Calcutta '71

From 1971, here's Buddy Merrill, Bob Ralston and Myron Floren along with the rest of the Champagne music makers performing the ever popular "Calcutta", a million seller from 1961.
Providing the back up vocals are Sally Flynn, Sandi Griffiths, Mary Lou Metzger and Gail Farrell

[@johnsmith6586]

Seems like everybody my age has a grandmother who tortured us kids with the Lawrence Welk show which we hated. Now that I'm old I can appreciate the talent these musicians had. Just to be able to sit with my dearly departed grandmother just once more to watch Lawrence Welk would be a pleasure. If it made Grandma happy, then it was fine by me.

[@gregoryclemen1870]

my parents watched his show, and I would too, however I could not tolerate the irish tenor "JOE PHINNEY". I would get up, and mom would too and go to the kitchen for more snacks/ drinks!!!!.

[@milehighkit4725]

You summed it up for me perfectly.

[@terjealnes3855]

Exactly, hindsight is 20/20

[@DavidHorton-ek8qo]

Oh now both my Parents have moved on n I sadly miss my best friends biz partners confidants of all my hopes n dreams n lastly best road trip partners a son cud ever joyfully wish for.. Vibrant souls n fun just Soo much fun breaks my heart they not here getting excited cause I took my Parents over 300 concerts. This brings joy filled memories n pray to God help me get out this bedroom n I wanna c live music since been 3 years n 3 months longest timeframe my life not c live music. Miss u Mama n you as well Pops. You guys best n I'll break away from this isolation. I promise

[@michaelm742]

It was the other way around with me: as a kid I tortured my family with the Welk program. I've only started learning at age 56, though I've always been an accordion lover. Myron and Dick Contino were awesome!

[@TheLaurkenGroup]

This song reminds of being a kid, trapped the back seat of a huge Chrysler the size of a shrimp boat. This song was a standard on the “beautiful music” station my parents always listened to. I get wistful at hearing it, but have absolutely NO idea why it’s called “Calcutta”. I’ve never been to India but I know enough about Bollywood. As catchy and as memorable as this tune might be, to me, it screams more New Rochelle than New Delhi.

[@allenjones3130]

Probably the best recording ever made by Lawrence and his band!

[@garyrasberryjr.552]

His only #1 hit, and Lawrence originally didn't want to record it. George Cates (his arranger and assistant director) said if Lawrence didn't, he would. That convinced Lawrence to record it.

[@stephaniepersin4145]

I loved watching Lawrence Welk every Saturday night at 7 p.m. with my late grandma. She was born in 1920. Elegant Show.

[@billdavid903]

Everytime I watch one of these Lawrence Welk videos and the camera pans the audience I'm thinking this is the generation that took us from the depression to the richest country in the world

[@JohnUSA7]

This is definitely Welk's biggest hit, and what a lovely tune. Myron is one fantastic accordion player.

[@TralfazConstruction]

When I was very young I remember there being two accordion players that would go door-to-door in my maternal grandparents' neighborhood. The street was lined, up and down, with people who had moved from western Pennsylvania to southeastern Pennsylvania in the early-1950s to staff a new U.S. Steel facility in Falls Township. The old timers (in their early forties then!) knew how to keep traditions alive. I stood in my grandparents' living room, to the back, as the accordion serenade began outside and moved into the home. My aunt held the door open I remember one particular time. How long did this wonder last? Maybe three years or so. Certainly up until 1966.

[@Barking914]

As I get older, I must say there is a treasure trove of really great songs from late 50's early 60's, a lot of them intrumentals that were just GREAT. Never thought I'd say, Thanks Lawrence, that was a wunerful!!

[@carllindlbauer6473]

James Cavender. u

[@magardunoe]

POP Instrumentals ALL toghether in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL_CaSh_-r6zLtwtpnls6eWsUPpqhPPs-S

[@subhasisghosh66]

What a wonderful tribute to my city Calcutta.

[@pbullman5226]

One can listen to this song a thousand times, and never get sick of it. A true gem.

[@shawnmcculley2995]

If my psychiatrist knew how many times I played this song he would have had me committed YEARS ago!!

