Lunch Listen: Neil Levang – Ghost Riders In The Sky

Neil LeVang (January 3, 1932 – January 26, 2015) was an American musician who was best known from television’s The Lawrence Welk Show, playing guitar, violin and banjo.

Today we are going to feature the guitar twang of Neil Levang, starting with his performance in 1961 of “Riders in the Sky,” originally by Stan Jones. Give a listen:

That’s some hot stuff. In addition to his time on the Lawrence Welk show, Neil was an accomplished studio musician playing for Zappa, Elvis, Neil Diamond and many others. He lent his talents to a long list of television shows and movies; including Little House on the Prairie and The Brady Bunch, as well as Dick Tracy, Good Morning, Vietnam, All the President’s Men and many more.

Here he is again on the Lawrence Welk show, this time in 1972 with a performance of “Wheels.” Enjoy:

From 1972, here’s guitarist Neil Levang on the Lawrence Welk Show playing “Wheels” with musical help from Myron Floren at the accordion along with Joe Livoti and Harry Hyams on fiddle. Clay Hart, who is the show’s featured country singer, gives him a great introduction.

Until next time…

WDED

All Music by Dead Guys, All the Time