Lawrence Welk TV Treasures

The Lennon Sisters

America fell in love with The Lennon Sisters as the "girls next door." For 13 years on "The Lawrence Welk Show", The Lennon Sisters charmed the nation with their sweet-voiced harmonies. The combination of their extraordinary natural vocal talents, hard working professionalism, striking looks, unassuming personalities and strong family values has earned them a place in the hearts of millions of fans nationwide. That's why, as youngsters, they were dubbed "America's Sweethearts of Song" and American still adores them today.

After their well-received debut on "The Lawrence Welk Christmas Show" in 1955, the Sisters traveled extensively to make record-breaking personal appearances with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra or by themselves in every major U.S. city, as well as in the surrounding rural areas. They worked tirelessly at nightclubs, state and county fairs, charity benefits, conventions, and for church and civic organizations.

The American public clamored for more. Merchandising tie-ins such as paper dolls, TV trays and coloring books, some of the first of their kind, became a national phenomena. The country was enamored with the new celebrities who remained unaffected by all the attention and continued to maintain that the most important elements in their lives were their family and their faith in God.

The Lennon Sisters became role models for young women everywhere. As the quintessential American girls, they sang for six United States Presidents, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Ford, Carter and Reagan, an achievement that few other performers can claim. They made guest appearances on virtually every variety show on television, ranging from "The Mickey Mouse Club" to "The Ed Sullivan Show." Eventually, they earned their own television show on ABC, "Jimmy Durante Presents The Lennon Sisters." The show attracted such top name guest stars as Sammy Davis, Jr., Bob Hope, Perry Como, George Burns and Bing Crosby.

In the 1980s, fans were delighted to learn that The Lennon Sisters continued to grow more beautiful with each decade and were singing better than ever, with increasingly intricate harmonies and sensitive interpretations of the works of such classic American composers as Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin and Duke Ellington.

America's Singing Sweethearts have transformed before our eyes into sophisticated ladies. The transformation was documented in their 1986 quartet-authored memoir, "Same Song, Separate Voices." The book gave the public new insight into the unique, personal struggles each has faced, and the challenges of four distinct individuals whose blend as a single unit is the charm of their professional identity and success.

When the text was published, the television talk show circuit eagerly booked The Lennon Sisters and learned that their show now included solo numbers that reflects their individual styles and personalities.

The Lennon Sisters became regular guests on the Hollywood Squares. They have been the inspiration for questions in such mainstream American game shows as "Jeopardy," "Family Feud," "Trivial Pursuit" and "Win Ben Stein's Money." In 1987, they were awarded a star on the world famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, immortalizing their popularity.

The 1999 season marked a new era in their legendary career. Following a difficult decision, sister Peggy has returned to California to be with her husband, Dr. Robert Felt, a physician and surgeon in Family Practice; sister Mimi Lennon rejoins her sisters Dee Dee, Kathy and Janet in The Lennon Sisters foursome. Lennon fans will recall seeing younger sister Mimi, an accomplished studio singer and natural comedienne, performing as a Lennon Sister from 1970-75. Mimi's TV appearances include "The Lawrence Welk Show," "American Music Awards" and "The Mac Davis Show," and her stage credits include Caesar's Palace and Sahara Tahoe with Andy Williams, and Circle Star Theatre in San Francisco.

Their instant stardom has lasted almost 40 years. The Lennon Sisters are American legends.

THE LENNON SISTERS WEBSITE: http://www.lennonsisters.com