Trustees Honor Roll

Gospich, Bob

Drummer (1929-1998)

Bobby Gospich decided at age nine that he was going to be a drummer. His family's move to Collinwood in 1942 provided all the Cleveland-Style exposure Bobby would need to make this declaration a reality. Beginning with Al Strukel in 1945, Bobby became the drummer for the Johnny Vadnal Orchestra during their heyday. From 1953 to 1964, Bobby anchored the Vadnals' one-plus per day engagements, weekly "Polka Parade" television shows, Bowl Ballroom broadcasts over the Mutual Network radio, recording sessions for RCA, and guest television appearances including the "Old Dutch Polka Revue" and the "One O'Clock Club" with Dorothy Fuldheim. Foregoing the Vadnals' hectic schedule to meet career demands, Bobby jobbed with Cleveland-Style Orchestras and joined Al Markic and the Almars until departing Cleveland from 1975 to 1994.