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 | Warwick, New York, United States |
September 25, 1941
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Instrumentalist, bandleader |
Instruments | Trumpet, clarinet, saxophone |
Labels | Rounder, Vanguard, Starr |
Jimmy Sturr (born September 25, 1941) is a super famous American musician. People often call him the "King of Polka." He plays the trumpet, clarinet, and saxophone. His band, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, has won an amazing 18 Grammy Awards for Best Polka Album! This makes him one of the most awarded musicians in Grammy history for any type of music.
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Jimmy Sturr's Amazing Career
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 tour bus. It used to belong to country music star Billy Ray Cyrus!
Collaborations with Other Stars
Jimmy Sturr's band has worked with many different kinds of musicians. They have played with famous artists like Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Arlo Guthrie, Boots Randolph, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mel Tillis, and Charlie Daniels. This shows how their polka music can mix with other styles.
A really special moment for Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra was when they were asked to play at the Grand Ole Opry. They were the only polka group ever to perform there, and the only group with brass instruments!
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 also has a weekly show on SiriusXM radio. Jimmy Sturr also owns several businesses. These include United Polka Artists, Starr Record Company, and a travel agency. He also has a publishing company.
Grammy-Winning Albums
Jimmy Sturr has released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his albums that won Grammy Awards for Best Polka Album:
- I Remember Warsaw (1987 Grammy)
- Please Have Them Play a Polka Just for Me (1988 Grammy)
- Born to Polka (1989 Grammy)
- All in My Love for You (1990 Grammy)
- When It's Polka Time at Your House (1991 Grammy)
- Live at Gilley's! (1992 Grammy)
- I Love to Polka (1996 Grammy)
- Polka! All Night Long with Willie Nelson (1997 Grammy)
- Living on Polka Time with Bill Anderson, Flaco Jiménez (1998 Grammy)
- Dance with Me (1999 Grammy)
- Touched by a Polka with Mel Tillis (2001 Grammy)
- Gone Polka with Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee (2002 Grammy)
- Top of the World with Arlo Guthrie, Rhonda Vincent (2003 Grammy)
- Let's Polka 'Round with Charlie Daniels, Bela Fleck, Boots Randolph (2004 Grammy)
- Shake, Rattle and Polka! (2006 Grammy)
- Polka in Paradise with Bobby Vinton (2007 Grammy)
- Come Share the Wine (2008 Grammy)
- Let the Whole World Sing (2009 Grammy)