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Dick Dale,
Singer (1951-1982)
Longtime Popular Singer with
Lawrence Welk Show
Dick
Dale was a popular baritone singer on the
Lawrence Welk Show from 1951 to 1982. Dale was born
on September 14, 1926 in Algona, Iowa. He began
playing the saxophone in seventh grade and joined
Lynn Kerns' band in high school. He joined the Navy
in 1944 and served in World War II. After the war,
he joined Cliff Keyes Orchestra, returned to the
Lynn Kerns' band and then joined Amby Meyer's Band.
He also played with Al Menke's band and the Six Fat
Dutchman.
Lawrence Welk heard Dale sing with the Six Fat
Dutchman during a radio show and asked him to join
his orchestra. Dale sang and played saxophone with
the Lawrence Welk Orchestra from 1951 and continued
on the Lawrence Welk TV Show until 1982. Dick also
danced, did comedy pieces and was part of the
production staff for the show. Many will remember
him for his role as Santa Claus every year during
the annual Welk Christmas Show. Following the Show,
Dick joined the Rainbow Music Theater in Tennessee
for five years.
Dick married to his
wife, Marguerite, in 1949. Together, they had three
sons, Rick, Danny and David, and a daughter, Deedee.
Dale passed away on December 14, 2014 at the age of
88.
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