Jimmy Sturr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmy Sturr
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Sturr in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James William Sturr Jr. |
| Born | September 25, 1941 Warwick, New York, United States |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Instrumentalist, bandleader |
| Instruments | Trumpet, clarinet, saxophone |
| Labels | Rounder, Vanguard, Starr |
James W. Sturr Jr., known to many as Jimmy Sturr, is a famous American musician. He was born on September 25, 1941. Jimmy Sturr is a talented polka musician who plays the trumpet, clarinet, and saxophone. He is also the leader of his own band, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra.
Many people call him the "King of Polka" because he is so good at what he does. His music has won an amazing 18 Grammy Awards for Best Polka Album! This means his orchestra is one of the top groups in Grammy history. They have received more Grammy nominations than any other polka group ever.
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Jimmy Sturr's Musical Journey
Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra have played in many famous places. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City. They even played at Yankee Stadium and the Palace of Culture in Warsaw, Poland. When they travel, the band rides in Jimmy's special 45-foot tour bus.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Jimmy Sturr's band is known for mixing different music styles. They have worked with many well-known musicians. Some of these artists include Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Arlo Guthrie, Boots Randolph, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mel Tillis, and Charlie Daniels.
A very special moment for Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra was when they were invited to play at the Grand Ole Opry. This is a famous country music show. They were the only polka group, and the only group with brass instruments, ever to perform there!
Beyond the Stage
Besides playing music, Jimmy Sturr also hosts a radio show. You can hear it on stations like WTBQ in his hometown of Florida, New York. He used to own that radio station! He also has a weekly show on the Rural Radio channel on SiriusXM. Jimmy Sturr is also a businessman. He owns United Polka Artists, Starr Record Company, and a travel agency. He also has a music publishing company.
Award-Winning Albums
Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra have released many albums over the years. Here are some of their albums that won Grammy Awards:
- All in My Love for You (1990 Grammy)
- Born to Polka (1989 Grammy)
- Come Share the Wine (2008 Grammy)
- Dance with Me (1999 Grammy)
- Gone Polka (2002 Grammy)
- I Love to Polka (1996 Grammy)
- I Remember Warsaw (1987 Grammy)
- Let the Whole World Sing (2009 Grammy)
- Let's Polka 'Round (2004 Grammy)
- Live at Gilley's! (1992 Grammy)
- Living on Polka Time (1998 Grammy)
- Please Have Them Play a Polka Just for Me (1988 Grammy)
- Polka! All Night Long (1997 Grammy)
- Polka in Paradise (2007 Grammy)
- Shake, Rattle and Polka! (2006 Grammy)
- Top of the World (2003 Grammy)
- Touched by a Polka (2001 Grammy)
- When It's Polka Time at Your House (1991 Grammy)
Meet the Band
Here are the talented musicians who are currently part of Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra:
- Jimmy Sturr - Leader, Vocals, Clarinet, Saxophone, Drums, and Trumpet
- Johnny Karas - Tenor Saxophone and Vocals
- Nick DeVito - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, and Piccolo
- Jim Perry - Clarinet and Alto Saxophone
- Frank Urbanovitch - Fiddle & Vocals
- Al Piatkowski - Accordion
- Bill Ash - Trumpet
- Vinnie Borselli - Trumpet
- Dana Sylvander - Trumpet
- Rich Berends - Drums
- Rich Pavasaris - Bass Guitar
- Ron Oswanski - Piano & Accordion
- Tom Conklin - Bus Driver and Sound Manager
- Mike Magdon - Sound Manager
- Gus Kosior - Manager & Bus Driver
- Barbara James - Assistant Manager
- Joe Rapp - Social Media
