
Lawrence Welk: A North Dakota Farm Boy
Premieres Monday, July 14, at 7pm
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. Today, he’s known for creating the iconic The Lawrence Welk Show, which still airs on public television stations around the country.
The film looks at Welk’s life and legacy through archive footage and interviews with people who knew him well – including his daughter, nieces, secretary, and Lawrence Welk Show cast members.
HOW TO WATCH
- Tune in on Prairie Public on Monday, July 14, at 7pm
- Stream on-demand on the PBS app and our YouTube channel, beginning July 14.

WATCH
Lawrence Welk was born to Russian immigrant parents in Strasburg, North Dakota, where he developed a strong work ethic and love for music growing up on the family farmstead. After touring the midwest in his 20s, he was scouted by ABC in 1955 to create the now-iconic "The Lawrence Welk Show," which still runs on public television stations today. In this biographical documentary, explore the life and legacy of North Dakota's music man, Lawrence Welk.

Mary Lou Metzger

Mary Lou Metzger

NDSU Archives

Mary Lou Metzger

Mary Lou Metzger

NDSU Archives

Prairie Public

Prairie Public

Prairie Public

Prairie Public