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 18 Episode Guide
31 Episodes 1972 - 1973
Episode 1
Live from Hawaii
Sat, Sep 9, 1972
Episode 2
Salute to the American Home
Sat, Sep 16, 1972
Episode 3
County Fair
Sat, Sep 23, 1972
Episode 4
Best of Broadway
Sat, Sep 30, 1972
Episode 5
Tribute to Harry Warren
Sat, Oct 7, 1972
Episode 6
Transportation
Sat, Oct 14, 1972
A musical tribute to various forms of transportation. Songs include "Beyond the Sea" (Norma Zimmer); "Walkin' the Floor" (Tanya Welk); "Wagon Wheel" (Ken Delo); "King of the Road" (Clay Hart); "Arrivercci Roma" (Jimmy Roberts); "Around the World" (Joe Feeney); "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines" (chorus).
Episode 7
Tribute to Richard Rodgers
Sat, Oct 21, 1972
Episode 8
America, What It Used To Be
Sat, Oct 28, 1972
Episode 9
Tahoe Highlights
Sat, Nov 4, 1972
Episode 10
Salute to George Gershwin
Sat, Nov 11, 1972
Episode 11
America, The Melting Pot
Sat, Nov 18, 1972
Episode 12
Country & Western Show
Sat, Dec 2, 1972
Episode 13
Reminiscing
Sat, Dec 9, 1972
Episode 14
Childhood Memories
Sat, Dec 16, 1972
Episode 15
Christmas
Sat, Dec 23, 1972
"Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," "Ring Those Christmas Bells," "Sweet Little Jesus Boy," and "O Holy Night " are performed.
Episode 16
New Year's Eve
Sat, Dec 30, 1972
Episode 17
Salute to Canada - Guest: Bobby Griffith
Sat, Jan 6, 1973
Episode 18
Salute to Mexico - Guest: Anacani
Sat, Jan 13, 1973
Episode 19
Oldies But Goodies
Sat, Jan 20, 1973
Episode 20
Love Makes The World Go Round
Sat, Jan 27, 1973
Episode 21
Ecology/The World Around Us
Sat, Feb 3, 1973
Episode 22
Themes from the Classics
Sat, Feb 10, 1973
Episode 23
Down on the Farm
Sat, Feb 17, 1973
Episode 24
Songs written by Band Leaders
Sat, Feb 24, 1973
Episode 25
Happiness Is
Sat, Mar 3, 1973
Episode 26
The Bright Side of Life
Sat, Mar 17, 1973
Episode 27
Famous Movie Themes
Sat, Mar 24, 1973
Episode 28
American Pastimes
Sat, Mar 31, 1973
Episode 29
Songs of the South - Guest: Minnie Pearl
Sat, Apr 7, 1973
Episode 30
Tribute to Irving Berlin
Sat, Apr 14, 1973 60 mins
Lawrence Welk jumped the 85th anniversary salutes to Irving Berlin.
Episode 31
Easter
Sat, Apr 21, 1973