Lawrence Jack Imel

Lawrence Jack Imel (b. Portland, Indiana, June 9, 1932 - Springville, California, April 30, 2017) – Singer, dancer, percussionist, and producer. At an early age, Jack Imel learned tap dancing and the marimba, and he showed off both talents while growing up in Portland, Indiana, where one can now ride on Jack Imel Boulevard. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in San Diego, he traveled to Los Angeles to audition for the Lawrence Welk Show, which he joined in 1957. He stayed on with the show until its final episodes in 1982 and worked in various capacities as a dancer, singer, auxiliary percussionist, and its producer since 1964. During the 1970s, Imel appeared on the show opposite Mary Lou Metzger on famous song and dance routines. At present, Imel lives in West Hills, California, with Norma Imel, his wife since 1951.