Some things just resonate through the decades, and one memorable singing performance on “The Lawrence Welk Show” fits into that category. The Lennon Singers, a quartet of four siblings, had first appeared on this show on Dec. 24, 1955, and this memorable rendition of their hit song, “Tonight, You Belong To Me,” has been enjoyed through the ages. In fact, it has received more than 3 million views on YouTube since being uploaded to that platform in 2010.
The Lennon Sisters still perform today albeit with three of the original four members. Upon its formation in 1955, the group consisted of Dianne, 16, Peggy, 14, Kathy, 12, and Janet, 9. Later, Mimi, who was just 2 months old during this group’s initial performance on “The Lawrence Welk Show,” replaced Peggy before retiring herself later, as detailed here at WBFO News. As a result, the current lineup includes three of the original four members: Dianne, Kathy and Janet. Their most famous gig nowadays is an annual appearance at a Christmas show in Branson, Mo.
This talented quartet with gorgeous voices was discovered by Lawrence Welk’s son, Larry, who was a classmate of them. Larry had brought the girls home to sing for Lawrence, who was so impressed that he immediately made a phone call to book them on the show that would be recorded later that week. It wasn’t long before the entire country was as enraptured by their voices as he had been.
The Lennon Sisters did not just appear on “The Lawrence Welk Show” once or twice. They were mainstays on the show from 1955-68, this run only coming to an end when they wanted to make a name for themselves separate from the show.
“Tonight, You Belong to Me,” ended up rising up the charts, reaching as high as the 15th spot in early 1956, and it’s still one of the favorites sung by the Lennon Sisters today. It ended up being their biggest hit, the only one to receive a place on the charts.
“The Lawrence Welk Show” was broadcast on ABC from 1955-71, which followed being shown only within the Los Angeles market from 1951-55 and receiving national syndication afterward, from 1971-82. It was most popular from 1964-69, placing it in the top 30 television shows those five seasons.
Have you seen the Lennon Sisters perform? Had you heard their beautiful voices before? How would you compare their singing style with other singers?
