Later, with the advent of the Korean War, Imel joined the U.S. Navy and considered a career as a sailor, but towards the end of his tour of duty he was stationed in San Diego.

He made the trip up to Los Angeles to audition for the television show of bandleader Lawrence Welk.

Since the marimba was not designed to be a part of the orchestra, Jack was given unique percussion instruments to play, such as bells, the triangle, and the maracas.

With two hoofers on the show, Imel decided he needed to diversify, and began pitching production ideas.

Singing posed some difficulty until Imel was taught a speech-like technique similar to that used by Rex Harrison and James Cagney.