His unusual accent appealed to the audience. Another famous "Welk-ism" was his trademark count-off, "A one and a two.. This plate is visible on the front of a Model A Ford in one of the shows from He often took ladies from the audience for a turn around the dance floor.
During one show, Welk brought a cameraman out to dance with one of the ladies and took over the camera himself. Though Welk was occasionally rumored to be very tight with a dollar, he paid his regular band members top scale - a very good living for a working musician.
Long tenure was very common among Welk's regulars. For example, Floren was the band's assistant conductor throughout the show's run. He was noted for spotlighting individual members of his band and show. His band was well-disciplined and had excellent arrangements in all styles.
One notable showcase was his album with the noted jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges. Welk had a number of instrumental hits, including a cover of the song "Yellow Bird".
His highest charting record was his recording of "Calcutta". Welk himself was indifferent to the tune, but his musical director, George Cates said that if Welk did not wish to record the song, he, Cates would.
Welk replied, "Well, if it's good enough for you, George, I guess it's good enough for me. For example, he fired Alice Lon, the original "Champagne Lady," on the air after she crossed her legs on a desk. Welk told the audience that he would not tolerate such "cheesecake" performances on his show. He often arbitrated marriage disputes for his stars. The show continued to feature fresh music alongside the classics for as long as it existed, even music originally not intended for the big band sound.
The show, which was originally produced in black and white, was recorded on videotape starting in , and it switched to color for the fall TV season that started in September of In time, it would feature synthesized music and, toward the end of its run, early chroma key technology would add a new dimension to the story settings sometimes used for the musical numbers.
Posting Quick Reply - Please Wait. Search this Thread Advanced Search. View detailed profiles of: Minot, North Dakota. Talking about Lawrence Welk talking Minot, Strasburg: home, school, camps. User Name.
Remember Me. Advanced Search. View detailed profile Advanced or search site with. Search Forums Advanced. Location: Somewhere flat in Mississippi 10, posts, read 11,, times Reputation: Advertisements Although Lawrence Welk was born and raised in North Dakota, he spoke with a distinct accent some say it was German, but it didn't quite sound like it to me.
He was sixth of the eight children of Ludwig and Christiana Schwahn Welk, ethnic Germans who emigrated to America in from Selz, Kutschurgan District, in the German-speaking area north of Odessa now Odessa, Ukraine, but then in southwestern Russia.
Quote: Originally Posted by Mouldy Old Schmo Although Lawrence Welk was born and raised in North Dakota, he spoke with a distinct accent some say it was German, but it didn't quite sound like it to me. Location: Tucson, AZ 3, posts, read 8,, times Reputation: You are commenting using your Facebook account.
Notify me of new comments via email. Notify me of new posts via email. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. You must be logged in to post a comment. March 11, January 29, travsd. Like this: Like Loading Leave a Reply Cancel reply Enter your comment here Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment:. But by sponsors felt, in the words of the New York Times, that the show's audience was "too old, too rural and too sedate.
He launched a heavy campaign for himself, signing up more than independent television stations in the United States and Canada and keeping the show alive until Although many of Welk's early businesses failed, he could still be shrewd off the dance floor.
Throughout the s and s his entrepreneurial skills were at work in real estate and publishing. Some of his investments included the Lawrence Welk Village, a 1,acre resort and retirement complex in Escondido, California; the s folk revival label Vanguard Records; a huge music library; and the rights to 20, songs, including all of composer Jerome Kern's work. Welk's best-selling biography, Wunnerful, Wunnerful, simply added to his riches.
In time Lawrence Welk became the second wealthiest performer in show business, just behind comedian Bob Hope. His band and production company became the second-biggest tourist draw of Los Angeles, following Disneyland.
Welk continued to make appearances until his advanced age ended his career in On May 17, , Lawrence Welk succumbed to pneumonia and died at age Welk's many recognitions included honorary doctorates, numerous awards for his orchestra, and the distinction of playing at President Dwight D.
Eisenhower's inaugural ball. Private sponsors eventually paid for refurbishing the North Dakota farm. A musical anthology of Welk's work spanning the years from to was well received. Although detractors called Welk's music corny, critics such as Jeff Tamarkin in Pulse!
Newsweek's Gates quoted Welk as saying, "Where I lived on a farm by a small town, poor, I always felt the other folks were--oh, maybe a little better. He was there to say, Don't you believe it. Welk, who had been battling the effects of pneumonia, died peacefully on May 17, at his home in Santa Monica, California, with his family at his side.
Mary of the Plains College, KS, Celebrates 25 Years on Television, c.
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