Dave Zupkovich

Popular American tamburitza player and band leader (b. January 5, 1920 Campbell, Ohio, USA - d. August 6, 1963) Dave studied violin at the early age of seven and soon after learned to play the banjo, guitar, and his trademark, the bugarija. At age 17 he joined the popular Yugoslav Serenaders of Cleveland, Ohio and did radio work with them on station WTAM in Cleveland. Always the organizer, Dave went to Detroit and formed a group which toured the eastern part of this country. Along came World War II, and Dave gave up his musical career to serve 39 months with the 13th and 82nd Airborne Divisions in the European theater of operations. His love for music compelled him to continue his music after the war, and he became a widely-known recording artist with Balkan Records, Continental, and RCA Victor. The big hits for Dave were Leti Leti, Charm of Your Beautiful Dark Eyes, Whistler's Polka, and many others. After a successful six-month nationwide tour and many other tours in the Midwest, Dave became recognized as the 'King of Tamburitza'. With the increased popularity of television, he got on the bandwagon and shortly became a known TV personality on many international programs. Fans from all over the country enjoyed seeing and hearing the singing and playing of the memorable Dave Zupkovich. During his musical years, Dave was fortunate to have the support of the best musicians and friends one could have, including Steve Pavlekovich, Tony and Steve Burich, Mirko Kolesar, Martin Kapugi, Johnny Krilcich, Tony and Lou Markulin, Joe Matasic, George Skrbina, Pete Radakovich, Joe Marmilich, and Julius Peskan. A tribute to a great artist whose name and music will live on and on, in a legendary sense.