Lawrence Welk (March 11, 1903 – May 17, 1992) was an American bandleader and television personality, best known for hosting The Lawrence Welk Show (1951 – 1982). His easy-listening "champagne music" style made him a household name, especially among conservative and older audiences.
Born in North Dakota to German-Russian immigrants, Welk left school in fourth grade to work on the family farm. At 21, he pursued music full-time, performing with dance bands before forming his own orchestra. By the 1940s, his band gained popularity in Chicago, and in 1955, his show moved to ABC, where it remained until 1971. It continued in syndication until his retirement in 1982.
Welk was known for his strict professional standards and wholesome entertainment. He expanded into business, investing in real estate and founding a music publishing company. Even after his death in 1992, reruns of his show remained a staple on PBS, preserving his legacy in American music and television.