Tom Netherton facts for kids

Thomas Harold Netherton Jr. (born January 11, 1947 – died January 7, 2018) was an American singer. He became well-known for his time on The Lawrence Welk Show.

Tom Netherton's Early Life

Tom Netherton was born on January 11, 1947, in Munich, Germany. His father was an officer in the United States Army and was stationed there. Tom was the oldest of four children. His family moved often because of his father's Army career. In 1961, the Nethertons finally settled in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Joining the Army and Finding Faith

During the Vietnam War, Tom joined the Army. He was sent to Panama as a second lieutenant. While in the Army, he decided to become a singer. He sang with music groups from both the Army and the Air Force.

After hearing a sermon at a Baptist church in Panama, Tom became deeply committed to his Christian faith. After leaving the Army, he spent a year at a training center in Bloomington. He then had to choose between working as a missionary or having a career in entertainment. Tom chose to follow his idol, Pat Boone, and became a Christian singer.

Tom Netherton's Singing Career

Tom Netherton joined the cast of The Lawrence Welk Show in 1973. He was recommended to Lawrence Welk by Harold and Sheila Schafer. They owned a theater in North Dakota where Tom had been performing. Tom appeared regularly on the show from 1973 to 1982.

Life After Welk

In 1975, Tom appeared on a TV show called "The Dating Game." In 1979, he wrote a book about his life called "In The Morning of My Life." Even while on the Welk show, Tom recorded both Christian and other types of music albums.

After leaving The Lawrence Welk Show, Tom continued to tour and perform across the United States. He also acted in stage musicals like Oklahoma! and Carousel. In the 1970s and 1980s, he appeared in TV commercials. These included ads for Rose Milk skin lotion and Nabisco's Triscuits crackers. Tom was also a guest on TV shows like Pat Robertson's The 700 Club and Robert Schuller's The Hour of Power. He also appeared at religious events led by Billy Graham.

Tom Netherton's Personal Life

Later in his life, Tom lived in Goshen, Indiana. He enjoyed performing for holiday events and for older people at a local center. Tom Netherton never married.

On January 11, 2018, Tom's younger brother, Brad Netherton, shared sad news. He announced that Tom had passed away on January 7, 2018. Tom was 70 years old and died from pneumonia and the flu.

Tom Netherton's Music Albums

• 1975: My Favorite Hymns
• 1975: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
• 1977: Love Songs
• 1978: Hem of His Garment
• 1979: The Lord's Prayer
• 1981: Reflection
• 1984: Scrap Book
• 1985: Songs of the Savior
• 1987: The Tom Netherton Christmas Album
• 1992: How Great Thou Art
• 1994: 22 Great Songs Of Faith
• 1995: Gospel Favorites
• 1996: Just As I Am

Books by Tom Netherton

• 1979: In the Morning of My Life, autobiography, Tyndale House, 1979.