Friday, April 7, 2017
"Calcutta" #1 2/18/1961
Wunnerful, wunnerful! Yes, boys and girls, Lawrence Welk had a #1 record on the rock charts in February of 1961. His "champagne music" featured the bubble machine, that familiar harpsichord and Myron Floren on the accordion. Welk's parents homesteaded in the 1890's near Strasburg, ND, and his family spent that first winter on the prairie living under a wagon. Welk was a bandleader for 20+ years in the Midwest even before moving to L.A., where he hosted a Saturday night show for 30+ years on local and network TV and in syndication. He was the oldest person to have a #1 pop record until Louis Armstrong and "Hello, Dolly!" The dance routine in this clip was done by show regulars Barbara Boylan and ex-Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess. Tank you, boys!
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1 comment:
It's quite a catchy little instrumental (well, non-lyrical anyway).
Like most "boomers" I was never much a fan of his weekly show (unlike most geriatrics of the last several decades). I still find it very boring myself. But, for whatever reason, I find his single hits to be entertaining.
His version of GHOSTRIDERS IN THE SKY, from the early 60s as well, is quite bold and dynamic (unlike his tepid shows were). Check it out if you have the chance).
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