Lawrence Welk Show
 

Al Hirt, Trumpet (1957-1959)

Lawrence Welk Trumpeter Recorded "Green Hornet" Theme Song


Al HirtAl Hirt ("Jumbo") was better known for his jazz nightclub in New Orleans than he is for his performances on the Lawrence Welk Show. However, it was on the Welk Show where he got his start in show business in 1957 playing alongside jazz clarinetist Pete Fountain. 

Hirt grew up in New Orleans and attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music from 1940 to 1943. He then served in the Army until after World War II. After the war, Hirt returned to New Orleans and played with Pete Fountain, another Lawrence Welk alumni. Fountain and Hirt both joined the Lawrence Welk Show in 1957 and remained until 1959. 

Life After Welk
 
After Hirt left in 1959, he moved back to New Orleans Al Hirt Nightclub Becomes Museumand signed a contract with RCA records. He eventually recorded a whopping 55 records over his entire career. In 1965, he won a Grammy for his hit song, "Java" and later won acclaim for his theme song for the "Green Hornet." Other hits he recorded include "Greatest Horn", "He's the King", "Bourbon Street", and "Cotton Candy." In 1986, his longtime club in New Orleans closed down after 22 years so he began playing at his friend's club, Jelly Roll's down the street.

In 1993, Hirt recoverd from gall bladder surgery. Hirt died in 1999 of liver failure leaving behind an artistic history of 50 albums and a 1964 Grammy for the song "Java."

Al Hirt, Jerry Hirt (Trombone) and  Pee Wee Spitelera (clarinet) - 1962
Performing "I Love Paris" and "When The Saints Go Marching In"