Last Updated on September 23, 2023 by Team CrazyJackz
When we think of television in the modern day, we imagine bright colors and perhaps even streaming our favorite shows on a 4K television. Yet, television became popular in the 1900s, and by 1955, there was a really popular show that came to TV, known as the Lawerence Welk Show.
While it went off the air in 1982, many people still remember the entertainment that the show provided. Now, as time passes, it’s natural to wonder if any of the show’s cast members are still alive. So, is anybody still alive from the Lawrence Welk show? Who has passed away and Who is still alive from the Lawrence Welk show? Let’s see..
Who Is Still Alive From The Lawrence Welk Show?
Throughout the show, many faces were seen alongside the host of the show. While many of these celebrities have passed away, there are still a few, who remain alive today. So let’s take a closer look at them.
1. Bob Havens (trombone)
Born on the third of May, 1930, Bob Havens is currently 92 years old and one of the few people to still be alive from the Lawrence Welk show. He was part of the team on the show between 1960 and 1982, staying with Lawrence Welk until the show went off the air. He is known for playing the trombone. Havens is also known for his love for jazz and big band music. In 1985, Havens was also part of Lawrence Welk’s Christmas Reunion.
Havens is no longer active as a musician, and not many details are shared about his current living environment. Yet, we are still able to enjoy his music thanks to the inclusion on platforms like YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music.
In 2001, Bob Havens appeared on a TV special, titled Lawrence Welk: Milestones & Memories.
2. Bob Ralston (piano)
Another person from the Lawrence Welk show who still lives on today is Bob Ralston. He was born in 1938 and is currently aged 85+. Ralston is known as an American Musician and became popular when he was the pianist for the Lawrence Walk Show.
Between 1959 and 1963, Ralston played at the Coconut Grove Nightclub together with Freddy Martin. He was later invited to make a guest appearance on the Welk Lawrence Show in 1963 and was later hired as a full-time star on the show. Apart from recording with Welk, he also has albums that he compiled and recorded alongside Billy Vaughn and Ray Conniff.
At his current age, Ralston continues to show his love for music. While he no longer performs on stage, there are some occasions where he would hold a concert at his own residence.
3. Richard Maloof (tube/bass)
Richard Maloof was the tuba and bass player for the official orchestra on the Lawrence Welk show. He was born in January 1944, and received his first invitation to appear on the show in 1967.
A lot of data surrounding Richard Maloof has not been publicly reported, but as of this moment, it is known that he is still alive. One of the last albums that Maloof was credited for came out in 1990 and was called New Deal. At the time, he played the bass as part of the Baja Marimba Band. Maloof was also a bass player for Riz during the recording of their album, Naked Sax.
Similar to some of the other stars, in 2001, Maloof made an appearance on a TV special that reunited some of the famous figures who were part of the original Lawrence Welk show.
4. Mary Lou Metzger (singer/dancer)
Mary Lou Metzger is another prominent member of the Lawrence Welk Show who is still alive. She is a dancer and singer and was a part of the show from 1979 to 1982.
5. Ralna English (singer)
Ralna English is an American country and gospel singer who performed in the Lawrence Welk Show from 1969 to 1982. She is currently alive and is now living in Scottsdale, Arizona.
6. Gail Farrell (singer/dancer)
Gail Farrell is an American pianist and singer and is one of the very few members of the show, who is still alive. She was part of the Welk Show from 1969-1982 and currently lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
7. Anacani (singer):
Anacini is a Mexican singer who was part of the Lawrence Welk Show from 1973 to 1982. She is still alive and lives in Escondido, CA.
8. The Aldridge Sisters (singers):
The Aldridge sisters were the famous sisters’ duo, who were part of the Lawrence Welk show during 1977 to 1982. Both Sherry Aldridge and Sheila Aldridge are still alive today and live in Florida and Hendersonville respectively.
9. Ava Barber (singer):
Ava Marlene Barber is a country singer who was a part of the Lawrence Welk show from 1974-1982. She has toured with former members of this show since 2000 and is still alive.
10. Barbara Boylan (dancer)
Barbara Boylon is an American dancer who featured in the Lawrence Welk Show from 1961-1967. Boylon lives in Denver, Colorado, and is one of the living members of the show.
11. Bobby Burgess (dancer)
Known for his performances during 1961-1982 in the Lawrence Welk Show, Bobby Burgess is a popular dancer and singer. He is still alive and lives in Hollywood Hills now.
12. Jo Ann Castle (honky-tonk pianist)
Jo Ann Castle is a pianist who featured on the Welk Show from 1959-1969. She is one of the living members of the Lawrence Welk Show.
13. Tanya Falan Welk-Roberts (singer)
Tanya was a Lawrence Welk Show singer who performed in the show during the years 1968-1977. She is also still alive.
14. Sally Flynn (singer)
Sally Flynn also known as Sally Hart, is a musician who featured in the Lawrence Welk Show from 1968 to 1972. She is yet another living member of this famous show.
15. Sandi Griffiths (singer)
Born in 1946, Sandi Griffiths is an American singer who was a part of the Lawrence Welk Show during 1968-1980. She left the show in 1980 and is still alive now.
16. Guy Hovis (singer)
Another living member on this list is Guy Lee Hovis, Jr. He is a known vocalist and singer who was part of the Lawrence Welk Show from 1970 to 1982.
17. Cissy King (dancer)
Claire Yvonne King, known as Cissy King, is an accomplished dancer from the Lawrence Welk Show who is currently still alive. Cissy King featured in the show from 1967 to 1978, and he now lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
18. The Otwell Twins (singers)
The Otwell Twins are a well-known singing duo that includes the two brothers, Roger and David. They were part of the Lawrence Welk Show from 1977-1982. Today, both the brothers are still alive as one of them lives in Amarillo, and the other in Canyon.
19. Michael Redman (singer)
Michael M. Redman is another member of the Welk Show who is still a living member. He is a known singer and appeared on the show from the year 1980 to 1982.
20. Kathie Sullivan (singer)
Kathie Sullivan is an American singer who was part of the Lawrence Welk Show from 1976-1982. Kathie is still alive, and she continues to perform at retirement communities for seniors.
21. Jim Turner (guitarist/singer)
Another famous country singer who was a part of the Lawrence Welk Show from 1979 to 1982 is Jim Turner. He is also the founder of ‘The Sounds of Purpose’ and is still alive.
22. Andra Willis (singer)
Born in Virginia, Andra Willis is a known singer who was a part of the Lawrence Welk Show from 1967 to 1969. She currently lives in Australia and is one of the show’s members who are still alive.
23. Johnny Zell (trumpet)
The last member on this list, who also is alive, is Johnathan Zell. He is one of the musicians and trumpeters who was featured on the Lawrence Welk Show during 1967 to 1969.
Conclusion
The Lawrence Welk show was actually called the Dodge Dancing Party at first. The show made waves in the 1950s and continued to air until 1982. But, What’s more interesting is the fact that some of the people who appeared on the show are still alive today, which we outlined in this post.
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