The Lawrence Welk Show was a popular American musical variety show that aired from 1951 to 1982.
The show featured a range of musical performances, including big band, polka, and pop music. One instrument that was frequently featured on the show was the clarinet.
The clarinet was played by several musicians during the show’s run, each bringing their unique style and sound to the instrument.
One of the most notable clarinet players on The Lawrence Welk Show was Henry Cuesta. Cuesta played the clarinet from 1972 to 1982 and was known for his smooth, melodic style. Cuesta was a talented woodwind musician who also played the saxophone and had a background in classical music.
He replaced Peanuts Hucko as the clarinetist on the show and quickly became a fan favorite. Cuesta’s performances on The Lawrence Welk Show helped to bring the clarinet to a wider audience and cemented his place in musical history.
Another notable clarinet player on The Lawrence Welk Show was Pete Fountain.
Fountain played the clarinet from 1957 to 1959 and was known for his jazz style. Fountain was a famous jazz musician who got his start on The Lawrence Welk Show.
He played alongside jazz trumpeter Al Hirt and quickly became a fan favorite. Fountain’s performances on the show helped to showcase the versatility of the clarinet and helped to bring jazz music to a wider audience.
Who Played the Clarinet on Lawrence Welk?
The clarinet was a popular instrument on The Lawrence Welk Show, and several talented musicians played it during the show’s run. Here are some of the most notable clarinetists who graced the Welk stage:
Pete Fountain
Pete Fountain was a renowned New Orleans jazz clarinetist who appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
He was known for his virtuosic playing style and his ability to improvise on the spot.
Fountain was a regular on The Lawrence Welk Show in the 1960s, and he also performed with other notable musicians such as Jack Teagarden and Benny Goodman.
Henry Cuesta
Henry Cuesta was another talented clarinetist who played on The Lawrence Welk Show.
He joined the show in 1972 and played with the Welk orchestra until the show ended in 1982.
Cuesta was known for his technical mastery of the clarinet and his ability to play a wide range of musical styles.
He was also a member of Bob Crosby’s Bobcats and played with Al Hirt and the Dukes of Dixieland.
Mahlon Clark
Mahlon Clark was a clarinetist who played with The Lawrence Welk Orchestra in the 1950s and 1960s.
He was known for his smooth, melodic playing style and his ability to blend seamlessly with the other musicians in the orchestra.
Clark was also a prolific studio musician and played on many recordings for film and television.
Early Life and Career
Texas Roots
The Lawrence Welk Show featured many talented musicians throughout its long run, but few were as beloved as the clarinet players who graced the stage.
One of the most notable of these players was Henry Cuesta, who played with the Welk Orchestra for ten years.
Born in Texas, Cuesta began playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly developed a love for the instrument.
High School
Cuesta’s passion for music led him to pursue a career in the field after high school.
He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied music and played in the Longhorn Band.
After completing his studies, Cuesta began playing professionally, performing with a variety of bands and orchestras.
Army Service
Cuesta served in the Army during World War II, where he was a member of the Special Services division.
While stationed in Europe, Cuesta continued to play the clarinet, performing for troops in England, France, and other parts of the continent.
After the war, Cuesta returned to the United States and continued his career as a musician.
Throughout his career, Cuesta performed with a variety of bands and orchestras, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Lawrence Welk Orchestra.
His talent and skill on the clarinet made him a beloved figure among fans of the Welk Show, and his performances on the show helped to cement his place in music history.
Rise to Fame
Henry Cuesta’s career as a clarinetist began at a young age when he studied classical violin with his father, Miguel Cuesta, a music teacher and violinist.
His cousins, Emilio and Ernie Caceres, were also notable musicians in their own right. However, it was his talent on the clarinet that would eventually make him a household name.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Cuesta’s big break came when he was invited to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1963.
His performance was a hit, and he became a regular guest on the show.
He went on to perform on the show more than 50 times over the course of his career.
The Lawrence Welk Show
Cuesta’s most famous role was as the clarinetist for The Lawrence Welk Show.
He joined the show in 1972 and remained with the orchestra until 1982.
He replaced Peanuts Hucko, who had played with the orchestra for over a decade. Cuesta’s technical mastery of the clarinet and his ability to play a wide range of musical styles made him a popular member of the orchestra.
Jazz Festivals
In addition to his work on television, Cuesta was also a popular performer at jazz festivals around the country.
He played with a number of notable jazz artists, including Bobby Hackett and Bobby Vinton. He was known for his ability to improvise and his unique style of playing.
Overall, Henry Cuesta’s rise to fame was due to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. He became a beloved figure in the world of music and will always be remembered for his contributions to the clarinet and to the world of entertainment.