Jimmy Getzoff,
Violin (1960-1962) Popular Violinist Was Youngest Member
Of Los Angeles Philharmonic
Jimmy
Getzoff was a child prodigy and renowned violinist
on the Lawrence Welk Show from 1960 to 1962,
replacing Dick Kesner.
Getzoff was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. At
the age of 18, Getzoff became the youngest member to
get a job with the Los Angeles Philharmonic before
joining the Lawrence Welk Show in 1960. While on the
Welk Show, Getzoff performed many popular violin
songs including "Someone To Watch Over Me", "How
Deep is The Ocean" and "Song From Moulin Rouge."
Glendale
Symphony Orchestra Career
After leaving the Lawrence Welk Show in 1962,
Getzoff went on to work with the Glendale
Symphony Orchestra under Carmen Dragon for 25
years. Jimmy's violinist hero is Jascha
Heifetz. Heifetz heard Jimmy play when he was 16
years old and wrote a very complimentary letter.
Many years later at a dinner gathering Heifetz
asked, "Do you still practice?" Jimmy laughed,
"I have to. I have a mother who still thinks I
play better than you do".