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

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Doc Severinsen and Lawrence Welk

Appearing in a March 2011 PBS episode, Doc Severinsen hosted a collection of big band classics from the "Lawrence Welk Show," including his January 22, 1972 visit to the music showcase.

 

Included in this special is Doc's rendition of the Oscar-winning song, "Love Story." And the Welk Band salutes Doc ­the conductor of "The Tonight Show" Band for Johnny Carson from 1967 to 1972 ­ with a performance of his signature song, "Johnny's Theme."

 

This special episode pays tribute to 25 legendary bandleaders including Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Les Brown, Count Basie, Ben Bernie, Artie Shaw, Clyde McCoy, Pete Fountain, Harry James, Bob Crosby, Sammy Kaye, Ted Lewis, Duke Ellington, Paul Whiteman, Ray Anthony, Doc Severinsen and many others.

 

Band soloists include Henry Cuesta, Bob Havens, Pete Fountain, Jo Ann Castle, Johnny Zell, Kenny Trimble, Jack Imel, Bob Ralston and Johnny Klein.

 

Many of the Big Band numbers include the entire Welk Showcast. Vocal solos include Alice Lon, Mary Lou Metzger, Tanya Welk Roberts; Guy Hovis and Ralna English. Dance numbers feature Bobby Burgess, Cissy King, Elaine Balden, Jack Imel, Arthur Duncan and others.

 

Doc's host segments were recorded at the Cicada Restaurant in Los Angeles, California, a beautiful Art Deco room, with its original décor of dark wood cabinetry and, appropriately, a large crystal chandelier.

 
 
 

In this clip below, Doc Severinsen plays "Joy to the World"