I have to admit that I like the Lawrence Welk Show (LWS), but never liked LW, the man. I was "forced" to watch the show during the 1950s on a fuzzy/snowy black and white TV with rabbit ears antennae (wrapped in aluminum foil) when we went to visit my grandparents on some Saturday nights. Heck, even Marty Robbins was on during one airing! I still remember my grandmother (Mammaw) saying that Marty looked like he was cross-eyed. That must have been 1956 or '57 with Marty singing "Singing the Blues".

The LWS was like a continuation of the Hit Parade (which I liked). They sang many of the current songs. I did not care much for the later music of the 70s and 80s.

I still occasionally watch the LWS on PBS because it brings back memories of the 50s and 60s. It is still interesting to watch the cast as they age after all these years when they have a PBS reunion. However, that reminds me of my own age and mortality, especially when the In Memoriam photos of deceased Champagne stars are aired.

The best part of the show for me was when the violin/string section was featured and when there was a skit involving a hoedown and fiddle playing.