Al Hirt, Jazz Clarinet (1957 - 1959)
Al
Hirt ("Jumbo") is better known for his jazz nightclub in New Orleans
than he is for his performances on the Lawrence Welk Show. However,
it was on the Welk Show where he got his start in show business in
1959.
Early Career
Al attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music from 1940 to 1943. He then served in the Army until after World War II.
Life After Welk
After he left, he moved back to New Orleans, opened his own club and has played there until the late 80's. He was also chosen to record the theme song for the Green Hornet TV show in the 60's.