The Lawrence Welk Show (1955–1982)
"The Dodge Dancing Party" (original title)

One of the most successful and fondly-remembered shows in TV history, "The Lawrence Welk Show" featured musical numbers and skits, with host Welk leading the band.

Stars:

Lawrence Welk, Orie J. Amodeo, Jimmy Roberts

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Lawrence Welk	...	Himself - Host (60 episodes, 1955-1982)
Orie J. Amodeo	...	Clarinetist (37 episodes, 1955-1970)
Jimmy Roberts	...	Himself (35 episodes, 1955-2012)
Myron Floren	...	Himself (33 episodes, 1955-1982)
Norma Zimmer	...	Herself (33 episodes, 1961-1982)
Arthur Duncan	...	Himself (31 episodes, 1964-1982)
Bob Ralston	...	Himself (31 episodes, 1964-2012)
Dick Dale	...	Himself (30 episodes, 1955-1982)
Bobby Burgess	...	Himself (29 episodes, 1961-1982)
Joe Feeney	...	Himself (29 episodes, 1961-2012)
Bob Lido	...	Himself (27 episodes, 1955-2012)
Neil Levang	...	Guitarist (26 episodes, 1963-2012)

Storyline

Renowned bandleader Lawrence Welk began his own variety series in 1955... and it has never stopped running. Each program was straightforward musical numbers from Welk's band (many of which had featured solos at one point or another), as well as vocal selections and dance numbers from the show's cast. Most of the introductions to the performances, read stiffy by Welk, were kept short. Many of the shows revolved around a certain theme (e.g., "The Music Man" or the Fourth of July), with appropriate songs and dance numbers. The most famous of the featured singers were the Lennon Sisters (Dianne, Janet, Kathy and Peggy), who were featured most every week for 13 years. At the end of each show, Welk would invite women from the audience on stage to dance with him as the theme, "Bubbles in the Wine" (and later, "Champagne Fanfare") played. The show enjoyed a 16-year network run on ABC, and later a succesful 11-year syndicated run. Just months after the original series ended, older shows (from ...

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Plot Keywords:

variety | non fiction | character name in title

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Genres:

Family | Music

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 July 1955 (USA)

Also Known As:

Memories of Lawrence Welk

Filming Locations:

Hollywood Palladium - 6215 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Teleklew Productions, American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Welk Group, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White (1955-1965) Color (1965-1982)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Love with the Proper Stranger (1963)

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Soundtracks

"Bubbles in the Wine"
by Frank Loesser, Bob Calame and Lawrence Welk
Paramount Music Corporation (ASCAP)

User Reviews

Classic TV that can't be beat!

This show doesn't get the respect it deserves...sure it is known for it's tacky wardrobe and watered-down musical numbers critics say, but compared to the tripe on television today, the show is a gem. I have meet several members of Lawrence's musical family in recent live shows, and they are perhaps the most friendly, down to earth entertainers you'll ever meet...and that is something you rarely see today! Also, if you're into pop culture history, watching the show can teach you something....and learn about music too!