On May 11, 1951, The Lawrence Welk Show began as a local program on KTLA in Los Angeles

[mahatmakanejeeves]

The Lawrence Welk Show


Opening of The Lawrence Welk Show

Presented by: Lawrence Welk
Starring:
Myron Floren
Bobby Burgess
Norma Zimmer
Dick Dale
The Lennon Sisters
Arthur Duncan
Ken Delo
Joe Feeney
Jack Imel
Dave Edwards
Sandi Griffiths
Tanya Falan
Ava Barber
Ralna English
Guy Hovis
Gail Farrell
Mary Lou Metzger
Natalie Nevins
Anacani
Bob Ralston
Jo Ann Castle
Frank Scott
Bob Lido
Nick Addante
Steve Smith
Henry Cuesta

Opening theme:
Bubbles in the Wine (1951–1956)
Champagne Time (1956–1976)
Fanfare (1976–1982)
Ending theme:
Bubbles in the Wine (1951–1971)
Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen (1971–1982)
Original release:
Network KTLA (1951–1955); ABC (1955–1971)
Syndicated (1971–1982)
Release May 11, 1951 – April 17, 1982

The Lawrence Welk Show is an American televised musical variety show hosted by big band leader Lawrence Welk. The series aired locally in Los Angeles for four years, from 1951 to 1955, then nationally for another 16 years on ABC from 1955 to 1971, followed by 11 years in first-run syndication from 1971 to 1982. Repeat episodes are broadcast in the United States by PBS stations. These airings incorporate an original program—usually, a color broadcast from 1965 to 1982—in its entirety. In place of the commercials, newer performance and interview clips from the original stars and/or a family member of the performers are included; these clips are occasionally updated.

Broadcast history
KTLA
On May 11, 1951, The Lawrence Welk Show began as a local program on KTLA in Los Angeles, the flagship station of the Paramount Television Network. The original show was broadcast from the since-demolished Aragon Ballroom at Venice Beach. In 1954, Paramount announced plans to distribute the show nationwide, plans that never materialized due to Paramount's feuds with DuMont Television Network that led to the collapse of both.

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