Last month, I penned and published a column about the continued popularity of “The Lawrence Welk Show,” which aired from the 1950s through the early 1980s. I mentioned I joined my parents, meeting many of the famous faces at The Welk Resort in Branson, Missouri, when the lodging property and theater opened in May 1994 under the Welk Resort Group, established as a side investment by the bandleader in 1964.
My same column alerted the public about the Feb. 5 death of Lawrence Welk Jr., age 85, who helped run the Welk Group as a side business venture for his maestro father, who died at age 89 in 1992, and for mom Fern, Welk Sr.’s wife, who died at age 98 in 2002.
Also in the same column, I shared a news release distributed to the media by Holtz Matthews LLP about filing a $30 million lawsuit on behalf of ailing Larry Jr. (just before his death) about what they described as his “illegal ousting from the family business.” The lawsuit is against his own younger son, Kevin, age 55, and also his nephew Jonathan Fredricks, son of Shirley Welk Fredricks, now age 93 and the daughter of the late bubbly bandleader.
Kevin contacted me through his representatives at The Welk Group and asked that I also publish their news release to fairly represent both sides.
“We want to share the Welk Group’s press release regarding their counterclaim,” wrote a spokesperson for The Welk Group, on behalf of Kevin.
“We would truly appreciate it if you could include this in your piece so it’s a balanced account of the issues. The Welk Group also extends its deep condolences to the family of Larry Welk, Jr.”
The Welk Group release reads: “The grandsons of the late Lawrence Welk, who is well known as the host of the popular Lawrence Welk show, are speaking out after taking legal action against Larry Welk, Jr., the son of Lawrence Welk.
“‘When I was a kid, my dad (Welk Jr.) and I used to be really close which is what makes this so difficult and sad,’ said Kevin Welk, son of Larry Welk, Jr. and current president of Welk Music Group.
‘But I don’t recognize him anymore. He grossly misused our company funds, did little work to grow The Welk Group, filed meritless lawsuits and then maligned his family, including me, in the press. He has really tarnished the Lawrence Welk legacy.’
“The Welk Group, Inc., filed a counter complaint against Larry Welk, Jr., accusing him of misuse of company funds and financial misconduct when Larry was CEO of the Welk Group, according to Counsel Victoria Danna.
“The Welk Group is guided by a commitment to integrity, transparency, and respect for the Lawrence Welk Show and its legacy. Contrary to Larry Welk, Jr.’s false claims, his son Kevin Welk and nephew Jonathan Fredricks have spent decades building and growing successful hospitality and entertainment companies, with little involvement from Larry Welk,’ says Counsel Victoria Danna.
‘While his son Kevin was signing Grammy-award-winning artists for the Welk Music Group and Jon Fredricks was successfully managing and dramatically growing the hospitality/timeshare company, Larry Welk was excessively profiting for doing little or no work. He used company funds for excessive personal bonuses, private jet travel, and other unauthorized expenses unrelated to company business or his role as CEO.’
Ralna English, a star from the long-running Lawrence Welk show, is disheartened by the behavior.
“‘As someone who knew Lawrence Welk Sr. and performed with him for many years on the show, it really breaks my heart that his son Larry would behave in this egregious manner, ultimately undermining his dad’s legacy,’” English is quoted in the press release.
“The company’s board of directors ultimately voted to eliminate the CEO position, held by Larry Welk Jr. because of the changes in The Welk Group Inc’s assets, the fact that daily management of its existing assets is performed by third parties, and the elimination of the CEO position was expected to result in significant cost savings, according to counsel.”
“Also, according to counsel, Fredericks and Kevin Welk have overwhelming support from the shareholders.”
“‘Kevin Welk and Jon Fredricks have always operated with complete financial integrity, and are supported by every shareholder (19 of 21) with the exception of Larry Welk Jr. and his spouse,’ counsel Danna continues in the press release.
“‘It is despicable that Larry Welk would disparage their names and the legacy of this highly respected company by filing baseless claims with zero merit. As the legal proceedings move forward, The Welk Group and the balance of the Welk family remain focused on doing what is right for the company, its shareholders and the community, while preserving the legacy of Lawrence Welk.’”
While I’ve never met or interviewed the late Lawrence Welk Sr. or his son Larry III or any of his grandsons, I have met and interviewed singer Ralna English, who will turn 84 in June. She became a household name as one-half of her married singing duo career with husband Guy Hovis for 13 years during the show’s run. The couple married in 1969 and divorced in 1984. He died earlier this year on Jan. 22 at age 84.
When my mom met Ralna at the Welk Resort in 1994 following my interview with the singer, the two chatted recipes, with Ralna planning a family cookbook to be published someday. Her spiral-bound dream came true in 2007 when Ralna published “The Ralna English Family Cookbook,” featuring her own recipes as well as those from her two sisters, aunts, mother and grandmother.
Ralna’s family recipe for an easy, rich and delicious fudge is a sweet temptation during this Lenten Season.
Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and is a weekly radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com or mail your questions: From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374.
Ralna English’s Lotsa Fudge
Makes 4 pounds of fudge
INGREDIENTS
4 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
1/4 pound butter, softened
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 package (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow crème
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
Boil sugar, butter and milk for 6-7 minutes over high heat, stirring constantly.
Pour chocolate chips into a very large bowl, and then pour heated ingredients over chips and fold in marshmallow crème. Stir well to combine but do not beat.
Gently mix in vanilla and pecans and pour into a prepared buttered 9-inch-by13-inch glass dish and chill until set.