[@lduranceau8046]

@@shawnmcculley2995 i think I've heard it 2000 times, and still counting.

[@bdwfan4098]

Amateurs, don’t comment until you have listened at least 10000 times and have become one with Calcutta

[@edpinto8335]

By this day I can say the same

[@riceblues7548]

Heino Gaze born on 20. Gebruary was a german Songwriter, wrote this song for the carnival.

[@vonketelsen2110]

My father had a 6-piece band, and they did this number. Great song!

[@RawUmbers1]

It's the hand claps that turned this song into a #1 record.

[@CarolHensley-v7f]

And also the la la la's.

[@thehair1474]

Also Myron Floren.

[@mikecozzi1040]

😲 WOW!🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 This is Lawrence Welks theme Song!🎶🎶🎶🎶 Young people having fun with Seniors cutting a rug!

[@sambit99able]

Listening to this masterpiece in 2022 from Calcutta! ❤️❤️❤️

[@aspiceno]

'Calcutta' is probably one of the top 3 best instrumentals of all time. It is a perfect song which has everything: wonderful accordion, great bassline, wonderful background vocals, nice guitar work. I feel good every time I hear this song. It is one of the best 'feel-good' songs ever. Thanks forever to Lawrence Welk and his band for this wonderful song.

[@gregoryclemen1870]

it sounds like a simple tune( written by HEINO GAZE), however, it is actually a complex tune with all of the instrumentation that is in play. it did go to # 1 for two weeks on billboards hot 100 in FEB. 1961( released in NOV. 1960) this tune is a true "GEM"!!!. I never get tired of listening to it, I have the 45 R.P.M. single( DOT records # 45-16161). this tune featured "FRANK SCOTT" on the harpsichord when lawrence welk first aired this tune on "T.V.".

[@RubénGarciaMarques]

Instrumental pop musicians kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnzPfIChgcl4i6M

[@jackiewigh5294]

The Best!

[@stevelove5125]

When this song makes number 1 , you know you are living in a great time.

[@centralparocker8886]

Never get tired of hearing this just like "A Summer Place"....!!!!

[@marksteele4235]

I all ways liked watching Lawrence Well when I was little.

[@MrNathan791]

I really love this song. These Welk shows at so great and compared to the mess that's on TV today it's so refreshing. This show was classy and great music and musicians. What a gem.

[@Pickinbuddy]

Welk was actually the hippest show on TV--live music played by real musicians!

[@johnbrodecki2975]

Myron got me to start playing the accordion at 14.

[@jackiewigh5294]

Love this song. Always have. My Dad used to play it on the local jukebox.

[@michaelwascom62]

Lawrence Welk's band/orchestra was the apex of "class"; in a large part due to the FACT that Mr. Welk hired and maintained the most accomplished, virtuoso musicians and singers to be found. Also, the band was highly disciplined. But the musicians of the Champagne Music Makers loved it; that is why most of them stayed with LW to the end --- when the orchestra was officially retired. Today (12/31/2021) when I listen to Lawrence Welk, I have immeasurable appreciation for such "gold standard" and uncompromised professionalism.

[@ArnB-hk4hn]

Well said good sir! This show brings back great memories of my beloved grandparents and my older sister...

[@michaelwascom62]

Thank You for the compliment! I forgot to mention that Mr. Welk had personalities on his team who did not necessarily play an instrument and/or sing. Particularly, Arthur Duncan, who was a brilliant tap dancer; and LW's assistant orchestra director (whose name, regrettably, escapes me at the moment). I loved Myron (or maybe, Mylon) Florien, his virtuoso accordionist! ​@@ArnB-hk4hn

[@michaelwascom62]

Addendum: I have to add this comment to the remarks I've already made! When I was growing up (early 1950's, 1960's) my maternal grandparents lived in New Orleans, Louisiana (USA). My family resided in the Capital City, Baton Rouge, LA. We regularly visited my mother's folks about twice per month; I spent half the summer with my grandparents. If we were visiting on a Saturday, we would not leave to return home (to BR) until Lawrence Welk's TV program was over! For years, LW's TV program was sponsored by Geritol. I am now old enough to be part of the "Geritol Generation"! And I appreciate LW's music more than ever!

