The Lawrence Welk Show Season 1 Episode 9 Stephen Foster Tribute

The Lawrence Welk Show is a musical variety show that features the popular music of the day. In season 1 episode 9, titled "Stephen Foster Tribute," the show pays tribute to the iconic American songwriter Stephen Foster.

The episode begins with a lively performance of "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" by the entire cast. Lawrence Welk then introduces the show and talks about Stephen Foster's impact on American music. He explains that Foster wrote some of the most beloved songs of the 19th century, including "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races," and "Beautiful Dreamer."

The first musical act of the show is a duet by Norma Zimmer and Jimmy Roberts. They perform "My Old Kentucky Home," which was written by Foster in 1853. Their rendition is beautiful and heartfelt, capturing the nostalgic and sentimental qualities of the song.

Next up is Bob Ralston, who performs a medley of Foster's songs on the piano. His medley includes "Old Folks at Home," "Nelly Was a Lady," and "Oh! Susanna." Ralston's piano playing is masterful, and his medley is a wonderful tribute to Foster's work.

Following Ralston's performance, the Lennon Sisters take the stage. They perform "Beautiful Dreamer," which was Foster's last song before his death in 1864. The sisters' harmonies are angelic, making the song both peaceful and poignant.

After the Lennon Sisters, the entire cast returns to the stage for a rousing rendition of "Camptown Races." The song is so infectious that the audience can't help but clap and sing along.

Throughout the episode, Lawrence Welk provides interesting facts and anecdotes about Stephen Foster. He explains that Foster was one of the first songwriters to use black dialect in his music, which was controversial at the time. Lawrence also notes that Foster's songs were popular on both sides of the Civil War and were even played by both Union and Confederate troops.

The next musical act is a performance by Myron Floren, who plays the accordion. He performs a lively version of "Oh! Susanna," which showcases both his technical ability and his flair for showmanship.

Following Floren's performance, the show takes a brief intermission, during which Lawrence Welk talks about the importance of preserving America's musical heritage. He notes that Stephen Foster's songs are a vital part of that heritage and that they should be passed down from generation to generation.

The final musical act of the show is a group performance of "Old Folks at Home," which is also known as "Swanee River." This song was written by Foster in 1851 and is widely regarded as one of his greatest works. The cast's rendition is stirring and emotional, serving as a fitting end to the Stephen Foster tribute.

Overall, season 1 episode 9 of The Lawrence Welk Show is a wonderful tribute to Stephen Foster and his music. The performances are expertly done, and Lawrence Welk's commentary adds an interesting and informative aspect to the show. Anyone who loves classic American music will enjoy this episode.