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TV's The Lawrence Welk Show was a unique
element of American Pop Culture in the 1950s,
60s and 70s.

Americans tended to either love it or hate it;
but even those who hated it, did so in a loving
way, since it was pure, old-time Americana

here are excerpts from a story at the
Museum Of Broadcast Communications:

One of television's most enduring musical
series, The Lawrence Welk Show, was
first seen on network TV as a summer
replacement program in 1955.

Although the critics were not impressed,
Mr. Welk's show went on to last an aston-
ishing  27 years . . . .

His format was simple: easy-listening music,
what he referred to as "champagne music,"
and a "family" of wholesome musicians,
singers and dancers . . . .

Welk himself was the target of endless
jokes. Born on a North Dakota farm in
1903 of  Alsatian immigrant parents,
he dropped out of school in the fourth
grade. He was 21 years-old before he
spoke English. His thick accent and stiff
stage presence were often parodied.

But viewers were delighted when he
played the accordion or danced with
one of the women in the audience.

The programs continue to be program-
med in syndication on many channels
throughout the United States, including
many Public Broadcasting channels.
- Link


Below is one of the many parodies of
the show. It's by humorist and radio
personality Jean Shepherd.

He would seem to be one of the many
who hated the show in a loving way.