SUNDAY, NOV. 16 at 5:30PM

Born to German-Russian immigrant parents, Lawrence Welk built a strong work ethic and love for music growing up on the family farmstead in Strasburg, North Dakota. Lawrence Welk: A North Dakota Farm Boy, looks at Welk’s journey from rural America to legendary music maker.

After touring the Midwest in his 20s, Welk was scouted by ABC in 1955 to create the iconic The Lawrence Welk Show, which still runs on public television stations today.

The film looks at Welk’s life through archival footage and interviews with people who knew him well – including his daughter, nieces, secretary and The Lawrence Welk Show cast members.

“From his humble beginnings in central North Dakota to his remarkable legacy in Hollywood, we were moved by how deeply Lawrence Welk impacted those around him,” said the show’s producer, Prairie Public Director of Television Barbara Gravel. “Everyone we spoke with shared heartwarming memories of Welk and his music — a true testament to his enduring influence.”

Lawrence Welk: A North Dakota Farm Boy was produced by Prairie Public in partnership with the State Historical Society of North Dakota and Friends of the Welk Homestead.