Slavko Avsenik facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Slavko Avsenik
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Slavko Avsenik in 1963
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| Background information | |
| Born | November 26, 1929 Begunje na Gorenjskem, Kingdom of Yugoslavia |
| Died | July 2, 2015 (aged 85) Slovenia |
| Genres | Oberkrain ethnic, polka, waltz |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, band leader, album producer |
| Instruments | piano accordion, Vocal |
| Years active | 1953–2015 |
Slavko Avsenik (born November 26, 1929 – died July 2, 2015) was a famous Slovene composer and musician. He started his musical journey in 1953. He formed a group called the Avsenik Brothers Ensemble.
Avsenik created over 1,000 songs. He became very popular in Slovenia, Europe, and America. Many people see him as a true Slovenian cultural hero.
Contents
Slavko Avsenik's Life and Music
For over forty years, the Avsenik Ensemble had a special sound. It was called the "Oberkrainer" sound. This music became very important for Slovenia and other parts of Europe. These areas included Austria, Switzerland, northern Italy, and the Benelux countries.
The Avsenik Ensemble's Journey
The group was known as "Ansambel bratov Avsenik" in Slovenia. In Germany, they were called "Slavko Avsenik und seine Original Oberkrainer". They performed for millions of people. This included important leaders, on radio, and on TV. They also played thousands of concerts.
Avsenik sold about 12 million records. He earned many awards for his music. These included thirty-one gold records, two diamond records, and one platinum record. People sometimes called him the "Johann Strauss of the twentieth century."
Slavko worked with his brother, Vilko. Together, they wrote almost 1,000 original songs. Their music also became a big part of the "Cleveland-style" music. This style is popular among Slovenian-Americans.
How the Band Started
The Avsenik story began in 1953. Slavko formed a band in Slovenia. Their music was first played on the radio in Austria. A DJ in Vienna called them the "Musicians of the Oberkrain."
Their popularity grew quickly. Soon, they were on TV shows, in movies, and playing concerts. They became especially famous in West Germany.
Rising to Fame
In 1960, the Ensemble signed a record deal with Telefunken-Decca. This made them incredibly famous across Europe. They appeared regularly on TV networks. They also toured a lot, traveling huge distances. For example, in 1967 alone, they traveled over 400,000 miles.
They also recorded many albums. Some big moments include a concert in 1961. Over 80,000 people watched them play in Berlin Stadium. They also toured the US and Canada in 1970 and 1985. In 1980, they had a special one-hour TV show in Germany.
Awards and Influence
The Avsenik group was Slovenia's most popular music band. They won many awards. They won eight TV competitions in a row. They also won twelve awards from German TV networks. Eighteen times, they were named Germany's most popular band.
In 1975, they won the "European Oscar" for their recordings. In 1979, they received the Golden Rose Award. This was for being the most requested band on Austrian radio. They also won the Linhart plaque in Slovenia. The German Minister of Culture gave them the "Hermann Löns" award.
Avsenik's music also had a big impact on Cleveland-Style music. This started in 1958. Johnny Pecon added English words to Slavko's song "Tam kjer murke cveto." It became a huge hit called "Little Fella." Many Cleveland-Style bands have recorded Avsenik's songs.
Most Famous Song
The most popular song by Avsenik's band is a polka. It is called "Na Golici" in Slovene. In German, it is "Trompeten-Echo," and in English, "Trumpet Echoes." This song is thought to be the most played instrumental song in the world. It was an early success for the Avsenik Brothers.
Slavko Avsenik passed away on July 2, 2015. He was 85 years old.
Albums
- Goldene Klänge Aus Oberkrain (Telefunken, 1971)
- Goldene Klänge Aus Oberkrain II (Telefunken, 1973)
- Jägerlatein in Oberkrain (Telefunken, 1974)
- Jägerlatein in Oberkrain (London International, 1974)
- Es Ist So Schön Ein Musikant Zu Sein (2xLP, Telefunken, 1974)
- 16 Welterfolge (Telefunken, 1975)
- Mit Musik Und Guter Laune (2xLP, Telefunken, 1975)
- Sonntagskonzert (Telefunken, 1975)
- Lustig Und Fidel (Telefunken, 1978)
- He! Slavko! Spiel Uns Eins! (Telefunken, 1978)
- Ein Feuerwerk Der Musik (Koch Records, 1986)
- Wir Bleiben Gute Freunde (Koch Records, 1990)
- Es Ist So Schön Ein Musikant Zu Sein (Virgin, 1990)
- Polkafest in Oberkrain (CD, Koch Records, 1997)
- Am Schönsten Ist's Zu Haus
- Mit Musik Und Guter Laune
- Auf Silbernen Spuren (Royal Sound)
- Stelldichein in Oberkrain (Telefunken)
- Daheim in Oberkrain (Telefunken)
- Die 20 Besten (cass)
- Ein Abend Mit Slavko Avsenik Und Seinen Original Oberkrainern (Telefunken)
- Mit Polka Und Waltzer Durch Die Welt (Telefunken)
- Im Schönen Oberkrain (Telefunken, Deutscher Schallplattenclub)
- Die Oberkrainer Spielen Auf (10", Telefunken)
See also
In Spanish: Slavko Avsenik para niños