[@ArnB-hk4hn]

I watched it in the 70's and early 80's as a small kid. I actually enjoy the show from a nostalgic point of view still. Very entertaining,clean and talented. I'm fifty.( If the brown skinned tap dancer came on me and my sister went nuts! We loved that guy.) Have a Vunderfull night😉 🎶 Goodnight sleep tight,and pleasant dreams to you. Here's a wish and a prayer that all your dreams come true. Until we meet again.... 🎶 🎵

[@ArnB-hk4hn]

I just watched the following on KZbin:Arthur Duncan discusses his time on the Lawrence Welk Show... 👍

[@TSGT25]

Happy 113th Birthday today Lawrence !! ♥ You are so Wunnerful ! Wunnerful !!

[@lduranceau8046]

At 2:06-2:10, a very happy looking older couple dancing and having a grand time. The woman has an engaging smile on her face. Isn't this wonderful to see?

[@50Emerald]

The eventual Gold Record issue of "Calcutta" in 1961 was the first disk I ever bought and I was 11 then! Still LOVE the song, the harpsichord, Myron's accordion, and the fabulous arrangement!

[@lduranceau8046]

Wunnerful, wunnerful. One of the great 'feel-good' songs of the 20th century. Timeless and beautiful.

[@barbaracowell7948]

love love great music always heard this around my house just beautiful

[@chetpomeroy1399]

The Lawrence Welk show had *A LOT* of class! Everybody's always dressed up for a hot date!

[@chetpomeroy1399]

@Oliver Pong This episode of the Lawrence Welk Show was aired when those of us older folks living today were many, many years younger -- and it brings back fond memories.

[@TSGT25]

Happy 112th Birthday today Lawrence ! ♥ Mr. Music himself !

[@papas1973]

Que recuerdos llegan a mi memoria cuando mi padre escuchaba este tema, le encantaba y hoy a mi también, llegando hermosos recuerdos junto a mi padre escuchando y disfrutando de esta música, gracias por quien la logró subir.

[@TerryHarrisontbh]

I am not a huge Welk fan but I have loved this song since I was just a kid. To me it is so relaxing.

[@Pickinbuddy]

Man..I was 10 years old when this was on the radio--and it was my absolute favorite song! I was a really weird kid...

[@rjcushey1]

I know what you mean! I think I was the only kid on the block who loved the song!

[@carpenterabc]

it's hard to watch these Lawrence Welk videos...since my parents loved to watch them when I was a kid....But now they (my parents) are gone!

[@DaveT62]

This rockets me straight into my Grandparents' living room at the time. And I'll never forget the most gentle reprimand I ever received, that cut me like a knife. I made a snarky remark about the show, and my Grandmother said, "Now Davey, we don't make fun of your music, please don't make fun of ours". I loved the Welk show from that day forward

[@MrNathan791]

Oh yell; in my grandma's living room is where I first remember seeing this show. I've been hooked every since. pure joy.

[@austx290]

This takes me to my grandparent's living room also. Great memories.

[@halseyknox7384]

...'Believe it or not, this is one of my all-time favorite songs and videos from KZbin. Years ago, when I first saw it, I saved it and burned it onto a CD. It's also my favorite Myron Floren, the way he comes in about a minute into it and then gives those unbelievably gorgeous girls a "wink" at 1:11! I'm sure those people that were there that night never forgot it! Thank you, ahoneanatwo!

[@steveehrlich2996]

The legendary Myron Floren. I'm laughing at the bitterness over a bygone era.

[@emunkusjr]

As close as you can get to perfect in song! Long Live Mr. Welk!

[@sunlandleaonard]

MY MOM ,S FAVORITE SHOW. TAKES ME BACK TO WHEN I WAS A KID. THE TIME WHEN ALL I HAD TO DO WAS GET UP IN THE MORNING KNOWING MY MOTHER WILL TAKE OF EVERYTHING ELSE. NOW I,M 73. GOD IF I COULD ONLY GO BACK FOR 5 MINS, JUST TO TELL MY MOTHER : THANKS FOR BEING THE BEST MOM EVER

[@edwardberridy3413]

I can still remember going with my granddad to buy this record in '61. It was his favorite and a "Must" at any party so he could dance to it. Sad thing is that after he died, though his copy still exists, it was never played again. What fond memories come back listening to this again.

