Dick Dale

Who is Dick Dale?

Dick Dale is an American singer and musician, best known as a featured singer and saxophone player on the TV variety show The Lawrence Welk Show.

A native of Algona, Iowa, he served in the United States Navy during World War II after graduation from Algona High School. His entertainment career began when he worked for several bands such as Harold Loeffelmacher and his Six Fat Dutchmen Old-Time Band when he was discovered by Lawrence Welk in 1951.

During his tenure on the show, in addition to his playing the saxophone, he sang not just solos but also in duets, performed in comedy sketches, dances, and also played Santa Claus for many years on the Christmas shows. Even after the show went into retirement in 1982, he continues to this day to perform with his fellow Welk alumni.

From 1990 to 1996, he co-owned and operated the Rainbow Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with fellow Welk star Ava Barber.

He married his wife, Marguerite, in 1949, and they are the parents of four children and several grandchildren. After making their home in Sparks, Nevada for several years, the Dales have recently moved back to his Iowa hometown of Algona.