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

The Wig Bit

Some things in life causes people to lose their hair....

And then there's the wig bit on the Lawrence Welk Show.

The Wig Bit

Yet another Welk tumblr page is what America needs

This one is a pictorial salute to all the colorful clothes that Lawrence and his Musical Family worn on the show throughout the years.

Just click on the picture above to see what the fashion world is raving about!

Yet another Welk tumblr page is what America needs

Salute to Italy

For those who wanted to get away from the madness that is the Super Bowl, there's the splendor and beauty of Italy.

And that of course, is the theme of this week's Lawrence Welk episode!

Highlights from the show include.....

.....Jo Ann Castle and Aladdin showing their true feelings towards each other

......Kathy Lennon pushing a cart full of flowers

....and Dick Dale going to great lengths for that last stromboli.

MUSICAL TOUR OF ITALY - October 8, 1966

1. FUNICULI, FUNICULA - Steve, Bob, John, Greg, Janet, Norma, Jimmy, Charlotte, Bobby, Barbara, Peggy, Dee Dee and Aladdin
2. NEAPOLITAN NIGHTS - Norma Zimmer & Jimmy Roberts
3. TIK-A-TEE, TIK-A-TAY - Aladdin with Joe Livoti and Bob Lido on violin, Charlie Parlato on trumpet, Orie Amodeo on flute, Joe Rizzo and Tommy Petrini on bass
4. SANTA LUCIA - Janet, Dee Dee, Kathy and Peggy Lennon
5. TARANTELLA - danced by Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan
6. O SOLE MIO - Joe Feeney with Lawrence on accordion

 
7. CARNIVAL OF VENICE - Jo Ann Castle at the piano with Neil Levang on mandolin and Jack Imel on drums
8. ARRIVEDERCI ROMA - Kathy Lennon
9. OH MARIE - Bob Lido with Neil Levang on mandolin, Joe Rizzo on bass and Jack Imel on drums
10. ANEMA E CORE - Jimmy Roberts
11. TORNA A SURRIENTO - Joe Livoti on violin

12. VIENI VIENI - The Blenders featuring Greg Dixon, Steve Smith, Bob Duncan and John Johnson
13. YOU'RE BREAKING MY HEART - Norma Zimmer
14. ISLE OF CAPRI - Bob Ralston at the piano
15. THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN - Steve Smith
16. CIRIBIRIBIN - danced by Arthur Duncan, Bobby Burgess and Jack Imel

17. TOSELLI'S SERENADE - the orchestra
18. MAMA - Kathy Lennon
19. THAT'S AMORE - Aladdin and the entire cast
20. VIENI SU - Dick Dale (also on clarinet) with Neil Levang on mandolin
21. FUNICULI, FUNICULA (Reprise) - Aladdin and the entire cast

It was a fun episode, capture the cultural flavor of Italy to a tee.

One thing I did notice, having a solo number on the show is something every member of the Musical Family strives for, considering the number of singers in the cast, but having two solo numbers is quite rare and a treat too.

Just ask Kathy Lennon.

We're all used to her being part of the Lennon Sisters, but I think as a soloist, she's very underrated. The fact that the Maestro and the producers entrusted her with not one but two songs on the same show is a testament to her talent as a singer.

She has a very, pretty voice. You just can't find genuine talent and heart like that anymore.

Until next time, keep a song in your heart and whenever that moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, don't panic, that's just amore.

Salute to Italy

Memories of Nat King Cole

This week's Welk episode is best described as Unforgetable.

In case you guessed it by now, it's a salute to the iconic singer Nat King Cole!

Highlights from this episode include....

.....Tanya singing whenever there's a full moon

.....pondering of if there's musical discounts from Geico

.....and Dick Dale gets romantic with Gail Farrell.

MEMORIES OF NAT KING COLE - October 6, 1973

1. L-O-V-E - Ralna, Mary Lou, Gail, Sandi, Anacani, Tanya, Guy, Ken, Arthur, Larry, Joe and Jimmy
2. NATURE BOY - danced by Cissy King and Bobby Burgess
3. AUTUMN LEAVES - Norma Zimmer
4. DANCE, BALLERINA, DANCE - the orchestra
5. ANSWER ME MY LOVE - Guy Hovis and Ralna English

  
6. WITH A LITTLE BIT OF LUCK - Myron Floren on accordion with Bobby and Cissy dancing
7. PAPER MOON - Tanya Falan
8. MONA LISA - Ken Delo with Bob Smale at the piano
9. ROUTE 66 - Dick Dale, Kenny Trimble and Charlie Parlato with dancing by Bobby Burgess, Arthur Duncan and Jack Imel
10. VAYA CON DIOS - Anacani

