A retrospective about television’s greatest sister act

Based on their best-selling autobiography, this is a celebration of the Lennon Sisters' musical career and a dazzling journey through the Great American Songbook.

• Fred Vigeant
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Fred Vigeant is WITF's Director of Programming and Promotions for TV and Radio. Fred manages the schedules for our radio and television platforms. He also analyzes audience research and manages the public affairs program Smart Talk. Previously, Fred was at WRVO in Oswego, NY for 12 years serving in various roles including Program Director and before that Operations Manager. Fred graduated from the State University of New York College at Oswego with a B.A. in Mass Communications and Broadcasting.

The Lennon Sisters

They started out as “America’s Sweethearts of Song” on The Lawrence Welk Show in the 1950s, and emerged as one of the longest-running and legendary musical groups in show business. The Lennon Sisters: Same Song, Separate Voices showcases Kathy, Janet, Peggy, Diane, and Mimi Lennon as they reminisce about their successful performance history. With nostalgic video clips, personal interviews, and cheerful song recordings, this American Public Television Premium Service special is a fascinating and dynamic look at the Lennon Sisters’ careers and legacy.

The Lennon Sisters: Same Song, Separate Voices takes a retrospective approach to the Lennon Sisters’ history, with modern-day interviews placed alongside classic clips of the sisters on stage. The program showcases many full performance numbers, including “On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever),” “L-O-V-E,” “S’ Wonderful,” “Row Row Row (Way Up the River),” and many additional classic Lennon Sister hits. Throughout the program, the dynamic group’s durable talent and unity is evident as the autobiographical, song-filled program explores their multi-decade journey in show business.

Though they entered the music industry at a young age and had 13 years of success on The Lawrence Welk Show, the Lennon sisters explain the challenges of growing up in the public eye. They recall instances of being teased as teenagers as well as having to make their mark as female performers in a male dominated business. The sisters additionally had to cope with tragedy, as their father was murdered by a mentally disturbed fan. Courage and the will to perform helped the Lennon Sisters continue to create music for the fans who have loyally followed them through the years.

The sisters also discuss hardships of working on the Lawrence Welk Show. Not only were they refused raises to help support their growing families, but also their musical maturity was hindered by producers adamant on keeping the family image of the show. As the Lennons matured, they wanted to transition to more of a ’60s pop girl group. They performed “Sunny ” on the Jerry Lewis Show wearing shorter, trendier outfits. Lawrence Welk producers were not very receptive to the girls’ new look and eventually dropped them from their family-oriented show.

This program is a fast-paced look at the long career of the Lennon Sisters. Personal interviews add a nostalgic tint, as viewers are taken on a journey that showcases the development of the sisters’ dreams. Even today, the Lennon Sisters keep a unique place in show business.

Watch The Lennon Sisters: Same Song, Separate Voices on WITF Saturday December 12 at 7:30pm, repeating Sunday December 13 at 12:30pm. This program is not available on-demand.

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