What can you tell me about Norma Zimmer, the “Champagne Lady” on The Lawrence Welk Show?
—Nancy Sharp, Albuquerque, N.M.
Zimmer, who was born in Larson, Idaho, and grew up in Seattle, Wash., was the lead female vocalist on Welk’s TV show from 1960 to 1982. A member of The Girlfriends quartet earlier in her career, she sang backup in the studio for Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bing Crosby, and sang on Crosby’s version of “White Christmas.” She also performed at a number of Billy Graham’s evangelical crusades. Zimmer died in May 2011 of natural causes at the age of 87.
