[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 14 (Thursday, February 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MUSIC TO LIVE BY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Frankie Yankovic, 
America's Polka King, the Elvis of ethnic musical expression, 
ambassador of the great American melting pot, prolife composer, band 
leader, performer, and Clevelander.
  Frankie Yankovic was born to Slovene immigrants in 1915. In their 
hardscrabble working lives, music expressed their hope and joy. Frankie 
began by playing accompaniment to the boarders in his family home.
  He was an obvious talent and was instantly loved by all who heard his 
music. At age 23, Frankie had his first band and his first hit album. 
He began a lifetime of touring. Frequently, he made 300 appearances per 
year. Over the years, his bands have played in every major concert hall 
in America.
  Frankie Yankovic heralded many polka tunes known widely to American 
listeners. In 1948, Frankie recorded ``Just Because'' with Columbia 
records. The tune was a breakthrough release, attracting both a polka 
and popular music audience. ``Just Because'' sold 1 million copies. In 
1949, Frankie released the ``Blue Skirt Waltz,'' which attained the 
coveted gold status even more quickly.
  Frankie was also a great mentor. He discovered and cultivated the 
talent of the famous virtuoso, Joey Miskulin.
  Frankie received many honors in his lifetime. He was inducted into 
the International Polka Association Polka Hall of Fame as well as the 
Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame. In 1986, Frankie received the first 
Grammy awarded for polka music.
  Beyond being the consummate performer, Frankie was also a lifetime 
union member of Local 4, American Federation of Music, and a patriot. 
Married and the father of two, he nevertheless voluntarily enlisted in 
the U.S. infantry in World War II and fought at the Battle of the 
Bulge. There, under extreme weather conditions, Frankie contracted 
gangrene in his limbs. Against the advice of doctors, Frankie resisted 
amputation. With a great deal of courage and persistence, Frankie 
brought his fingers and hands back to life. How fortunate we all are.
  I commend Frankie Yankovic for his skill, his energy, and his ability 
to make people happy through the sounds and rhythms of polka.

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