Trustees Honor Roll

Zeitz, Frankie

Accordionist and Bandleader (1918-1986)
Inducted on November, 25 1989

Playing a unique 'upside down' Italian scale chromatic accordion, Frankie Zeitz made his mark among Cleveland-style bandleaders. Emulating his childhood idol, Matt Hoyer, Frankie began playing the button box at age 6 and was performing by 18. Frank teamed up with Ernie Benedict in 1945 to form the Polkateers before organizing the Frankie Zeitz Orchestra in 1953. Both bands appeared regularly on radio and television, recorded for major labels including Continental and RCA, and traveled extensively in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Moving to Southern California in 1959, Frankie became the major exponent of Cleveland-style polkas on the West Coast. He appeared with Frank Yankovic, Myron Floren and others, and recorded ten LP albums--five with close friend Joe Mlakar. Frankie's trademark was the "Red Wine Polka."