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Barney
Liddell, Trombone (1948-1982)
Popular Trombone Player Was
With Lawrence Welk Orchestra For 34 Years
Barney
Liddell was a trombone player on the
Lawrence Welk Show from 1948 to 1982. Liddell was
born and raised in Gary, Indiana, and began playing
the Trombone at Lou Wallace High School. He had
aspirations to become the next Jimmy Dorsey on the
alto sax but found that the high school band was out
of saxophones. Second choice was the trumpet. But
there were no trumpets either. The only instrument
available at the time, was the trombone. He found to
his amazement, that the trombone was a natural for
him. Since then, he has played with established
jazz notables Sid Catlett, Billy Holiday, J.C.
Higginbotham, Red Allen and Tony Scott's Quintet.
While performing with Elliott Lawrence's band,
Lawrence Welk heard him, liked his style, and
provided an opening for the young trombonist in
February of 1948. And, thus began his long career as
the trombonist for The Lawrence Welk Show. Lawrence
Welk has said: "Barney is one of the finest men,
with one of the biggest hearts I've ever known."
After
Lawrence Welk Liddell passed away on
May 5, 2003 at the age of 81 and is survived by
his wife, Elaine Liddell; children, Patrick,
John and Terrence Liddell, Susan Anderson and
Rachel Liddell; six grandchildren; and one
great-grandchild.
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