11. SMILE - Jimmy Roberts
12. PRETEND - the orchestra
13. RAMBLIN' ROSE - Clay Hart and his guitar
14. WALKIN' MY BABY BACK HOME - Dick Dale and Gail Farrell
15. STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT - Arthur Duncan tap dancing

16. TOO YOUNG - Sandi Griffiths with Tanya, Anacani, Ralna, Norma, Mary Lou and Gail
17. SWEET LORRAINE - Henry Cuesta on clarinet with Bob Havens on trombone and the rhythm section
18. NON DIMENTICAR - Joe Feeney with Bob Ralston at the Thomas Organ
19. LAZY, HAZY, CRAZY DAYS OF SUMMER - Larry Hooper with Mary Lou, Arthur, Norma, Jimmy, Sandi, Tanya, Dick, Anacani, Guy, Ralna, Bobby, Cissy, Ken and Gail

A fine and fitting tribute to one of the world's best singers, who we lost way too soon....

One thing is for sure, and we can all take comfort in this. Like Lawrence Welk, the legacy of Nat King Cole lives on with his recordings and tapes of his television appearances, ensuring that younger generations can enjoy what music is really all about.

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and always remember to straighten up and fly right! 

Memories of Nat King Cole

200 Years of American Music - Part One

It's the mother of all Bicentennial Parties on the Welk Show!

Throughout the year of 1976, America celebrated her 200th birthday with songs, parties and fireworks whether it was on television or with friends, family and perfect strangers.

And the gang on the Lawrence Welk Show took part in the star spangled, red and white blue celebrations.

Highlights from the show include.....

.....festivities from the Donner Party square dance

Cissy and Bobby jumping for joy....

.....and all is quiet on Western Front.


200 YEARS OF AMERICAN MUSIC - January 17, 1976

1. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY - the orchestra
2. HAIL COLUMBIA! - Gail, Ken, Tanya, Tom, Mary Lou, Bobby, Cissy, Jimmy and Anacani
3. THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - Guy Hovis & Ralna English
4. DIXIE - the orchestra
5. AFTER YOU'VE GONE - Tanya Falan with Arthur Duncan tap dancing

6. SKIP TO MY LOU - Myron Floren on accordion with Anacani, Cissy, Mary Lou, Bobby, Ken and Jack dancing
7. OH SHENANDOAH - Dick Dale and Ava Barber
8. THERE WILL BE A HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN TONIGHT - Bobby Burgess and Cissy King dancing
9. MEDLEY OF STEPHEN FOSTER SONGS
   a) OH SUSANNA - Joe, Gail, Larry, Anacani, Ken, Mary Lou, Guy, Ralna, Tom and Ava
   b) OLD FOLKS AT HOME - The Semonski Sisters
   c) BEAUTIFUL DREAMER - Charlotte Harris at the cello
   d) CAMPTOWN RACES - the orchestra
   e) OH SUSANNA REPRISE - Joe, Gail, Larry, Anacani, Ken, Mary Lou, Guy, Ralna, Tom and Ava
10. WILL YOU REMEMBER (SWEETHEART)? - Norma Zimmer and Jimmy Roberts

11. THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER - the orchestra
12. THERE'S A LONG LONG TRAIL - Tom Netherton with Sandi Griffiths, Gail Farrell and Mary Lou Metzger
13. YO TE AMO, YO TE ADORO - Anacani
14. MEDLEY OF GEORGE M. COHAN SONGS
     a) YOU'RE A GRAND OLD FLAG - Arthur, Gail, Jimmy, Tanya, Tom, Mary Lou, Cissy, Bobby,
         Ralna, Guy, Norma, Ken
     b) MARY'S A GRAND OLD NAME - Joe Feeney
     c) YANKEE DOODLE DANDY - Ken Delo with Jimmy, Bobby, Tom, Guy and Arthur
     d) GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY - Arthur, Gail, Jimmy, Tanya, Tom, Mary Lou, Cissy,
         Bobby, Ralna, Guy, Norma, Ken
15. THE ST. LOUIS BLUES - Henry Cuesta on clarinet with Bob Smale on piano
16. THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC - Cissy, Gail, Ava, Norma, Mary Lou, Tanya, Ralna, Anacani, Joe, Bobby, Ken, Larry, Tom, Guy, Jimmy, Arthur

I would say that the Musical Family captured the spirit of the Bicentennial very well.

Also, as the Maestro mentioned at the beginning of the show, a double album of songs aptly titled Lawrence Welk Singers & Orchestra Presents 200 Years of American Music can be heard in the comforts of your own home. Just go to ebay, Amazon or your local vintage record store to bring home your little piece of patriotic music.

