A virtuosic guitarist and popularizer of the electric guitar, known for his innovative playing style and long-running association with The Lawrence Welk Show.
Buddy Merrill, born Leslie Merrill Behunin, Jr., was an American guitar virtuoso and steel guitar player, best known for his stint as a regular on the iconic TV show, The Lawrence Welk Show. With his distinctive style and unparalleled skill, Merrill's performances on the show captivated audiences for over a decade, earning him a special place in the hearts of music lovers across America.
Merrill was born on July 16, 1936, in Torrey, Utah, to Leslie Merrill Behunin, Sr. and Juanita Marie Ortego Behunin. Nicknamed "Buddy" from a young age, he received his first guitar at eight years old and soon began performing live with his father's band, The Fremont River Rangers. By the time he was 11, Merrill made his television debut on local station KDYL in Salt Lake City, performing alongside his father.
In 1955, Merrill joined The Lawrence Welk Show, which had just gone national on ABC. His exceptional talent and charisma quickly made him a fan favorite, and he remained with the show for over 15 years. During his time on the show, Merrill's guitar version of "Blue Suede Shoes" became a massive hit, and he also briefly left the show from 1959 to 1962 to serve in the Army. Upon his return, he was joined in the band's rhythm section by fellow guitarist Neil Levang, with whom he performed for the next 12 years.
Merrill's instrument of choice was the Fender Stratocaster, which he used for many of his TV appearances. In 1959, he was even featured in a print advertisement for the instrument, further solidifying his reputation as a master guitarist.
In 1974, Merrill left The Lawrence Welk Show to focus on writing music and recording for Accent Records. He continued to perform live, either as a solo artist or with a band, until his retirement from the road in 1988. However, he remained active as a studio musician, penning a symphonic work, "Living Sea," as well as original compositions for tape programmers and television commercials.
Buddy Merrill's contributions to the music world extend far beyond his time on The Lawrence Welk Show. As a pioneer of steel guitar playing, he inspired generations of musicians and helped popularize the instrument. His legacy continues to be felt in the music industry, and his iconic performances remain etched in the memories of audiences who grew up watching him on TV.
Merrill's impressive career was marked by numerous awards and accolades, including multiple nominations for the Academy of Country Music's Top Steel Guitarist award.
Buddy Merrill's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to his dedication, passion, and talent. As a steel guitar maestro, he left an indelible mark on the music world, and his legacy will continue to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come.
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