Stars of the Lawrence Welk Show With Biographies of Cast & Crew

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Johnny Zell has been playing and singing for fans of the wonderfully famous Lawrence Welk TV Show for many years! While Johnny was a member of the North American Air Defence Command Band (NORAD), Lawrence Welk called to see if he would come to Hollywood and represent NORAD on Lawrence's national television show. Johnny soon left for Hollywood to do the show.

After his performance, Mr. Welk asked him how much time he had left in the service. After Johnny's reply of . . . "13 months sir", Mr. Welk said, "Johnny, come and see me when you get out of the service, I may have a job for you"! Mr. Welk kept his word and Johnny joined the Welk orchestra the following year after his release from the Army. 

He remained with the show until Mr. Welk retired in 1985. Johnny and his wife, Laura, now live in Oregon.

In this clip below, Johnny Zell plays "Tijuana Taxi" with Mickey McMahon, Laroon Holt, Charlie Parlato and Jack Imel.