Trustees Honor Roll

Sodja, Dick

Accordionist and bandleader, Dick Sodja brought an exciting style of accordion technique to each polka band he played in.  His polka style has inspired many accordionists. Dick joined the Kenny Bass band at age 17 and was a member of the group for 15 years.  In the 1960s, Dick was a regular on piano and accordion with Frankie Yankovic’s band on television in Cleveland.  Dick joined Al Markic in the late 1960s to form the Almars.  He and the group recorded and stayed together for five years.  In all, Dick has played on 200 recordings.  He played accordion on recordings by Kenny Bass, the Almars, Hank Haller, and Ron Sluga.  He is heard on piano on recordings by Frankie Yankovic, the Slogars, and Johnny Pecon.  For many years, Dick operated “Sodja’s” a music store business.  He retired in 2006 and lives in Arizona.