From 1939 comes this sweet short called Lawrence Welk and His Champagne Music. Welk is heading the band on his accordion as usual. Welk at this point had been playing music since he was a young man, but the term “champagne music” had only been used to describe the Lawrence Welk Novelty Orchestra in 1938 after a particularly bubbly performance at Pittsburg’s William Penn Hotel.

During his long career in television, which began in 1955, Welk managed to keep audiences enthralled with big band music and polkas despite the overwhelming popularity of rock and roll music. And, it’s good clean fun like in this 1939 clip that kept people coming back for more wholesome entertainment.

Among the songs featured here are “I Go For That” (sung by Lois Best) and Welk’s signature “Bubbles in the Wine.” Have a look at this snapshot of the past in the fun video below.

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