Accordion players unite! I had to group Al Yankovic, Judy Tenuta and Lawrence Welk together primarily because of their affinity for The Squeeze Box.

I'm always running into Al's father, Frank Yankovic, in bins at used record stores. And no, I never buy them. Al's videos from the 80's are iconic and they were so unique and well-done. And this was WAY before Artificial Intelligence could have made him "Fat" without the make-up and fat suit. The parody closest is my heart (and buying habit's is "eBay" (to the tune of "I Want It That Way". I love the cheese.

Almost 40 years later and Al's still doing his thing. The budget for makeup and costumes may be pared down, but the comedy is still there on this parody of Lorde's "Royal" - another one that resonates personally with me since I NEVER leave food on a table at a restaurant. Always take the leftovers and throw them in egg-whites the next morning.

Judy Tenuta is another comedian who had an accordion sidekick. Always one of my favorites with her caustic observations, well-known catchphrases and that unique voice. I saw Judy in person in Palm Springs November 26, 2016, in a small bar, The Amao, in Palm Springs. The performance was sparsely attended, but she still gave it her all and was fun to watch. She interacted with me and my friend Papa (aka Bubble) directly during her show and was truly a sweetheart during our interaction afterwards.  I was surprised when she died in 2022 because I was startled to learn that she was 72 at the time of her death. She had been highly effective in masking her age and seemed like a petite petunia love goddess right until the end. Here's her riff on being stuck on a plane next to a male boor.

There are other musicians who were known for the accordion playing.  So yes, I do have Lawrence Welk and Bruce Hornsby in my collection.  And TBH - I'm not a fan of either.

Lawrence Welk's show was way too boring and clean-cut for me, and I don't ever remember him ever having great guests. I'll tackle The Lennon Sisters separately. He was a generous autograph signer through the mail though and I've got a few in my collection.

As for Bruce Hornsby, I know he's super talented and has Grammy's and all. But I just can't. He's just TOO talented for me. I like my music to be manufactured, snappy and sugar-coated. That's just the way it is.

I got the Hornsby item when I was working for Bill Graham’s Winterland Productions. I handled counting the cash and reconciling it against the receipts for merchandising sold at tour venues.  This sheet shows that Hornsby got 2 (probably) t-shirts (artists were always getting/signing for merchandise) to give their family and friends.  In this case, however, it’s NOT Bruce’s actual autograph.  It could be a member of his backup group, The Range, or someone on his management team.  But I kept it anyway cuz it’s a neat piece.  Not because I’m an organized hoarder with OCD or anything like that … 

While on the topic of accordion players, spinning minds (well, mine) and who else might associated with a musical instrument, I realized that I also have Evelyn Kaye with her Magic Violin and Teddy Brown (a famous xylophonist?!!). My collection is so random. I love that Evelyn was such a "big star" that she even did ads for Maybelline.

Here's Evelyn and Her Magic Violin in the 40’s 

Teddy Brown didn't have the face for Maybelline, but here he is with his xylophone in 1939