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 14 Episode Guide
46 Episodes 1968 - 1969
Episode 1
Season Premiere
Sat, Sep 14, 1968
Episode 2
Late Summer Nostalgia
Sat, Sep 21, 1968
Episode 3
Episode #14.3
Sat, Sep 28, 1968 60 mins
Episode 4
Autumn Show
Sat, Oct 5, 1968
Episode 5
Episode #14.5
Sat, Oct 12, 1968
Episode 6
Episode #14.6
Sat, Oct 19, 1968
Episode 7
Halloween
Sat, Oct 26, 1968
Episode 8
Episode #14.8
Sat, Nov 2, 1968
Episode 9
Veterans Day Show
Sat, Nov 9, 1968
Episode 10
Live Show - Guest Star: David Joy
Sat, Nov 30, 1968
Episode 11
Railroads
Sat, Dec 7, 1968
Episode 12
Episode #14.12
Sat, Dec 14, 1968
Episode 13
Christmas
Sat, Dec 21, 1968
Episode 14
New Year's Eve
Sat, Dec 28, 1968
Episode 15
Guest Stars: Ted Mack & David Joy
Sat, Jan 4, 1969
Episode 16
Episode #14.16
Sat, Jan 11, 1969
Episode 17
Episode #14.17
Sat, Jan 18, 1969
Episode 18
Musical Memories
Sat, Jan 25, 1969
Episode 19
Small Towns of America
Sat, Feb 1, 1969 60 mins
Episode 20
Love Songs
Sat, Feb 8, 1969
Episode 21
Episode #14.21
Sat, Feb 15, 1969
Episode 22
Episode #14.22
Sat, Feb 22, 1969
Episode 23
Episode #14.23
Sat, Mar 1, 1969
Episode 24
Occupations
Sat, Mar 8, 1969
Episode 25
Guest Star: Frankie Yankovic
Sat, Mar 15, 1969
Episode 26
Episode #14.26
Sat, Mar 22, 1969
Episode 27
Episode #14.27
Sat, Mar 29, 1969
Episode 28
Easter Show - Guest Star: Charley Pride
Sat, Apr 5, 1969
Episode 29
Academy Award Winners
Sat, Apr 12, 1969
Episode 30
April Showers
Sat, Apr 19, 1969
Episode 31
Episode #14.31
Sat, Apr 26, 1969
Episode 32
Episode #14.32
Sat, May 3, 1969
Episode 33
Episode #14.33
Sat, May 10, 1969
Episode 34
Mother's Day Show
Sat, May 17, 1969
Episode 35
Guest Star: Clay Hart
Sat, May 24, 1969
Episode 36
Young Love
Sat, Jun 7, 1969
Episode 37
Father's Day Show
Sat, Jun 14, 1969
Episode 38
U.S. Tour - guest stars Ken Delo & Ralna English
Sat, Jun 21, 1969
Two new cast member were introduced on this show that would entertain for many years - Ken Delo, and Ralna English. Ken sounded just like Ken always did, with that smooth performance. Ralna was a bit rough in her debut, but obviously they saw her long term potential. They also showed a picture of Jo Ann Castle with her recently born baby girl - a bittersweet moment considering what happened later with her live-in lover and her children. :-(
Episode 39
Episode #14.39
Sat, Jul 5, 1969
Episode 40
Farm Show
Sat, Jul 19, 1969
Episode 41
A Blend of Old and New
Sat, Aug 2, 1969
Episode 42
One of Those Songs
Sat, Aug 16, 1969
Episode 43
County Fair
Sat, Aug 30, 1969
Episode 44
Big Bands
Sat, Sep 6, 1969
Episode 45
Episode #14.45
Sat, Sep 13, 1969
Episode 46
Autumn Show
Sat, Sep 20, 1969