The Lawrence Welk Show
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 successful 11-year syndicated run. Just months after the original series ended, older shows (from c. 1965-1982) were repackaged with new footage and entered a long run in both syndication and on PBS.
- 1955-1982
- 27 seasons
- ABC
- Family, Music
- TV-G
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 successful 11-year syndicated run. Just months after the original series ended, older shows (from c. 1965-1982) were repackaged with new footage and entered a long run in both syndication and on PBS.
Season 12 Episode Guide
44 Episodes 1966 - 1967
Episode 1
Season Premiere
Sat, Sep 17, 1966 60 mins
Episode 2
Episode #12.2
Sat, Sep 24, 1966
Episode 3
Episode #12.3
Sat, Oct 1, 1966
"Mr. Sandman" is performed.
Episode 4
Musical Tour of Italy
Sat, Oct 8, 1966
Episode 5
That Certain Party
Sat, Oct 15, 1966
"Chanson d'Amour," "I Wish You Love," "Side By Side" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" are performed. "Scheherezade" is performed by the orchestra.
Episode 6
Guest Star: Anita Bryant
Sat, Oct 22, 1966
Episode 7
Halloween
Sat, Oct 29, 1966
Episode 8
Guest Star: Dorothy Shay
Sat, Nov 5, 1966
Episode 9
Can't Help Singing
Sat, Nov 12, 1966
Episode 10
Thanksgiving
Sat, Nov 19, 1966
Episode 11
Salute to Vaudeville
Sat, Nov 26, 1966
Episode 12
Episode #12.12
Sat, Dec 3, 1966
Episode 13
Episode #12.13
Sat, Dec 10, 1966
Episode 14
Guest Star: Connie Smith
Sat, Dec 17, 1966
Warming up to the Christmas season with your Christmas favorites while in the winter wonderland.
Episode 15
Christmas Time
Sat, Dec 24, 1966
"Jingle Bells," "Doll Dance," "Frosty The Snowman," "O' Holy Night" and "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus" are performed. The Lennon Sisters sing "Star Carol."
Episode 16
New Year's Eve
Sat, Dec 31, 1966
"Champagne Waltz," "May You Always" and "Happy Days Are Here Again" are performed.
Episode 17
My North Dakota Home
Sat, Jan 7, 1967
Episode 18
Episode #12.18
Sat, Jan 14, 1967
Episode 19
Music! Music! Music!
Sat, Jan 21, 1967
Episode 20
Salute to Walt Disney
Sat, Jan 28, 1967
Episode 21
Songs of the South
Sat, Feb 4, 1967
The Lennon sisters perform "The Stars Fell on Alabama." Jim Roberts serenaded "My Old Kentucky Home." Barbara Boylan and Bobby Burgess dance to "Big D." "Swanee" is sung by Anita Bryant.
Episode 22
Love Songs - Guest: Harry Middlebrooks
Sat, Feb 11, 1967
Episode 23
A Salute to the Big Band Era
Sat, Feb 18, 1967
Episode 24
Southern Show - Guest: Jo Ann Greer
Sat, Feb 25, 1967
Country western star Connie Smith sings "Downtown " and "The Hurtin's All Over". Regulars Jim R. performs " Ramona", Steve S. "On a Clear Day", Joe F. " Cara Mia", Dick D. "Blue Moon", and Norma " You'll Never Walk Alone ".
Episode 25
Episode #12.25
Sat, Mar 4, 1967
Episode 26
St. Patrick's Day
Sat, Mar 11, 1967
Episode 27
Friends & Family - Guest Star: Lil' Wally
Sat, Mar 18, 1967
Episode 28
Easter
Sat, Mar 25, 1967
The Easter show includes "Do Love"; "Mary, Did You Know?"; "Easter Parade"; "A Tisket, A Tasket"; "Tiptoe Through the Tulips"; and "The Old Rugged Cross".
Episode 29
Academy Award Winners
Sat, Apr 1, 1967
Episode 30
Episode #12.30
Sat, Apr 8, 1967
Episode 31
April Showers I
Sat, Apr 15, 1967
Episode 32
Episode #12.32
Sat, Apr 22, 1967
Episode 33
Time - Guest: Charley Pride
Sat, Apr 29, 1967
Episode 34
Salute to Spring
Sat, May 6, 1967
Episode 35
Mother's Day Show
Sat, May 13, 1967
Episode 36
Memorial Day
Sat, May 20, 1967
Episode 37
Indiana
Sat, May 27, 1967
Welk leads his troop in performing old and new favorites. Floren sings "Tico Tico." Kathy Lennon and Steve Smith duet "Something Stupid." Duncan performs "Stompin' at the Savoy." Nevins croons "Anywhere I Wander."
Episode 38
Love Songs
Sat, Jun 3, 1967
Episode 39
World Tour
Sat, Jun 24, 1967
Episode 40
Summer By The Shore - Guest: Jo Ann Greer
Sat, Jul 8, 1967
Episode 41
Lawrence Welk Show
Sat, Jul 22, 1967
Episode 42
Vacation Songs - Guest: Lynn Anderson
Sat, Aug 5, 1967
A salute to vacation songs include "Minnie the Mermaid"; "Thoroughly Modern Millie"; "Summertime"; "Sitting on Top of the World"; "Cruising Down the River"; "Moon River".
Episode 43
Episode #12.43
Sat, Aug 19, 1967
Episode 44
County Fair (1967)
Sat, Sep 2, 1967
Music includes "Cotton Candy and a Toy Balloon"; "Something Stupid"; "These Boots Are Made for Walking"; "Anything You Can Do" and "Home Town Band".