[@ErickTiki]

you should play it in his honor.

[@timothylegg]

Get all the people over and play that song and dance like the gray hairs in the video! Probably should test the record player first and make certain it works.

[@deanomarshall2926]

I'd tune this in any day than watch the garbage on T.V. nowadays!!!

[@jeffbaumann3289]

I know you're right!!

[@lauralue4]

still on the weekends on PBS so check out your listings I try never to miss it

[@pedegars]

lauralue4 Not on the PBS national schedule, but on individual stations, mostly those that serve smaller markets or those areas that have two or more PBS stations.

[@gregfallin5001]

You are absolutely right on the money with your view of TV today!!! I'd rather go skin diving in a Septic Tank than watch the brainless filth that they have on TV today!!!

[@lduranceau8046]

Check out the guitar pick which falls out of Buddy merril's guitar at 1:49. Both Buddy and Bob Ralston are surprised by it.

[@jacksondiana5078]

The couple dancing at 2:05 is the epitome of this show.

[@lduranceau8046]

That couple looks happy and content in each other's company. Is this not the sole purpose of this great show?

[@D.N..]

They are having a great time dancing 😁

[@freshstart8540]

She's absolutely lovely too!

[@scottlevine7646]

Would be so awesome if someone recognized the audience dancers as a grand parent or even great grand parent.

[@marie-jeannest-germain4986]

Jaie écoute Laurence welk pendant 27ans a la télé c'est tellement beau merci beaucoup

[@catholiccowboy8545]

C'est vrai !

[@jamesrodriguez3593]

This is what welcomes you in paradise

[@jamesrodriguez3593]

@Oliver Pong dude wtf

[@chetpomeroy1399]

@Oliver Pong Perhaps those not yet born today, when the time comes, will look at *you* and *your* tastes in music and entertainment with contempt.

[@garyheldt3759]

Amen to the grandmother comment. Mine loved Lawrence Welk and Mitch Miller and when we visited my grandparents my brothers and I sat through more of those shows than I’d care to recall. Now as a 70 year old man I so much appreciate these musicians immense talent and when he had the young couple who danced to this great song it was even more enjoyable. I’d love to have one more evening with my grandparents in their living room listening to music like this!

[@andypearlman4554]

Buddy Merrill is so good he can get the sound of a bass guitar out of a regular 6-string.

[@cavaturnagesh]

yeah I was trying to find who was playing the bass, by the way, the hammond organ player was phenomenal and the beauty of this song is due to the distinctive sound and tone of the Hammond Organ

[@da1215]

It's a Fender Bass VI

[@jmichaellee]

Actually a Fender Bass VI reinforced with a double bass way in the back. It's a classic example of what's called a "click bass" or "tic-tac bass" line.

[@9thgem]

Lovely lovely. Lot of respect and love from Peshawar Pakistan

[@richardpiper6265]

My Grandma Grant loved his show and I would watch it with her. She died when I was in the army in Korea and I could not come home for the funeral. When I still see the Lawrence Welk show from time to time I think of those days and wish I was sitting next to her and talking with her. Hey Grandma it is time for Lawrence Welk!

[@celeslunasco7496]

Las buenas épocas de oro... Los años felices donde reinaba la bella música instrumental..eran otros tiempos donde se podía apreciar la dulzura y la ternura de la gente las vivi en mi adolescencia en Perú y ella difundí música instrumental en Radio Regionalista de Ica en Perú...gracias por la música que alegra al mundo.

[@jazzyj900]

When I first heard this recording on the Welk show as a child back in the '70 down my granny's house I feel in love with it. And today it even sounds better than ever.

[@TralfazConstruction]

It absolutely does.

[@EdChoongTF]

A wonderful music that l use to listen while growing up and brings great memories in good old Kuala Lumpur's favourite places e. g. Robinson Dept Store & M.S.Ally Store at Mountbatten Road, and many more which has long gone. Thanks for sharing a wonderful music & memories.