Until next time, keep a song in your heart and God Bless America!

200 Years of American Music - Part One

A vote for SOPA and PIPA is a vote for censorship

The internet is one of the last bastions where creativity and originality exists in this world.

But if Congress has their way, SOPA the Stop Online Piracy Act and PIPA the Protect IP Act would put a stop to it, under the guise of combating online piracy.

I'm all for stopping piracy and protecting intellectual property, but this pile-of-crap legislation reeks more about heavy-handed censorship and big government intrusion. If this legislation is successful, webmasters and bloggers like myself would be silenced.

And that alone would cast a cloudy and uncertain future for Welk Musical Family.com

Contact your Senators and Representative and tell them NO to internet censorship and YES to creative freedom! 

A vote for SOPA and PIPA is a vote for censorship

Mary Lou Metzger on Dale Radio

The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles on Thursday, January 19th is THE place to be....

Mary Lou Metzger will be on Dale Radio.

And there will be live music by the UCLA Jazz Ensemble, plus much much more!

If you're not anywhere near Los Angeles, don't worry.....Dale Radio is a popular radio podcast. All you need is be near a computer and it's like you're there.

And if you are going to attend in person, attendance is free.

You can't beat that!

Mary Lou Metzger on Dale Radio

New Years Eve '70

Happy New Year everyone!

A new calendar year brings forth new promises, new hopes and memories which is what the Musical Family demonstrates in this week's episode.

And here are some of the highlights!

Ken Delo is a sucker for a pretty face like Mary Lou....

Richard Maloof receives some shocking news.....

.....and the NCAA investigates more allegations against Ohio State.

NEW YEARS EVE - December 26, 1970

1. THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING BIG - Gail, Cissy, Mary Lou, Bobby, Joe, Arthur, Norma, Ralna, Sandi, Sally, Guy and Jimmy
2. MAY YOU ALWAYS - Tanya Falan
3. OH HOW MY HEART BEATS - Myron Floren on accordion with Richard Maloof on tuba and assisted by Gail Farrell and Mary Lou Metzger on coconuts
4. ROSES AND LOLLIPOPS - Ken Delo

5. THE EARLY DAYS OF THE DANCE/LAND OF A THOUSAND DANCES - danced by Bobby Burgess and Cissy King
6. THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU - Guy Hovis and Ralna English
7. GAMES PEOPLE PLAY - Clay Hart with Buddy Merrill and Neil Levang on guitar and Richard Maloof on bass
8. I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT - Norma Zimmer
9. SWING OUT - Johnny Zell on trumpet, Peanuts Hucko on clarinet and Bob Havens on trombone

10. THE MUSIC GOES ROUND AND ROUND - Sandi Griffiths and Sally Flynn with Richard Maloof on tuba
11. YOUR EYES HAVE TOLD ME SO - Joe Feeney with Bob Ralston on piano
12. CUMANA - Bob Ralston on piano
13. BEFORE THE PARADE PASSES BY - Sandi, Dick, Sally, Bobby, Ken, Tanya, Joe, Myron, Charlotte Harris, Curt Ramsey, Ralna, Guy, Gail, Cissy, Mary Lou and Arthur
14. EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES - danced by Arthur Duncan

15. BEAUTIFUL OHIO - Norma Zimmer and Jimmy Roberts
16. DOWN BY THE OHIO - Bob Lido and the Hotsy Totsy Boys featuring Jack Imel on drums, Charlie Parlato on trumpet, Russ Klein on piccolo sax, Bob Havens on trombone, Bob Ralston on piano and Richard Maloof on bass
17. MOONLIGHT AND ROSES - the orchestra
18. LETS START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT - Gail Farrell and Dick Dale with Cissy, Bobby, Arthur, Norma, Jimmy, Sally, Myron, Sandi, Tanya, Joe, Ralna, Guy, Charlotte, Mary Lou and Ken along with Johnny Zell on trumpet, Peanuts Hucko on clarinet and Bob Havens on trombone

 
During the show, I noticed the recurring theme other than New Year's Eve was the Tournament of Roses parade and the Rose Bowl. 

Here's the Maestro talking with the reigning queen of the Rose Parade.

And during the parade number, we see that half the Music Makers waving Ohio State pennants and the other half Stanford pennants.

These were the two schools that were scheduled to play in that year's Rose Bowl.

And if you're a sports fan, Stanford won that game 27-17. The game's Most Valuable Player? It was quarterback Jim Plunkett who would go on to win two Super Bowls in a sixteen year career in the pros.

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and remember where the music comes out after it goes round and round.

New Years Eve '70

Ringing the old year out....bringing the new year in

And now, here's the ladies with a very special message....

 

Ringing the old year out....bringing the new year in