Charlie Parlato

Charles Parlato (February 16, 1919 – September 8, 2007) was an American musician who performed with the Lawrence Welk orchestra. His instrument was the trumpet.

Bio

Born and raised in Fredonia, New York, Charlie studied music at Ithaca Conservatory before moving to Los Angeles in 1942 to pursue a career in showbiz. He performed with the David Rose and Kay Kyser bands as well with artists such as Tennessee Ernie Ford (TV show, "Sixteen Tons")^[1], Red Skelton, Dinah Shore, Bing Crosby, Ernie Kovacs and Andy Williams. He also appeared in a non-speaking role in the 1952 movie Meet Danny Wilson^[2].

Parlato joined the Welk orchestra in 1962 as a trumpet player, he also was a regular on Welk's television show playing not just in the band, but also as a vocalist in choral numbers and was able to feature his comedic talents in the show's novelty numbers as well.

He died from natural causes in 2007 at the age of 88, and is survived by his wife Margaret and their five children and several grandchildren.

Charlie's granddaughter, Gretchen Parlato is an accomplished jazz vocalist and a 2004 winner of the Thelonious Monk Award.

References

1. ^ http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1051408/a/Sixteen+Tons.htm
2. ^ http://www.welkmusicalfamily.com/welkbios5.html

External links

• The Lawrence Welk Show: Charlie My Boy
• The Lawrence Welk Show: Eh Cumpari
• The Lawrence Welk Show: A, You're Adorable
• The Lawrence Welk Show: Frankfurter Sandwiches
• The Lawrence Welk Show: Aqua Velva
• The Lawrence Welk Show: Dry Bones
• The Lawrence Welk Show: Joy To The World
• The Lawrence Welk Show: All I Want For Christmas is my Two Front Teeth
• The Lawrence Welk Show: I'll Never Smile Again
• Ernie Kovacs - Gara Garayev - Dinner Symphony

Notes

Persondata
Name	Parlato, Charlie
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	February 16, 1919
Place of birth
Date of death	September 8, 2007
Place of death