Lawrence Welk, a beloved entertainer and former band leader, passed away on May 17th, 1992 in Santa Monica, California. He was 89 years old. Born in rural Strasburg, North Dakota in 1903, Welk rose to fame as the "Champagne Musicmaker" after transforming a college dance band into a much sought-after touring group during the Prohibition era. In 1951, Welk began hosting a weekly television variety show, The Lawrence Welk Show, which ran for almost three decades and won him an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1971. Throughout his career, Welk had nine hit singles, 28 albums, and sold over 3 million records. He is remembered for his commitment to making music accessible to all, and as a kind and generous leader. Welk is survived by his three children, and will be fondly remembered in the music industry and beyond.