11 Facts About Norma Zimmer

Norma Zimmer was an American vocalist, best remembered for her 22-year tenure as Lawrence Welk's "Champagne Lady" on The Lawrence Welk Show.

Norma Zimmer's father was a violin teacher, and Zimmer had hoped to play that instrument until he told her that her hands were too small.

Norma Zimmer was offered a scholarship to Seattle University but chose to continue vocal studies.

Norma Zimmer was singing in a church choir when a guest artist suggested she travel to Los Angeles, California and audition for a musical group.

Norma Zimmer appeared on most of the popular television variety shows during the 1950s.

Norma Zimmer landed a small singing part in the Bing Crosby movie Mr Music, and provided the singing voice for the White Rose in the Disney film Alice in Wonderland.

Norma Zimmer worked as a studio singer and performed on Welk's 1956 Thanksgiving album.

Norma Zimmer stayed on the show and traveled with Welk and the band on personal appearances for three years.

Each week, a new girl came on as a possible replacement, but Welk kept asking Norma Zimmer to come back the following week.

Norma Zimmer sang with a quartet, The Girlfriends, along with Betty Allan and others.

In 2011, Norma Zimmer died at her home in Brea, California, at the age of 87.