From 1955 until 1971, The ABC TV network aired "The Lawrence Welk Show". It was cancelled since the audience was deemed "too old." Here's a clip from the 1950s!
From 1971 until 1982 Welk formed his own syndication network and the program continued in first run airings. It's audience was still deemed old. Watch a clip of "Calcutta" here!
In the late 1980s the show began its run on PBS through reruns. It's audience is still deemed old.
Well, I don't know how "old" the audience is, since those deemed too old in 1971 probably are long dead. Anyhow, this program is still a ritual for many people like me who enjoy the time warp, the great American music the show featured, and of course the charm of Lawrence Welk himself. He grew up in North Dakota but spoke German as a youth. He certainly knew how to put a show together that showcased the music America loves. And in 2010 we still need to hear our "champagne music" as he called it.
The reason for this salute on "The Nostalgic Rambler" is that this week marks the tenth anniversary of the internet chatgroup/club known as Welknotes. I've been a member of this group almost since its inception. Through the years I've enjoyed corresponding with Welk fans all over the US (and the world). It's amazing how this show brings folks together....both old and young...in our common interest in music. God Bless America and I hope remnants of excellent television from the past will always be somewhere to enjoy! Thanks to Judy (Welknotes creator) and thanks to all the great artists who made the Welk show possible.
As Lawrence Welk would say "Keep a Song In Your Heart" and don't forget to keep taking your Geritol..... (pics include me -- with long hair several years ago -- sitting at Joanne Castle's piano on the Welk stage in Branson, MO)
For more info on Welknotes, visit yahoogroups and find the Welknotes group or visit here.
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