I remember seeing interviews with a few of the regulars in his last few years on air... I guess he put his nose into their sex lives, their diet, even controlled when family members were allowed to visit. They made it sound like it was a tight ship thing, not mind control or anything like that... It would be a poor optic nowadays.
Ultimately, I'm sure it was all about keeping the show scandal free because he what is very dependent on his wholesome image.
Of course, Lawrence welk didn't dare talk to Lee Liberace 😁😁😁
Yep, LW had a specific template and ran his business as tight as it could be, as he envisioned, with no deviations and no scandals. Consummate taskmaster. I recall he fired Natalie Nevins for missing a performance. She tried to make up by bringing blueberry muffins for LW and the cast but was blocked by security from entering the building. LOL! I guess you got no second chance with the maestro.
I will admit that I do not understand his infatuation with Norma Zimmer as the Champaign Lady. I can't stand her. He screwed up by letting Alice Lon walk. He knew he made a mistake. Plus I think he had 'a thing' for Norma. She tried to quit twice. Her constant vibrato annoyed, and still does, the shit out of me.
Anyway...
