My answer to why Welk changed was no doubt the money. He wanted to keep the program on the air. I think if it was up to him he would have stayed the champagne music. There were just more and more country vocals, ensembles and less dance music. I have just played this medley for about the 20th time. I just can't get enough.
I agree with ltomholme, this is really Welk's orchestra at its peak. Really nice to hear them play music that is well done, and crisp. Too bad he abandoned so much of this later. Simply Wunnerful!!
The woodwind section with 4 clarinets and a flute gives the group a most unique sound. Those five guys played so many different instruments; and so well. The medley was something kind of leftover from the Glen Miller big band era. You had to have the right songs. Miller used to do them with "Something old, something borrowed, something blue". I'd pay to have those recordings.
You are so right ltomholme. I love the Champagne Music, it is so unique and beautiful. They did too much country, patriotic, and popular music in the later years, neglecting the beautiful champagne music that made them initially famous.
Why Welk discontinued "champagne medley time" into the 60's and 70's is confusing and disappointing. Particularly since it was such an intrinsic part of his ballroom personal performances. This '58 medley is probably the Welk Orchestra at its very best.
My answer to why Welk changed was no doubt the money. He wanted to keep the program on the air. I think if it was up to him he would have stayed the champagne music. There were just more and more country vocals, ensembles and less dance music. I have just played this medley for about the 20th time. I just can't get enough.
jsmusics 2 years ago
Thank You JSmusics for posting this!
Really nice clip.
frankfan42 2 years ago
I agree with ltomholme, this is really Welk's orchestra at its peak. Really nice to hear them play music that is well done, and crisp. Too bad he abandoned so much of this later. Simply Wunnerful!!
frankfan42 2 years ago
Remember it's just 14 years after the death of Glenn Miller.
jsmusics 2 years ago
The woodwind section with 4 clarinets and a flute gives the group a most unique sound. Those five guys played so many different instruments; and so well. The medley was something kind of leftover from the Glen Miller big band era. You had to have the right songs. Miller used to do them with "Something old, something borrowed, something blue". I'd pay to have those recordings.
jsmusics 2 years ago
You are so right ltomholme. I love the Champagne Music, it is so unique and beautiful. They did too much country, patriotic, and popular music in the later years, neglecting the beautiful champagne music that made them initially famous.
MCWEDS 2 years ago 5
How about that gorgeous sub-tone clarinet solo from Russ Klein?
teebeesea 3 years ago
Check out some of the do's
dudemantwo 3 years ago
Why Welk discontinued "champagne medley time" into the 60's and 70's is confusing and disappointing. Particularly since it was such an intrinsic part of his ballroom personal performances. This '58 medley is probably the Welk Orchestra at its very best.
ltomholme 3 years ago 6