RALNA ENGLISH vocalist since 1969, was born in Haskell, Texas on June 19, 1942. Dick, who was survived by his wife Marguerite, was the proud father of four children and several grandchildren. Still performs regularly with Welk alumni in shows like "Forever Blowing Bubbles" and "Live Lawrence Welk Show." He passed away on Decemat the age of 88 in his hometown of Algona. Joined Welk in 1951 from Harold Loffenmacher's "Six Fat Dutchmen Band" playing the sax and appearing in several music numbers as a soloist, in choral arrangements and most importantly.with the girls like Alice Lon, Andra Willis, Gail Farrell and Kathie Sullivan just to name a few. She still makes extensive concert appearances to new generation of fans.ĭICK DALE saxophonist and vocalist, born Septemin Algona, Iowa. She is the mother of two children and resides in Branson with her current husband Lin Biviano.
At a young age, learned to play the piano and developed a witty sense of humor, plus she can play the accordion as well! Jo Ann made first Welk appearance in 1958, officially joined the Music Makers a year later, where she became a enormous fan favorite. JO ANN CASTLE honky-tonk piano player from 1959 to 1969, was born Septemin Bakersfield, CA. Norma and her husband of more than sixty years, Randy, were the parents of two sons Ron and Mark. In addition to her solos, she also sang duets with Jimmy Roberts and when not on the show, she performed in many sacred concerts and appeared in many of Billy Graham's Crusades. She officially assumed the title a year later, and stayed until the show's regular run ended in 1982. Lawrence was looking for a new Champagne Lady to replace Alice Lon and was impressed with Norma.
She started out in showbiz with various choral groups and bit singing parts in movies, TV and radio when in 1959 she made her first Lawrence Show appearance. NORMA ZIMMER Champagne Lady since 1960, was born on Jin Larson, Idaho. He was also a member of the International Polka Hall Of Fame and until recent years, made about 150 live shows a year on the road with his spectacular accordion work. Until his passing on July 23, 2005, he and his wife Berdyne, married since 1945, were the proud parents of five daughters, one of them, Kristie, married featured Welk dancer Bobby Burgess. He joined Lawrence's Champagne Music Makers in 1950 and since has been an integral part of the show, as well as an beloved favorite. MYRON FLOREN accordionist and LW's right hand man, was born in Roslyn, South Dakota on November 5, 1919. The maestro was also well known as an avid golfer, and was a smart and savvy businessman. He and wife Fern, married since 1931, had three children, Shirley, Donna and Larry Jr.
After joining and forming several different bands for years, he hit the big time with the launch of "The Lawrence Welk Show" on ABC in 1955, and later in syndication where it remained until 1982. He left home when he was 21 to pursue his showbiz career. LAWRENCE WELK bandleader and host was born in Strasburg, North Dakota on March 11, 1903.