Johnny Pecon

Johnny Pecon (February 3, 1915 - February 28, 1975) was one of the prime polka bandleaders in Cleveland from 1950 to 1975. Instead of the piano accordion, he played the chromatic. He joined Frankie Yankovic's band in 1946. He left Yankovic in 1949 and started his own group with friend Lou Trebar soon afterwards. His son Jeff Pecon has kept the legacy alive by leading his own orchestra since the late 1970s. Popular songs of his include “Pecon Polka”, “Little Cafe Waltz”, and “Iron Mike”.



Career
Johnny played locally around Cleveland, starting in the 1930s. His musical career was put on hold during World War II. In 1942, Pecon joined the Navy and was trained as a Seabee. After his training, he was sent to New Guinea in the South Pacific. After the war, him, Trebar, and Yankovic owned the Metropole bar which was located in Euclid. After the bar closed in 1946, he joined Yankovic's band and they made many recordings. Most notably the two million-sellers, "Just Because", and the "Blue Skirt Waltz". Pecon was part of the Yankovic band lineup which was given the ”America’s Polka King” award in 1948. In late 1949, Pecon and Yankovic split due to personal matters coming to a head. The two never spoke again.

Opting for a more family-oriented life, Johnny teamed up with Trebar for good in 1949 and went on to establish their careers. In 1951, while playing as often as 20 times per week, the Pecon-Trebar orchestra decimated 24 contenders in a Cleveland polka band popularity contest, amassing over one-third of the 40,000 votes cast. For nearly three decades, his band made numerous television appearances and recorded many albums. Notable members of the Pecon band included saxophonists Paul Yanchar & Eddie Platt, bass player Mirk Yama, drummer Joe Pianecki, and banjo player Al Markic.



Death
Pecon became ill with cancer in October 1974, putting an end to his playing. On February 23, 1975, there was an event in his honor held at the Slovenian Society Home (also known as Recher Hall) in Euclid. The event was called "Johnny Pecon Day", and nearly 3,000 people attended. Pecon died on February 28, 1975 at the age of 60.

Discography
Studio albums


 * Pecon Polka (1955)


 * Polkas By Pecon (1974)

Posthumous albums


 * A Cut Above (1999)