

When he was nine years old, his father who loved music, bought him a shiny soprano saxophone on a whim and that would lead Skeets on a path which led him to much greatness. SKEETS HERFERT saxophone and woodwinds was born Arthur Herfert on May 28, 1911. He is survived by his wife Beverly, his three children and five grandchildren.

Passed away in his hometown of New Orleans on August 6, 2016, aged 86.

Although he was on the Welk show for a short time from 1957 to 1959, he is still regarded as one of the world's greatest jazz musicians.having recorded more than 100 albums and performed often either with his band, a soloist or on Mardi Gras as a member of the Half Fast Marching Club. He got his start with Al Hirt and Monk Hazel before forming his first band in 1950, the Basin Street Six. PETE FOUNTAIN clarinet player was born on Jin New Orleans, LA. He passed away from natural causes at his home in Arizona on December 15, 2013, aged 90. Deciding to strike out on his own, he left Welk in 1962 to form his own band.

He joined the Welk organization in 1951, playing the trumpet, singing many numbers and comedic bits. Upon graduation from high school.he served his country in World War II with the 765th American Air Force, playing in its band and as a radio operator flying the Burma Hump. ROCKY ROCKWELL trumpet player and vocalist was born in St. He also released several solo albums on the Brunswick, Coral and Dot record labels. As a member of the Welk band for 31 years, until he lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 1965.he played both the Novachord and Hammond organs as well as the piano. Prior to joining Lawrence Welk's orchestra way back in 1934, he played with the Bill Klitz and Harry Turner bands plus he also taught piano as well. JERRY BURKE organist and pianist was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on July 26, 1911.
