Neil LeVang

Name: Neil LeVang
Born: 3rd January, 1932 (Adams, North Dakota, USA)

Profile: He is an American born musician who is best known from television's 'The Lawrence Welk Show', his played various strings instruments such as the guitar, violin and the banjo. He was also an accomplished studio musician, playing on several records for artists such as Glen Campbell, Frank Zappa, Bobby Darin, Bobbi Gentry, David Clayton Thomas, Neal Hefti "Batman Theme", Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Neil Diamond and Noel Boggs.

History: Neil got his start playing the banjo and soon added guitar and violin. At the age of 15, he was playing with area bands and establishing himself as a versatile and accomplished stringed instrumentalist.

In 1948, Neil was playing appearing with Foy Willing and the "Riders of the Purple Sage", as well as Jimmy Wakely and several other country swing bands.

In 1951, Neil joined the US Coast Guard, which took him to Seattle. There he continued in the music scene playing with "Texas Jim Lewis and his Lonestar Cowboys". He also hosted his own radio show.

In 1959, he was hired as a temporary guitar and banjo player on the 'Lawrence Welk Show' when Buddy Merrill left to serve in the US Army. Welk was so pleased with his ability, that he hired Neil on a permanent basis when Buddy completed his tour of duty in 1961. Neil stayed with the 'Welk Band' until its final show in 1982. That same year, at the Country Music Association Awards he was nominated for best artist on a Speciality Instrument, the mandolin.

Neil also performed as a studio musician on many television shows including 'Little House on the Prairie', 'Ed Sullivan Show', 'Brady Bunch', 'The Monkees', 'Highway to Heaven', 'Green Acres', 'Petticoat Junction', and a host of 'Hanna Barbera' cartoons. He was the featured guitarist with Naomi and Wynonna Judd on the 1985 and 1986 Academy of Country Music Association Awards television broadcast.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster, Fender Jazzmaster,

Signature song(s): Ghost Riders In The Sky, Galloping Guitar and The Green Hornet Theme

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMdS9ExnW-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho6bbc_xbEY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNqImXq3rY4&feature=related