From looking at this album cover, you'd probably never think that the polka goes back all the way to 1844 Bohemia, but that's where the roots lie, and if you really think about, it might be the most popular dance music that was ever created.
Polka music has evolved and been passed around from one culture to another for a long, long time, and why do you suppose that is? I think because it's infectious happy music that makes you want to move, especially if you've been drinking.
But back in the 50's and 60's, Frankie Yankovic was dubbed 'The Polka King,' and he was the first winner of the 'Polka' category of The Grammy's in 1986. In 2008, the powers that be decided that polkas were no longer relevant and dropped the category from The Grammy's.
Weird thing is Al and Frankie are not even related.
I've always liked polkas so I think I'll dedicate my next few posts to show how divergent polka culture really is, and to start off with, here's a band that injects their own Cajun influence into the polka.
A polka is basically a waltz speeded up, and Zydeco music is an offshoot of polka. Add some punk to the mix and you've got a band called The Zydepunks from New Orleans who came out with this album called "Finisterre" back in 2008.
Just try and sit still!!
It's weird; I'd always that Weird Al Yankovic was Frankie's son. And that's how Urban Legends and fake news gets started! But you said it perfect about polkas -- "it's infectious happy music that makes you want to move, especially if you've been drinking." That's definitely true for me; I like polka for a song or two, but if I'm a bit tipsy, my enjoyment knows no bounds!
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