Dick Sodja

Accordionist and Bandleader 1934 - 2021 Brought a jazzy, exciting accordion sound to classic Cleveland-Style Polka bands led by legends Kenny Bass, [a5498678] and Frank Yankovic. Led his own successful orchestra and inspired two generations of musicians through his Sodja Music store. Grew up in a Slovenian-American musical family in Cleveland’s St. Clair neighborhood. Entertained troops while serving with the U. S. Army in the Korean War. In 1951, at the age of 17, was invited by Kenny Bass to join his Polka Poppers in 1951. Sodja stayed with that outfit for fifteen years, arranging music and writing several original polkas, including "Dancing Doll," "Fancy Fingers," and "One More Time." Invited by leading Cleveland-style artists to perform on their albums, including Polka Hall of Fame honorees [a4937860], [a1259640], Frank Novak, and Ron Sluga. His virtuoso accordion can be heard on as many as 200 recordings. By the 1960s, was a television regular on the keyboard and accordion for Yankovic's nationally-syndicated polka show, also touring with his band. Performed on the Don Ho Show in Hawaii.