National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum

605 East 222nd Street
Euclid, OH 44123

USA

 

E-mail: Polkashop@aol.com

Phone: 216-261-3263

Toll Free: 1-800-66POLKA

Fax: 216-261-4134

 

A band leader can not make good music without good sidemen, and Lifetime Achievement Winner, Frankie Spetich, had a great saxophone and clarinet player, his brother, Johnny Spetich. Johnny played in the Spetich band from 1946 until he retired in 1994. In fact, the last six years after developing a lung illness, Johnny played piano in the Spetich Orchestra. Throughout the years with his brother Frankie, Johnny could be heard vocalizing, playing sax, clarinet, bass, piano and drums. When full-time drummer Frankie Zupec would play button box, Johnny would put down the sax and clarinet, and slide behind the drums and play along. Johnny was featured along with the orchestra as they made their way through the 1960's and 1970's at the polka hot spots in Ohio and Pennsylvania, along with trips to Europe. They also were a favorite on "Polka Varieties" and at the Slovene Center in Barberton, Ohio. Johnny also was a part of over 20 recordings with his brother Frankie and the band and also composed lyrics to a few songs including "Half and Half Polka". He was also the saxophone player that many other polka bands wanted as a sub, but he didn't have the time to help them out because of his commitment to his brother and his band. As the band slowed down a bit, he enjoyed playing piano with the Magic City Button Box Showcase and was featured in that role on their first LP in the 1980's. Johnny was a versatile musician who also loved to play jazz and big band music, something that many polka fans and promoters did not know. Johnny was never one who wanted to be in the spotlight. He enjoyed being sideman for his brother and enjoyed the Cleveland-Style Polka for almost 50 years on the bandstand.

 

Inducted 2009

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

 

JOHNNY SPETICH

 

1923 - 2000

 

 

www.polkafame.com  © National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, 605 East 222nd Street, Euclid, OH 44123, USA.

 

 

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