Trustees Honor Roll

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Gayer, Johnny

Record Producer and Promoter (1929)
Inducted on: November 27, 1993

At a time when interest in Cleveland-Style Polkas was flagging, John Gayer came on the scene, founding Delta International Records in 1961 and playing an important role in reviving the business. Signing scores of top artists, including Johnny Pecon and the Vadnals, John emphasized quality as he shaped Delta into the quintessential polka label of the 1960s and ‘70s. Delta released 42 albums, 50 singles and five custom LPs, providing the Cleveland-Style market with first-class product, distribution and marketing support, as well as John’s personal involvement. His Delgay International Music Publishers, a BMI affiliate, afforded Delta artists copyright protection and a continuing stream of royalties. As an elector of the International Polka Association and a United States Polka Association delegate, John has carried the torch for Cleveland-Style music nationally.

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