Johnny Zell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Zell
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | November 24, 1947 Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Musician (trumpeter) |
| Instruments | Trumpet |
Johnny Zell (born November 24, 1947) is an American musician. He is famous for playing the trumpet on The Lawrence Welk Show. This show was a popular musical variety-show on television.
Early Life and Learning Music
Johnny Zell was born in Fort Benning, Georgia, a U.S. Army base. As he grew up in Los Angeles, California, he started learning music very early. He first learned to play the violin. Later, he switched to the trumpet.
When Johnny was thirteen, he tried to audition for Lawrence Welk. Welk's band was playing at the Hollywood Palladium. Johnny asked if he could play a trumpet solo for him. Welk was impressed with his talent. However, he thought Johnny was too young. Welk told him to come back when he was older and had more experience.
Johnny Zell's Music Career
After finishing high school, Johnny Zell played in bands like Freddy Martin's and Russ Morgan's. Then, he joined the army from 1965 to 1968.
During his time in the army, he played in a special band. This band was called The Commanders. It was part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Other future Welk musicians, Dave Edwards and Richard Maloof, also played in this band.
In early 1968, while still in the NORAD band, Johnny got another chance to audition for Welk. He was asked to make a TV commercial for army recruiting. As part of this job, he also did an interview for The Lawrence Welk Show. He played the trumpet with the band on the show. After his performance, Welk hired him. Johnny joined the band after he finished his army service, which was about nine months later.
From 1968 until the TV show ended in 1982, Johnny Zell was one of the most popular musicians on The Lawrence Welk Show. He often played trumpet solos. Some of his famous solos included "At the Cross," "Hot Lips," and "A String of Pearls."
Johnny Zell learned a lot from another great trumpet player, Norman Bailey. Norman Bailey was also a trumpet player for Lawrence Welk. He even gave Johnny one of his special gold trumpets.
Johnny Zell is a Christian. He was also involved in gospel ministry. He played both Christian and regular music. He performed many concerts and made albums. Later in his life, Johnny became a pastor. He led The Church of New Beginnings in Pacific City, Oregon, for over 17 years.
Personal Life
Johnny Zell has two children.
See also
