Lawrence Welk
Lawrence Welk (March 11, 1903 - May 17, 1992) was a musician, accordion player, band leader, and television impressario. He was born in Stasburg, North Dakota to Russian German parents.His music was conservative, concentrating mostly on standards, polkas, and novelty songs, delivered in a smooth, calming, good-humored easy listening style. His show was warm and family-oriented. His "Champagne Music" has been considered the epitome of "square".
During the 1930s and 1940s, Welk led a travelling big band, specializing in dance tunes and 'sweet' music. In 1952, Welk settled in Los Angeles, California. In 1955, he began producing The Lawrence Welk Show.
Welk's television program had a policy to only play well known songs and tunes from previous years, so that the target audience would only hear numbers that they were already familiar with. This strategy proved commercially successful. His TV show show was recorded as if it were live and was sometimes quite free-wheeling. Welk 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.
The reputation for "corny music" notwithstanding, his musicians were always top quality, including accordionist Myron Floren and New Orleans Dixieland clarinetist Pete Fountain. Welk 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's instrumental cover of the song "Yellow Bird" was a hit.
Welk's California automobile license plate read A1ANA2, referencing his trademark count-off before each number, "A one, and a two..."
His band continues to appear in a dedicated theater in Branson, Missouri even though Welk is now dead. A retirement resort community in Escondido, California is named after Welk.
He is buried in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Culver City, California.
