Now living in La Tuna, California she works as an interior designer and still returns to performing live, appearing on the PBS special "Milestones and Memories" and hosting wraparounds on many of the repeats for public television. They are still together to this day and have three more children together. divorced but shortly after, she met up with an old boyfriend from high school, Kenny Roberts whom she married in 1980. Tanya left the show in 1977 to pursue a solo career, two years later, she and Larry Jr.
She also appeared on other television shows and specials as well, such as a guest starring role on the ABC soap opera General Hospital in 1971 where she played a tavern owner plus also appeared on Jerry Lewis' MDA Telethon on Labor Day. Off camera, she was an excellent cook, and her house was the site of numerous musical family gatherings like parties, showers and birthdays. When Anacani joined the show in 1973, Tanya would team up with her as a duo for many memorable numbers that also garnered praise from viewers. She also released a solo album off Ranwood Records titled, "Let It Be Me" in 1969. Tanya sang many solo numbers during her tenure on the show, plus on occasion would team up with fellow Italians Bob Lido and Charlie Parlato for many comedic musical numbers. and romance blossomed, when they married in August she would later become the mother of two sons, Lawrence the Third (Buns) and Kevin. She made her debut on the show that New Year's Eve and when 1968 came around, was made a regular thanks to the overwhelming positive response from the audience. In late 1967, Tanya drew the attention of Mary Lee Schaefer, president of Lawrence Welk's fan club and impressed by her talents, was recommened to the Maestro to appear on his show. She also signed an exclusive performing contract with the Walt Disney Studios where at Disneyland, she had her own rock and roll band, Tanya and The Mustangs.
Throughout her teenage years, she developed her talents not just in singing, but by mastering several instruments such as the piano, harmonica, cello, bass, drums and the xylophone. A year later, she made her television debut on 'The Gene Norman Show' where she became a semi-regular. Her dad formed his own band in England while serving in World War II helped nurture her musical talents, which led her at age four began on stage at her uncle's famous restaurant in Los Angeles called 'Little Joe's'. Tanya was born in Glendale, California on May 4, 1948.the daughter of Mr and Mrs Phillip Falappino. One of eight children, Welk dropped out of school in the fourth grade to work on the farm, and spoke. His parents had fled the unrest in Alsace-Lorraine, the disputed border region between Germany and France, and settled on a small farm on the outskirts of town. Services was held on Thursday, May 23rd at the Old North Church in Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, CA.We know her as either Tanya Falan, Tanya Falan Welk, Tanya Welk or today Tanya Welk Roberts, but when she was on the show and even today in concerts, she is one terrific singer and a very lively lady with a terrfic sense of humor and fun.īut we also remember her as Lawrence Welk's "Italian Daughter In Law", who was once married to his son, Larry Welk Jr. Welk was born on March 11, 1903, in the small, heavily German town of Strasburg, ND. James Hobson died in his wife's arms in Santa Monica on April 26, 2013. His hobbies included building a "Rogallo Wing Hang Glider", sailing and collecting model airplane engines. In 2005, they founded " Coffee Dog Productions" and he produced a catalogue of songs and a musical in pre-production entitled, "Dance Myself Free".
He became director of "The Lawrence Welk Show" in 1955 and in 1962 became the producer/director of the Welk show until his retirement in 1986.Īfter Elsie Hobson died in 2001, James met actress, singer and writer Ashley Aarons. He made the transition to producer director in 1952 with "The Liberace Show".
James began his career as a cameraman for Channel 13, KLAC TV in 1949. In that same year, he attended the Pasadena Playhouse where he met Elsie Holmes, a talented and successful actress in stage and movies from Yazoo City, Mississippi. He also attended Signal Corps Motion Picture School in London and was discharged in 1946. He was assigned to the 397th Field Artillery in France, Italy and Germany and was awarded the Bronze Star for stopping an artillery barrage. John's Military Academy and Purdue University. James attended public school and later St. James Hobson was born on Decemin Chicago, Illinois to John Surtees Hobson Sr. Here's a reprint of his obituary (edited to remove dated references) from the Los Angeles Times. From the very beginning on Jas a director until its conclusion in 1982, Jim was part of the Welk Show with his impeccable behind the scenes production that gave the program that added sparkle of champagne.