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 17 Episode Guide
32 Episodes 1971 - 1972
Episode 1
Salute to the USA - First syndicated show
Sat, Sep 11, 1971
Episode 2
School Days
Sat, Sep 18, 1971
Episode 3
Tribute to Vincent Youmans
Sat, Sep 25, 1971
Episode 4
The World
Sat, Oct 2, 1971
Episode 5
Riverboat Show
Sat, Oct 9, 1971
Episode 6
Guest Star: Lenora Ross
Sat, Oct 16, 1971
Episode 7
Fashions & Hits Through the Years
Sat, Oct 23, 1971
Episode 8
Halloween
Sat, Oct 30, 1971
Episode 9
Country & Western Show
Sat, Nov 6, 1971
Episode 10
Million Sellers
Sat, Nov 13, 1971
Episode 11
Thanksgiving
Sat, Nov 20, 1971
Episode 12
Broadway Musicals - Guest: Chip Hand
Sat, Nov 27, 1971
Episode 13
Musical Memories
Sat, Dec 4, 1971
Episode 14
Down on the Farm
Sat, Dec 11, 1971
Fun on the farm with "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top"; "Goofus"; "Thank God I'm a Country Boy"; "Grazin' in Greener Pastures"; "Tumbling Tumbleweeds"; and "In the Garden".
Episode 15
Tropical Show
Sat, Dec 18, 1971
Episode 16
Christmas
Sat, Dec 25, 1971
Episode 17
New Year's Day Show
Sat, Jan 1, 1972
Episode 18
Something Old, Borrowed and Blue
Sat, Jan 8, 1972
Episode 19
Salute to Los Angeles
Sat, Jan 15, 1972
Episode 20
Guest Star: Doc Severinsen
Sat, Jan 22, 1972
Episode 21
Songs of the 40's
Sat, Jan 29, 1972
Song List: It's a Grand Night for Singing, You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To, That Old Black Magic, You'll Never Know, You Are My Sunshine, The Big Apple, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive, Mockin' Bird Hill, My Foolish Heart, My Own True Love, I Wish I Didn't Love You So, Everywhere You Go, How About You?, I've Got Spurs that Jingle, Jangle, Jingle, Golden Earrings, String of Pearls, The Halls of Ivy, The Trolley Song, Oklahoma. Medley, Oklahoma, People Will Say We're in Love, The Surrey With the Fringe on Top, Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', Everything's Up To Date In Kansas City.
Episode 22
History of American Music Entertainment
Sat, Feb 5, 1972
Episode 23
Movie Melodies
Sat, Feb 12, 1972
Episode 24
Golden Years of Broadway
Sat, Feb 19, 1972
Episode 25
Meet Our Family/Spotlight on Talent
Sat, Feb 26, 1972
Episode 26
Great Songs from Way Down South
Sat, Mar 4, 1972
Episode 27
Songs of the Scintillating '60s
Sat, Mar 11, 1972
Episode 28
Big Band Memories
Sat, Mar 18, 1972
Episode 29
Bright Side of Life
Sat, Mar 25, 1972
Episode 30
Easter - Guest Star: Lynn Anderson
Sat, Apr 1, 1972
Episode 31
Theme Songs
Sat, Apr 8, 1972
Episode 32
Famous Resorts
Sat, Apr 15, 1972