Signs of Aging: The author watches Laurence Welk

 (c) by Mark Dempsey

Accordionist and band leader Lawrence Welk hosted my maternal grandmother's favorite TV show. She taught piano, and her maiden name was German, so it fit. Welk was raised in a German-speaking town in the Dakotas before he pursued a career in music. Oddly, he was tone deaf enough that he never lost his accent.

My grandmother's taste was something I didn't share when we watched together. Welk was so square that when clarinetist Pete Fountain added a jazzy solo to a Christmas song Welk's reaction was hostile enough that Pete left the band.

When I'd watch Welk with Grandma, it was the '60s when long hair and beards were in vogue. Welk's musicians never had any such hair or beards--although they would wear false sideburns when doing an Elvis tune--so hokey!

Grandma's taste in humor: Hee Haw... Also lame, in my youngster's opinion.

So...it's quite the change for me to actually pay attention to the Lawrence Welk show. Yes, it's still in reruns on PBS, sponsored by some Oklahoma public TV station. I can't say I watch the whole show, but I no longer recoil in horror at it.

Several things are worth watching in the Lawrence Welk show. First of all, the musicians are impeccable. They never hit a wrong note. Their playing is nearly as perfect as the military bands I've seen.

Secondly, they do play classic tunes in the most milquetoast arrangements possible, but the crowds still get up and dance. If you pay attention to the crowds, you will see ordinary Americans of the show's period. They are not particularly handsome or photogenic. The dancing crowds are certainly mature, if not downright elderly.

A Los Angeles studio musician told me spots in his band were coveted because of their security. Welk would even help band members buy houses.

So the show still continues in syndication, and the band still plays in Branson MO. The appeal is eternal, if not particularly hip. And it doesn't bother me so much, anymore.