I'm not even a big Lawrence Welk fan (though my dad is. When he went to the U. of Chicago, he would pay 25 cents to dance to LW live each Saturday night).

This book is an Autobiography of Lawrence Welk, so it tells much about his private life from birth on up. He got into having his own band during the 1920's when radio was new and he had to really struggle to get anybody to hear him at all. It was worse than a Gypsy's life on the road.

He tells many very interesting stories of playing engagements, how they were promoted, what different audiences were like, etc.

One story that made me laugh out loud was how in certain areas of the country it was not uncommon for people to bring a gun to a dance, and if someone's girlfriend got looked at by an undesireable competitor, shots would be fired. LW and his band got to where they didn't even bother getting off the stage. They would just hide behind the piano until the shooting was over, then they would get out and keep playing, while members of the crowd would haul off the injured parties. I don't think anybody died at any of his concerts, but it seems clear that the spirit of the American Frontier was still alive into the 30's, at least.

I gained a real appreciation for Lawrence Welk after reading this book.

--George Stancliffe

Wunnerful, Wunnerful! The Autobiography of Lawrence Welk by Lawrence Welk with Bernice McGeehan

This excellent book made me a Lawrence Welk fan. Until I read his autobiography I considered Welk's music more suited to my mother's taste. I have changed my mind. I picked up my copy at a yard sale and bought it mainly because it had the signature of the author scrawled across the title page. I like biographies and autobiographies, and when I settled down to read this one, I was well rewarded for my treasure hunt. Threaded throughout this book are examples of integrity and thoughtfulness that show Lawrence Welk to be an outstanding showman, a hard worker, a devoted family man, a man of faith, and basically a decent human being. His humility in the face of success and his concern for his musical family made him someone to be admired. From the first $400 accordion that cost him four years work on his parents' farm to the fleet of Rolls Royces that graced his final years, it was a long, hard road. His thick accent became his trademark, along with his "Champagne Music" that entertained so many of his fans. But his fans were more than just fans, they were his friends. That is unusual in the world of entertainment, but then he was an unusual man, and this is an unusual book. I recommend it highly.

Ths book shows why Lawrence Welk was a beloved institution in this country for so many years. He had a way with people that made him rich, famous, and immortal. His philosophies are simple, yet they are as on target today as they were 60 years ago. This is a fascinating account of his later years, complete with tributes to his "Musical Family", as well as his real family We need more entertainers the calber of Lawrence Welk.