Charles Parlato (February 16, 1919 – September 8, 2007) was an American musician who performed with the Lawrence Welk orchestra.
Born and raised in Fredonia, New York, Charlie studied music at Ithaca Conservatory before moving to Los Angeles in 1942 to pursue a career in showbiz.
He performed with the David Rose and Kay Kyser bands as well with artists such as Tennessee Ernie Ford (TV show, "Sixteen Tons"),[1] Red Skelton, Sam Cooke ("You Send Me"), Dinah Shore, Bing Crosby, Ernie Kovacs and Andy Williams.
[2] During his time with Kay Kyser, Parlato was a member of The Campus Kids vocal group.
[3] Parlato joined the Welk orchestra in 1962 as a trumpet player, he also was a regular on Welk's television show playing not just in the band, but also as a vocalist in choral numbers and was able to feature his comedic talents in the show's novelty numbers as well.