[@landrykkb]

Not to totally diss some of today's entertainers because they bring something unique to the table themselves,but I do appreciate the simplicity of this era and Lawrence Welk was symbolic of that.I have countless memories of when I'd visit my grandparents in Halifax and they would watch Lawrence Welk religiously on Saturdays or whenever even the repeats aired on PBS.

[@punedav007]

to ahoneanatwo, you know what? I went to musipedia, typed in this melody as i did not know what this song was, or who made it. I got a match, and with great enthusiam, i typed it here, and after some failed searches, i found the EXACT version which i had heard 10 years ago, when i was 18. THANKS A MILLION, for posting this here! GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! and thanks to Technology!

[@kobiddebroy8494]

This song shows how popular my dear city Calcutta was popular then...love you Calcutta

[@ΜάκηςΣπέντζος]

Παρακαλώ , Χορεύετε ? Με ευχαρίστηση ! Συγχαρητήρια 💐🎸🎄⭐️

[@charlesmaschi5177]

I LOVE this song! Note the Fender Baritone guitar. No 60's instrumental piece is complete without it...

[@elfowl2592]

GREAT SONG!!!! from 1961, remember it well as a 15 yr. old, thanks for the post.

[@germanico4401]

MAESTRO DE MAESTRO. GRAN MUSICO QUE DEJO GRANDES MELODIAS QUE JAMAS OLVIDAREMOS GRACIAS MASTER LAWRENCE. RIP MIS RESPETOS

[@alanstrong3295]

I recall that song playing at pre school back around 1960. The kids loved it. Very entertaining.

[@arno52]

I loved Bob Ralston and Buddy Merrill in this great pop hit!

[@pbullman5226]

Memories of happier times in America. Where have they gone? America is happy no more...

[@critchley3819]

For living & breathing this is magnificent...

[@burlingtonbill1]

GREAT to see a video for this classic tune (# 1 in 1961 !)

[@theophilusthistle1988]

This show was one of many which reflected a basic decency in our culture, and since it's pretty certain people would never again produce shows like this, it may mean humanity has turned the corner.

[@rotunda57]

Hear, hear beachboy. that is so true.

[@stuartmunro1319]

Such wonderful culture

[@timothylegg]

@@stuartmunro1319 You mean 'wunnerful culture'?

[@stuartmunro1319]

timothylegg yep!

[@justinbligh]

Western culture started to go downhill since the late 60’s.

[@TSGT25]

Happy 110th Birthday " Mr . Music " !!! We need your Wunnerful. Wunnerful music in the world now!

[@OrmondTheMagnificent]

Love that GROOVY vest and bellbottom pantsuit at 0:37!!! Gotta love the 70s and Lawrence Welk!!! A veritable feast for the eyes!!!!

[@gretafegredo4507]

I am from Calcutta (Kolkata now) and this brings back such happy memories.

[@dennisharvey7899]

Oh how I miss those days!

[@lenonnitchergore2246]

Cuando los jóvenes descubríamos el amor y los viejos eran felices!!! Ángel Espinoza Jasly.

[@jackgrant7356]

Love this tune. Hate myself for it. Want one of thos green jackets

[@oldieznut1]

Watch the live version of this from '61 then watch this! Such a cool comparison, the clothes, the hair, the everything! P.S. the lady on the left side of the screen at 0:37 has one of the coolest outfits I have ever seen.

[@hellohello285]

thank you very much for uploading this

[@tedmaybury8255]

* Dancing on The Lawrence Welk Show must have been like watching a yacht race off shore Massachusetts, seeing whales breech the Bering Sea, or visiting Westminster Abbey.

[@TimBrinning-rl5hu]

Beautiful...i watched Lawrence welk ..every Saturday night with my grandma...it was was the best ... beautiful

[@cheryllentini8229]

Love this. Wish this show was still on!!

