`LAWRENCE WELK SHOW' DEBUTED 45 YEARS AGO (JULY 2)

`LAWRENCE WELK SHOW' DEBUTED 45 YEARS AGO (JULY 2)

BRANSON, Mo. (Wireless Flash) -- Sunday (July 2) is a day of note for Lawrence Welk fans -- it's the 45th anniversary of the day "The Lawrence Welk Show" premiered on ABC. On July 2, 1955, Lawrence and his gang debuted as a temporary summer replacement series -- but the show defied the odds by lasting 27 years. Kathy Lennon -- who along with her sisters joined the cast in 1955 -- says Welk was loved by his employees but was very strict. One time, a bandmember was late and admitted he had no excuse, to which Welk replied, "That's no excuse." Another time, he scolded an employee for having a toothache on company time. However, many of the cast -- including accordionist Myron Floren -- stayed with the show the entire run. By the way, 40 former Welk stars will be reuniting Labor Day Weekend for a 45th anniversary reunion.