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 13 Episode Guide
44 Episodes 1967 - 1968
Episode 1
Great Tunes and Great Talents - guest: Jo Ann Greer
Sat, Sep 16, 1967 60 mins
Episode 2
Guest Star: Jo Ann Greer
Sat, Sep 23, 1967
Episode 3
Together, Wherever We Go - guest: Harry Middlebrooks
Sat, Sep 30, 1967
Episode 4
Episode #13.4
Sat, Oct 21, 1967
Episode 5
Crazy Rhythms
Sat, Oct 28, 1967
Episode 6
Country and Western salute
Sat, Nov 4, 1967
Episode 7
Episode #13.7
Sat, Nov 11, 1967
Episode 8
Thanksgiving - guest: Andra Willis
Sat, Nov 18, 1967
Episode 9
From Polkas to Classics
Sat, Nov 25, 1967
Episode 10
Fun in Wintertime
Sat, Dec 2, 1967
"Button Up Your Overcoat," "People Will Say We're In Love," "Skater's Boogie," "I Can't Give You Anything but Love," "Let It Snow" and "You're Just In Love" are performed. The Lennon Sisters sing "It's A Marshmallow World."
Episode 11
Winter
Sat, Dec 9, 1967
Episode 12
Episode #13.12
Sat, Dec 16, 1967
Episode 13
Christmas Show
Sat, Dec 23, 1967
"Winter Wonderland'' among other songs is performed. Children and grandchildren of the cast join in the show.
Episode 14
New Year's Eve Show - guest: Tanya Falan
Sat, Dec 30, 1967
Episode 15
Show Business - guests: Sandi Griffiths & Sally Flynn
Sat, Jan 6, 1968
Norma sings "June in January." Jim R. serenades "I Wish You Love." Bobby and Sissy perform "Spanish Flea." Bob L. croons "Personality." Natalie entertains with "Danny Boy."
Episode 16
Keep a Song in Your Heart
Sat, Jan 13, 1968
Music includes "Easy to Love", "The Song Is You", "Walkin' on New Grass", "Runnin' Wild", and a Stephen Foster medley.
Episode 17
Island Show
Sat, Jan 20, 1968
Songs include Beyond the Reef, Pagan Love Song, Hawaiian War Chant, Blue Hawaii, There's No Place Like Hawaii, One Paddle, Two Paddle, Lovely Hula Hands, Tiny Bubbles, Yellow Bird, Bali Ha'i, Chee Chee Kookaroo, Avalon, Now is the Hour, Only Man on the Island, The Hukilau Song, Bobby Burgess Percussion Song, The Hawaiian Wedding Song, Under a Coconut Tree, Some Enchanted Evening.
Episode 18
Musical Memories
Sat, Jan 27, 1968 60 mins
Tunes include "Talk to the Animals"; "I Get Along Without You", featuring Norma Zimmer; "Where Are the Words", featuring The Lennon Sisters; "Papa Won't You Dance", featuring Myron Floren; and "There Is No Tomorrow", featuring Joe Feeney.
Episode 19
Episode #13.19
Sat, Feb 3, 1968
Episode 20
Love Songs
Sat, Feb 10, 1968
Episode 21
Episode #13.21
Sat, Feb 17, 1968
Episode 22
Mardi Gras
Sat, Feb 24, 1968
Episode 23
Wunnerful Hit Songs
Sat, Mar 2, 1968
Episode 24
Country & Western
Sat, Mar 9, 1968
Episode 25
St. Patrick's Day
Sat, Mar 16, 1968
Episode 26
Episode #13.26
Sat, Mar 23, 1968
Episode 27
Guest Star: Charley Pride
Sat, Mar 30, 1968
Episode 28
Academy Award Winners
Sat, Apr 6, 1968
Episode 29
Easter
Sat, Apr 13, 1968
Episode 30
Episode #13.30
Sat, Apr 20, 1968
Episode 31
New Songs & Old Favorites
Sat, Apr 27, 1968
Episode 32
Episode #13.32
Sat, May 4, 1968
Episode 33
Mother's Day Show
Sat, May 11, 1968
Episode 34
Armed Forces Show
Sat, May 18, 1968
Episode 35
Memorial Day
Sat, May 25, 1968
Episode 36
California Tribute
Sat, Jun 1, 1968
Songs include California, Here I Come, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, Moonlight Bay, My Blue Heaven, When My Dreamboat Comes Home, I Could Have Danced All Night, Both Sides Now, Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen, Red Sails in the Sunset, (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66, Do You Know the Way to San Jose, The Sound of Music, Maria, My Favorite Things, Do Re Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be), Arthur Duncan, San Fernando Valley, It's a Small, Small World, The Sea is Calling, By the Beautiful Sea, Sweet Georgia Brown, My Little Grey Home In The West, Let's Go Dance Again and I Wanna Be a Dancin' Man.
Episode 37
Episode #13.37
Sat, Jun 8, 1968
Episode 38
Father's Day Show
Sat, Jun 15, 1968
Episode 39
Summer
Sat, Jun 22, 1968
Episode 40
Episode #13.40
Sat, Jul 6, 1968
Episode 41
There's Something About a Hometown Band
Sat, Jul 20, 1968
Episode 42
Illinois Show
Sat, Aug 3, 1968
Episode 43
Sounds of Summer
Sat, Aug 17, 1968
Episode 44
County Fair
Sat, Aug 31, 1968