America's Polka King

The Real Story of Frankie Yankovic and His Music

Bob Dolgan

$14.95

The definitive biography of an American music legend. Frank Yankovic wowed polka fans around the globe, sold millions of records, and found fame and fortune beyond his wildest dreams. But behind the light-hearted sounds of the accordion stood a man obsessed, struggling with dark emotions while playing the “happiest music on earth.”

Softcover / 238 pages / 5.5 x 8.5 in. / 24 photos

ISBN: 9781598510263

Description

“If you ever heard or saw Frank Yankovic perform, you have to read this book . . . Dolgan did a masterful job.” — Polka Times

The definitive biography of American music legend Frank Yankovic describes a life filled with triumphs, defeats, crises, and controversies.

An uninhibited original, Yankovic earned his international reputation. For half a century he wowed polka fans around the globe with hits such as “Just Because” and “The Blue Skirt Waltz.” He sold millions of records, won the first Polka Grammy, and found fame and fortune beyond his wildest dreams.

But behind the light-hearted sounds of the accordion stood a man obsessed. With a tumultuous touring schedule, a restless temper, disgruntled bandmates, and three failed marriages, Yankovic found himself struggling with dark emotions while playing the “happiest music on earth.”

Yankovic could be lovable, mean, generous, and petty, but always brave and audacious. Above all, he was an entertainer. There may never be another like him.

Includes a comprehensive discography.

Additional information

Weight.663 lbs

Table of Contents

Preface

“I Hate Yankovic”

Farewell to a King

Princes of the Neighborhood

Bootlegger’s Son

“I Found the Girl”

Yankovic Goes to War

“Just Because”

The Million-Sellers

“Nobody Will Ever Match That Sound”

Going Hollywood

“He Fired Me Three Times”

“Hitler’s Home”

June Disappears

Cupid Strikes Again

Holzheimer’s Disease

“The Best Persuader I Ever Saw”

Sudden Tragedy

The First Polka Grammy

“Is There a Chance for Me?”

Jimmy Sturr, Grammy Champ

Ray Budzilek, Cleveland Hero

Eddie Blazonczyk: From Rock to Polka

Lynn Marie Rink, Sexy Accordionist

Walter Ostanek, Canada’s Polka King

“Yankovic Liked Hoods”

Traveling the Back Roads

Bobby Goes to Jail

The Final Act

Yankovic’s Legacy

Acknowledgments

Frank Yankovic Discography

Index

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