[@Nebris]

Love this tune. And that's The Greatest Generation out there on the dance floor. ;)

[@timothylegg]

I think they are even older than that. I'm betting they are 19th century people. It is something I've noticed that's changed from looking at old videos. There isn't as much of a generational difference. You are seeing people in their 70s/80s dancing to a modern song that is produced by people half their age.

[@davidmckinney6577]

I have always loved this song ❤️

[@nasserfares9562]

Wonderfull music it is difficult to find good music same this in our time now

[@JOKER-ny5pt]

I'ved always admire the music back in the days. Love to tresure them always. 💞💕🎶

[@veel1973]

I just luv this instrmental!!! I grew up listening to LW show!

[@dayers40]

Very danceable to a Samba or a Rumba. Take your pick. The Samba is the best fit. The nice thing about The Lawrence Welk show is seeing the hard core audience members on the floor dancing during the show. I take my dance shoes with me where ever I go and I am sure all the audience members came prepared to dance and it is nice to see that Lawrence Welk let them dance.

[@LONGBEACHPUNKROCK]

T.V. @ Grandama's House On Sunday Night!!! Never Really Thought About It But Now I Miss It Alot & Her!!! Thanks Granny!

[@amerigovespucci4076]

TIMELESS..............

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Adam Curtis docs brought me here This song rips

[@PIANOCENTRIC]

Calcutta - The City Of Joy indeed !! ❤

[@minootodiwala]

I REALLY ENJOYED LISTENING IT AFTER A LONG TIME IT WAS MY FAVOURITE TUNE

[@veraluciafontes9351]

Conheci essa musica quando crianca, pois minha mae ouvia o programa Luiz de Carvalho, na radio globo, no Rio de Janeiro-RJ

[@AnthropoidOne]

Good times back then...young people have NO IDEA what they have missed.

[@nukecat]

they were a very talented ensemble on that show!

[@TralfazConstruction]

This is more precious than gold. Love it when Mr. Floren swoops-in. 1:09

[@aspiceno]

Note at 1:50, the contact lens of the harpsichordist falls out; good reaction by both the harpsichordist and the guitar player prevents a possible embarrassing situation from happening.....

[@fumingriley]

That's a white guitar pick, it came off the neck of the guitar. You can see it in earlier shots, then it falls and its not there anymore. I think Welk saw it too, at the end if the clip he's about to say something to Buddy the guitarist.

[@sergiojuan217]

What a classy show

[@adeliadeoliveira2617]

Música lindíssima! Me transporta para um passado feliz !

[@LadyMabbly]

Ouça a original, de Werner Müler!

[@FranciscoAssis-sp3cj]

Marcou minha infância, feliz fim de semana !

[@GEMINITREKKER]

Pretty Good! I remember watching Lawrence Welk with my Parents back in the 70's. Thanks for posting! :)

[@musicbuff9]

Love this song! Wish more young people appreciated Lawrence Welk . Music is so bad today. Thank god syndication and PBS kept Lawrence going. ABC was so stupid to cancel it.

[@bdwfan4098]

musicbuff9 you have one young person here, this is top 5 in my favorite songs

[@jimstokes6742]

The original name is TIVOLI MELODY from a British production music service. It has lyrics.

[@brucepowell9252]

My folks and I listened to his show every week, and loved it every time. The girls are so pretty and wholesome--no twerking here! Anyway, thank God you can still see the reruns on PBS, hosted by a lot of the original cast members.

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

I will always love this song Calcutta my son was born the year it came out it has a melody that’s happy and gay I never get tired of hearing it

[@ABfromWindsor]

Love watching the Lawrence Welk Show when it was on and it was things like Calcutta. ❤👍👍

[@frankd1965]

I live in Arizona and there are 2 stations in Phoenix, and 3 in Tucson that paly Lawrence Welk. Calcutta gets a lot of palytime.

[@DFTMAlamoAngels]

This brings back SO MANY "Wunnerful, Wunnerful" Memories!!

[@timothylegg]

I listened to the Hildegard Knef song Na Und and immediately thought of this song. Exactly the same style, as if Lawrence Welk recorded the instrumental for her.

[@ArnB-hk4hn]

I miss you grandma and grandpa! ❤

[@thomtlc2]

This song is magic and the performance is priceless.