(1903 – 1992) Lawrence Welk, known for his “champagne” music complete with large bubbles dancing about the set, began with his traveling orchestra hosting dance parties in ballrooms of the Midwest. After twenty-six years of these shows, often broadcasted on radio, he moved to local television in 1951 and national television in 1955, where he ran until 1972 (and then moved into syndication). Often thought of as a favorite of the bluehaired set, this upbeat show featured an orchestra that was able to shift from waltz to polka to a fox trot in rapid succession, keeping at-home dancers on their toes. Welk had on offbeat, unlikely charm, which kept him as a favorite in front of cameras.