|
Tom Netherton
Lawrence Welk Show's Popular Baritone
Singer
Tom
Netherton was an American baritone singer
most popular for his regular appearances on the
Lawrence Welk Show from 1973 to 1982. His
combination of deep baritone voice, handsome looks,
height (6'5"), endearing charm and good guy reputation made him one
of the Lawrence Welk Show's most popular singers.
After leaving the show, he earned rave reviews in
the Off-Broadway hit musicals "Oklahoma!" and
"Carousel." The son of Thomas and Lillian
Netherton, Tom was born in Munich, Germany, where
his father was assigned as a career Army officer.
The first of four children, the family moved through
a series of military assignments and finally settled
in Bloomington, Minnesota when Major Netherton
retired in 1961. Like his father, Tom enlisted in
the Army and was later commissioned a second
lieutenant in the Infantry. He was assigned to duty
in Panama and soon became Plans and Operations
Officer for the 193rd Brigade. In his off duty time
he sang with the Army and Air Force bands. Tom was
promoted to first lieutenant. In his army career he
was awarded the Army, Navy and Air Force Spirit of
Honor Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
In 1969,
after leaving the Army, Tom joined
Harold Schafer at the Medora Musical Company in
North Dakota. Schafer introduced Tom to Lawrence
Welk and was invited to audition before a live
audience of 19,000 people during a Lawrence Welk
concert in St. Paul. Welk was so impressed, he
invited Tom to join the Welk Musical Family in
late November and his first Welk television show
appearance was on the 1973 annual Christmas
Show.
Tom passed away on January 7,
2018 in Nashville, TN from pneumonia. He is
survived by his mother, Lillian Netherton,
brother Brad Netherton and sisters Julie
Kobielush and Wendy Siebold.
Tom Netherton Sings "Close To You"
| |