“Calcutta” is an instrumental pop song performed by Lawrence Welk and his orchestra. Released in 1961, the song became one of Welk’s most popular and recognizable recordings. The song features a catchy melody, vibrant orchestration, and a lively tempo, capturing the essence of the early 1960s easy listening and instrumental pop music.
“Calcutta” spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1961, making it Lawrence Welk’s only number-one hit single.
The title refers to the city of Calcutta, India, and the music captures a sense of exoticism and adventure, evoking the spirit of travel and exploration.
The song’s success contributed to Lawrence Welk’s prominence as a bandleader and musician during the 1960s. Its upbeat and infectious melody made it a favorite among audiences, and it continues to be remembered as a classic instrumental pop tune from that era. “Calcutta” remains a staple in the easy listening genre and is often associated with the musical style of Lawrence Welk and his orchestra.
