomorrow, Broadway!
A commercial that runs two minutes and 43 seconds?
That's unheard of in today's television! But back in the late 1950s, it was the norm as seen from this Plymouth commerical featuring some of your favorite Welk Stars from the Silver Champagne Era.
And just to keep score, they are Dick Dale, Alice Lon, Larry Hooper, Big Tiny Little, Bob Lido and Rocky Rockwell.
That's unheard of in today's television! But back in the late 1950s, it was the norm as seen from this Plymouth commerical featuring some of your favorite Welk Stars from the Silver Champagne Era.
And just to keep score, they are Dick Dale, Alice Lon, Larry Hooper, Big Tiny Little, Bob Lido and Rocky Rockwell.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Lawrence Welk Souvenir Program from 1966
If you went to a live Welk concert around 1966 to 1967, chances are you might have purchased this program as well.
It was also around this time the Welk show began broadcasting in glorious color!
Just click below to view the program in it's entirety. Get to know your favorite Music Makers and then some!
It was also around this time the Welk show began broadcasting in glorious color!
Just click below to view the program in it's entirety. Get to know your favorite Music Makers and then some!
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Yes folks, Lawrence Welk is still the one for Portland
Diving into the treasure chest that is You Tube, I found this gem from 1980. It's a Lawrence Welk Show promo from KATU in Portland, Oregon.
You'll notice in the middle of the clip that Gail Farrell is singing in a number with the Aldridge Sisters and the Otwell Twins....
I hope PBS airs that episode when the new season begins in September!
Saturday, June 04, 2011
No Welk this week in Toledo
Both the Northwest Ohio PBS stations were in mini-pledge mode....
Luckily, the would-be scheduled show is Occupations from 1969 which I already have on tape.....
It's a reminder about the uncertainly of the future of public broadcasting, so hopefully you'll do your part with your support, I know I have.
Luckily, the would-be scheduled show is Occupations from 1969 which I already have on tape.....
It's a reminder about the uncertainly of the future of public broadcasting, so hopefully you'll do your part with your support, I know I have.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Lawrence Welk's 50th Anniversary Album
This nice collecters item, which can be found on ebay, was first published in 1974 to celebrate Lawrence Welk's 50 years in show business.
Who would have thought that back in 1924, a North Dakota farmboy whose parents were German immigrants, had little formal education and spoke little English would one day become one of America's most popular and successful musical personalites?
You can follow his whole story in pictures here, just click below and find out why the American Dream is possible!
Who would have thought that back in 1924, a North Dakota farmboy whose parents were German immigrants, had little formal education and spoke little English would one day become one of America's most popular and successful musical personalites?
You can follow his whole story in pictures here, just click below and find out why the American Dream is possible!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Have a safe Memorial Day
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Yes Virginia, there will be a Lennon Sisters Christmas in Branson this year
Just as you thought last year's Lennon Sisters Christmas Show at the Welk Resort would be the last one in Branson ever, think again....
Here's an early Christmas gift for you, they signed a contract to take their show to Andy Williams' Theater from November 1st to December 10th.
And any Lennon fan would know that back in they day, they performed with Mister Moon River on stage and television.
More information can be found at Andy's website, I have a feeling this is going to be fun!
Here's an early Christmas gift for you, they signed a contract to take their show to Andy Williams' Theater from November 1st to December 10th.
And any Lennon fan would know that back in they day, they performed with Mister Moon River on stage and television.
More information can be found at Andy's website, I have a feeling this is going to be fun!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Buddy's Boogie
Sunday, May 22, 2011
First post since the Rapture
Well, the supposed Rapture came and went and nothing happened...
Better luck next time doomsday sayers! In the meantime, I invite you to highlights from this week's Welk episode, Childhood Memories from 1972.
"Kevin, I'm going to teach you how to dance like Grandpa, just pretend that I am a little old lady..."
"I SAID GIVE ME A BIG PUSH.....TO THE MOON!"
"Bueller, Bueller....."
Better luck next time doomsday sayers! In the meantime, I invite you to highlights from this week's Welk episode, Childhood Memories from 1972.
"Kevin, I'm going to teach you how to dance like Grandpa, just pretend that I am a little old lady..."
"I SAID GIVE ME A BIG PUSH.....TO THE MOON!"
