My Boomer Buddies Podcast: S2 E33. This Episode - The Lawrence Welk Show! So Square It Was Cool!

Summary

In this episode of the Boomer Buddies podcast, host Rick Reed welcomes back John Hayes and his mother, Muggs Reed, to discuss the life and legacy of Lawrence Welk. They explore Welk's humble beginnings, his rise to fame, and the unique aspects of his television show that made it a staple of family entertainment. The conversation touches on personal memories of watching the show, the various performers who graced the stage, and the impact of Welk's vision on the entertainment industry.In this episode, the hosts reflect on the nostalgic elements of the Lawrence Welk Show, exploring its cultural significance and the evolution of music and fashion during its run. They discuss specific performances, including 'One Toke Over the Line' and 'Pipeline' by The Chantays, while also considering the audience's reactions and the show's legacy. The conversation highlights the intersection of entertainment, generational perspectives, and the impact of Lawrence Welk's business decisions on the show's longevity.

Takeaways

Takeaways

• Lawrence Welk was born in North Dakota in 1903 to German immigrant parents.
• He started his music career at a young age, working on the family farm.
• Welk's big break in show business came at the age of 52 when his show aired nationally.
• The show was known for its family-friendly content and strict adherence to Welk's vision.
• Welk rejected advertising from companies that did not align with his values.
• The show featured a variety of performers, including the Lennon Sisters and Myron Floren.
• Welk was known for his unique way of speaking English, which became part of his charm.
• Many performers on the show went on to have successful careers in music.
• The show catered to an older audience, but also included younger talent.
• Welk's influence on television and music continues to be felt today.
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• • • Personal connections to the show can evoke strong memories and emotions.

Titles

• The Legacy of Lawrence Welk
• Nostalgia and Music: A Boomer's Perspective

Sound Bites

• "He was awesome to the fans."
• "He had a strict vision of the show."

• • "He was very active in school plays."

• "What's your take on this, John?"
• "I think they knew."
• "This made Lawrence Welk cool for me."

00:00

Introduction to the Boomer Buddies Podcast

01:09

The Life and Legacy of Lawrence Welk

05:43

Memories of Watching Lawrence Welk

07:15

The Performers of the Lawrence Welk Show

18:14

Musical Analysis & Reaction: One Toke Over the Line 

20:30

Fashion and Cultural Reflections

24:51

The Chantays and Surf Music

30:21

Audience Reactions and Memories

**I declare that I do not own the rights to this music. All rights belong to the owners. The copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 gives ‘Fair Use’ allowances for educational value among others. This video is for educational purposes.

Videos featured in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rc-7zQXmFU&list=PPSV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j09C8clJaXo&list=PPSV     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkCaAnIcDWw&list=PPSV