Gaylord Klancnik

Releases "Polkas United"

(Aug 2, 1945 - Dec 19, 2005)

Music Library  | Memorial

Gaylord Allen Klancnik, eldest son of Ed and Betty Klancnik, was born August 2, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan. He began his musical career at the age of four (4) when his parents took him to a dance at the Slovenian Home on Detroit’s east side, where America’s Polka King, Frankie Yankovic and his Yanks were appearing. Gaylord was so inspired by Frank and his accordion that when they returned home, he went into a closet and pulled out two telephone books, one that he used for sheet music and the other he pushed and pulled as if it were an accordion. Within a week his parents went to visit Matt Pink, a family friend who owned a music studio in Dearborn, Michigan, where they purchased Gaylord’s first accordion, a small twelve (12) bass that was the catalyst for his musical devotion.

Gaylord’s desire to learn to play was not met with equal enthusiasm by music teachers because of his very young age. Most accordion teachers would not accept students who could not read. However, his father’s insistence, one consented to give the eager, young musician a try. Thus at the age of four (4), he began his formal music training at the "Art Circle Music Studio" in Detroit. He later would study under Joe Dannon, Rudy Bernick and finally Matt Pink, perhaps the biggest influence, who pointed his student in the right direction down polka road. In 1964 while in college, Gaylord joined the Ed Radke Trio, and later the John Burkins Combo, performing in the Detroit and downriver area for many weddings, parties and dances.

He continued to play until 1972 when he "hung up his straps" just before his son, Edward’s birth. He was content to play for family gatherings and his own enjoyment until the Slovene American Club in Melvindale, Michigan, opened in November of 1974. He began participating in the after hours jam sessions at the club and became inspired by the Slovenian music that was featured the dances. A year later, on March 6, 1976, the Klancnik Brothers Orchestra was born, featuring Gaylord on accordion, brother Ken on saxophone and clarinet, Richard Poupard on banjo and Ron Bernick on drums.

Shortly after the KBO began its musical journey, a second accordion was added when John Baloh was invited to lend his musical talents. John remained a faithful member of the group until an industrial accident left him unable to hold an accordion. Ron Bernick left in 1980 due to job requirements and was replaced by Brian Waiter, a fine drummer and excellent vocalist. Dick Poupard retired in 1986 and was replaced by Gaylord’s multitalented young son, Ed, who played guitar,banjo,and drums. Finally, Rob DeBlander, with his accordion and button box, came on board in 1990 and worked with the group until 1996 when the KBO parted to travel in other musical directions.

Gaylord was also instrumental in organizing the "Slovene American Club Button Box Band" where he served as co-director and president. The Klancnik Brothers Orchestra enjoyed immense popularity throughout the years and was awarded trophies proclaiming them "Michigan’s Best Polka Band" and Gaylord as "Michigan’s Polka King". In 1983, Gaylord was also honored by the forerunner of today’s Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame. With their many fans and the assistance of the KBO booster club, led by the late Jack Yemec, the KBO travelled American from coast to coast, including Hawaii. They also took their music to Canada, Mexico, the Carribean and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Gaylord and his accordion are on many recordings, including the KBO’s own "Saturday Night Slovenian Style" and "Here’s Velma" with Stan and Velma Kapel. Gaylord’s longtime friendships with America’s Polka King, Frankie Yankovic; Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek; and special friend and "adopted brother", Joey Miskulin, "The Cow Polka King", have afforded him the opportunity to appear on eight (8) recordings that have been nominated for the prestigious "Grammy Award", of which three (3) Walter Ostanek releases were awarded the coveted prize.

Recently, the Gaylord Klancnik Orchestra released their highly successful CD, "Direct From Nashville", which has been nominated for album of the year 1999 in the "National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame". In addition, Gaylord has been nominated numerous times for the "Musician of the Year", and his son, Ed, has been nominated for "Sideman of the Year" in the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame.

Gaylord appeared on many radio and television programs including a number of music videos with both the KBO and Walter Ostanek. His credits also include the Emmy Award winning, "Life of the Polka King". A documentary on the life of the late Frank Yankovic.

In 1982, while on the road in Toledo, Gaylord was introduced to his "Polka Lovin’ Gal", Anna Wallace. In September of 1983, on a "Tuesday evening", Anna married "Gaylord and his accordion". They were honored with over 500 guests, 76 of which provided the musical entertainment led by "family members" Joe Miskulin and Walter Ostanek.

Gaylord was employed as a tool and die maker for eight (8) years prior to joining the Ford Motor Company, Truck Engineering Group, where he recently celebrated his 30^th anniversary with the company.

Gaylord has two (2) children, Edward and Laura, who have both followed in their father’s musical footsteps. Upon graduation from Michigan State university, Gaylord’s son, Ed, relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where he can be found playing drums, guitar, banjo, and bass or working on his own Ranch Recording Studio. Daughter Laura has studied piano and is currently attending Michigan State University, majoring in English and Education.

Together, Gaylord, Ann, Ed and Laura, a musical family, attend many of the major polka festivals across the USA promoting their heritage with song and presenting the Slovenian style of polkas and waltzes that have made Gaylord Klancnik a respected and familiar name in the polka community.

All rights reserved. Copyright NPFP 2005.