In a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Lawrence Welk, the famous musician, author, and bandleader, made a guest appearance. Welk, known for his bubbly and charming personality, entertained the audience with his music and shared some interesting stories about his life and career.
As Welk took the stage, the crowd erupted into applause, showing their excitement to see the legendary musician. Welk, accompanied by The Tonight Show Band, started the show with a delightful theme song, showcasing his musical talent and captivating the audience from the beginning.
During his interview with Johnny Carson, Welk revealed the story behind his famous Champagne Bubbles theme song. He explained that when the show first started traveling coast to coast, they received numerous letters comparing their music to the effervescence of champagne. Inspired by the overwhelming response, Welk decided to name the theme song after it, a decision that has stuck with him throughout his career.
When asked about his longevity on television, Welk proudly stated that it had been 20 years since his band made their first Coast to Coast appearance. He shared that despite the challenges and changes in the industry, his music has transcended all musical fads and continues to resonate with audiences across the nation.
Carson and Welk discovered they had a common starting point in their careers, both beginning locally on the West Coast before attaining national success. Welk humorously admitted that he envied Carson’s ad-lib style and felt he spent too much time rehearsing. Carson, on the other hand, applauded Welk for his incredible success and longevity in the industry.
The conversation shifted to a point in Welk’s career where he faced some adversity. He explained that after 17 years with ABC, he was asked to leave the network. At first, it seemed like everyone in his orchestra would lose their jobs. However, in a gesture of faith and support, his sponsor, JB Williams, expressed continued belief in him and offered to sponsor him on a different route. With the help of Don Featherston, Welk soon had a syndicated show that reached even more viewers than before, solidifying his place in television history.
With over 30 million viewers every week, Welk’s musical family, including his musicians and singers, has become a beloved staple in the entertainment world. Welk emphasized that his relationship with the orchestra members was more than just employer-employee; they were a close-knit family. He described himself as their father figure, guiding them to perform at the highest level of perfection.
Throughout the interview, Carson and Welk touched on topics such as musical transitions, sponsorship, and audience influence. Welk proudly stated that his sponsors never pressured him to change his music or style, allowing him to maintain the integrity of his orchestra. Despite facing criticism from musical sophisticates, Welk’s music has stood the test of time and remained popular through the years.
Before bidding farewell, Welk and The Tonight Show Band treated the audience to an energetic performance of the polka, showcasing their musical prowess and infectious energy. Carson’s excitement was evident as he danced along with the band and even invited some members of the audience to join in the fun.
Lawrence Welk‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a delightful and entertaining experience. His infectious charm, musical talent, and captivating stories left a lasting impression on both the audience in the studio and the millions watching at home. Welk’s musical family continues to bring joy to millions, proving that great music never goes out of style.
Originally aired on September 13, 1974