"Bueller, Bueller....."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
I can't believe Bobby Burgess turns 70
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
It comes right after you have that Prenuptial Feelin'
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Great Entertainers: More Highlights
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
This day in Welk history: May 11, 1951
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.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Champagne Book of the Month Club: Ralna English Family Cookbook
In this month's entry, we stay in the kitchen for another recipe of home cooking from one of the Champagne Music Makers!
First published in 2007 as one of the thank you gifts from Ralna English's pledge special "From My Heart". Ralna's Family Cookbook features down home recipes such as Beer Can Chicken, Sunday Pot Roast, Dang Good Pie, Texas Salsa and Trash (or Cereal Mix).
This book is a family affair, in the truest since since the recipes featured are submitted by Ralna herself, her sisters Sharon and Jane and original creations from her mom, dad and Aunt Pearl.
It's a wunnerful, wunnerful book, filled with vintage pictures from her family album and mouthwatering delights you can cook up for your family and friends at your next get-together.
And it's also good reading too, when you're munching on a handful of Trash!
First published in 2007 as one of the thank you gifts from Ralna English's pledge special "From My Heart". Ralna's Family Cookbook features down home recipes such as Beer Can Chicken, Sunday Pot Roast, Dang Good Pie, Texas Salsa and Trash (or Cereal Mix).
This book is a family affair, in the truest since since the recipes featured are submitted by Ralna herself, her sisters Sharon and Jane and original creations from her mom, dad and Aunt Pearl.
It's a wunnerful, wunnerful book, filled with vintage pictures from her family album and mouthwatering delights you can cook up for your family and friends at your next get-together.
And it's also good reading too, when you're munching on a handful of Trash!
Sunday, May 08, 2011
I Left My Heart in..... Oakland?
First off, Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there, including my own!
Watched the repeat of the 1968 California show last night, it's where the Maestro filmed his segments with a neat life-sized cut-out of the state of California.
I noticed in the point of the show where Lawrence introduced Jimmy Roberts' number, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and then went about to point his baton where the Golden Gate City is located.....
....but there's one little error here.
Somehow, San Francisco is now located in the East Bay, where Oakland is....
Me thinks the citizenry there would not be too pleased.
Watched the repeat of the 1968 California show last night, it's where the Maestro filmed his segments with a neat life-sized cut-out of the state of California.
I noticed in the point of the show where Lawrence introduced Jimmy Roberts' number, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and then went about to point his baton where the Golden Gate City is located.....
....but there's one little error here.
Somehow, San Francisco is now located in the East Bay, where Oakland is....
Me thinks the citizenry there would not be too pleased.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Kathie Sullivan asks, "Why do I love you?"
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
The Champagne Five - Tanya's covers of James Bond songs
Today, we celebrate the birthday of our favorite Italian daughter-in-law of the Maestro....Tanya Falan.
She can sing all sorts of song styles, and that includes torch songs and title songs from the movies.
And one the best, and my favorite movie songs come from those great James Bond films.
So on this occasion, we combine two of my favorites into this edition of the Champagne Five.
It's the top 007 movie songs I would loved to see and hear Tanya cover on the Welk show, or live in concert.
1. GOLDFINGER (Shirley Bassey - Goldfinger)
2. YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (Nancy Sinatra - You Only Live Twice)
3. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (Shirley Bassey - Diamonds Are Forever)
4. NOBODY DOES IT BETTER (Carly Simon - The Spy Who Loved Me)
5. MOONRAKER (Shirley Bassey - Moonraker)
Happy Birthday Tanya!
Keep a song in your heart, and your martini be shaken and not stirred.
She can sing all sorts of song styles, and that includes torch songs and title songs from the movies.
And one the best, and my favorite movie songs come from those great James Bond films.
So on this occasion, we combine two of my favorites into this edition of the Champagne Five.
It's the top 007 movie songs I would loved to see and hear Tanya cover on the Welk show, or live in concert.
1. GOLDFINGER (Shirley Bassey - Goldfinger)
2. YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (Nancy Sinatra - You Only Live Twice)
3. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (Shirley Bassey - Diamonds Are Forever)
4. NOBODY DOES IT BETTER (Carly Simon - The Spy Who Loved Me)
5. MOONRAKER (Shirley Bassey - Moonraker)
Happy Birthday Tanya!
Keep a song in your heart, and your martini be shaken and not stirred.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
Today, I feel like dancing
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