Guy Hovis, the singer whose performances on The Lawrence Welk Show made him a familiar face to television audiences, died on January 22. He was 84. His death was confirmed by ex-wife Ralna English.
“As it has for me, this will come as a shock to many of you. Guy has been in the hospital for several weeks,” wrote English on Facebook. “I spoke briefly with him on Monday and was deeply concerned. He took a turn for the worse and it hurts me to tell you, but he died peacefully last night. Needless to say, at this time we are all devastated and simply trying to cope with this tragic news.”
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1941, Guy Hovis had his first break with an appearance on the daytime variety and talk show House Party, hosted by Art Linkletter. Thereafter, he teamed with David Blaylock as the singing duo of Guy & David, which led to a recording contract with ABC Records.
After the duo disbanded, Hovis performed on his own, including a nightclub where he met his future wife and singing partner, Ralna English. After English joined The Lawrence Welk Show, a Saturday night staple on ABC in 1969, she convinced Welk to have Hovis on the show to sing a duet with her. He agreed, and the initial appearance, singing Little Toy Trains, led to Hovis becoming a regular member of the cast.
Hovis also performed with such entertainers as Dinah Shore and Jim Nabors, and appeared as a guest on programs hosted by Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, and Joey Bishop. In 1986, he launched a Christian music ministry and performed throughout the country in churches and other public events.
From 1990 to 2007, Hovis served as state director for former U.S. Senator Trent Lott, and he continued to perform occasionally.
In 2002, Hovis married Sarah “Sis” Lundy, and the couple resided in the capital city of Jackson, Mississippi.