Jimmy Sturr life and biography

Jimmy Sturr: The Polka King Who Revolutionized a Genre

Early Life and Background

James W. "Jimmy" Sturr, Jr., born and raised in Florida, New York, is one of the most celebrated names in polka music. Despite being of Irish descent, Sturr grew up immersed in the musical traditions of the Polish and German immigrants who surrounded him in the Catskills region. His passion for polka music began at an early age, fueled by local radio stations and high school dances featuring polka bands. By the time he was 11, Sturr had formed his own band, the Melody Makers, which set the stage for his extraordinary future in the genre.

Key Career Milestones

Jimmy Sturr's career took off when he decided to fully dedicate himself to music after years of balancing it with a day job at a bank. Over the past few decades, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra have toured across the U.S. and internationally, playing at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. One of the most remarkable milestones in his career was performing at the Grand Ole Opry in 1995, making his polka band the first to grace the stage of this country music institution.

Sturr’s orchestra has earned a staggering 18 Grammy Awards for Best Polka Album out of 24 nominations, placing them among the most decorated acts in Grammy history. Their influence has helped bring polka music into the mainstream, collaborating with country music legends like Willie Nelson and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Major Achievements

Jimmy Sturr's ability to popularize polka beyond its traditional base is one of his greatest achievements. His orchestra’s success is evident in the six sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and multiple standing-room-only performances at Lincoln Center. His band also captivated international audiences with a memorable concert at Warsaw's Palace of Culture, where they received seven standing ovations.

Sturr's collaborations have expanded polka’s reach, incorporating country music with the help of stars like George Jones, Alan Jackson, and Dwight Yoakum, while also infusing Tex-Mex and Cajun influences into the genre through work with artists like Flaco Jimenez and Jo-El Sonnier.

Influence and Legacy

Jimmy Sturr's influence on polka music cannot be overstated. His relentless efforts to broaden the genre's appeal have brought polka into unexpected spaces, such as television commercials for Pontiac, Budweiser, and Mrs. T's Pierogies. In addition, his syndicated radio show has introduced polka to a wider audience, further enhancing the genre’s popularity.

As a champion of polka, Sturr successfully campaigned for the creation of the Grammy Award for Best Polka Album, which was established in 1986. His orchestra has dominated the category, and he remains one of the foremost ambassadors for the lively two-beat rhythm of polka music.

Personal Life and Interesting Facts

Despite his international fame, Jimmy Sturr remains deeply connected to his hometown of Florida, New York, where he still lives in the house where he grew up. His office is situated across from the school he attended, and from there, he runs several businesses, including a travel agency, recording studio, and publishing company. Sturr’s deep ties to his roots were recognized when Valley Forge Military Academy named him "Man of the Year" in 1995, an honor marked by a full dress parade.

Impact and Contributions to Polka Music

Jimmy Sturr’s dedication to polka music has left a lasting impact on the genre. His innovative approach, blending polka with country, Tex-Mex, and Cajun styles, has expanded its appeal across different audiences. Even though polka remains a niche genre, Sturr has worked tirelessly to shift perceptions and make it accessible to younger generations. His music has not only entertained millions but also redefined what polka can be.

Jimmy Sturr's commitment to bringing polka into the mainstream and his countless accolades make him one of the most influential figures in the history of the genre. His legacy will continue to inspire future musicians to explore the possibilities of polka music.

Discography of Jimmy Sturr:

-Not Just Another Polka
-Tribute to the Legends of Polka Music
-Polka Party
-Polka Cola with Bill Anderson
-Let the Whole World Sing (2009 Grammy)
-Come Share the Wine (2008 Grammy)
-Polka in Paradise with Bobby Vinton (2007 Grammy)
-The Greatest Hits of Polka
-Shake, Rattle and Polka! (2006 Grammy)
-Let's Polka 'Round (2004 Grammy)
-Top of the World with Arlo Guthrie and Rhonda Vincent (2003 Grammy)
-Gone Polka (2002 Grammy) with Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee
-Touched by a Polka with Mel Tillis (2001 Grammy)
-Prime Time Polka
-Life's a Polka
-83 Giant Polka Hits
-Dance with Me with Oak Ridge Boys and Flaco Jiménez (1999 Grammy)
-Polkapalooza
-Living on Polka Time (1998 Grammy) with Bill Anderson and Flaco Jiménez
-Polka! All Night Long (1997 Grammy) with Willie Nelson
-I Love to Polka (1996 Grammy)
-Polka Your Troubles Away
-Pure Polka
-Polka Favorites
-Saturday Night Polka
-Clarinet/Accordion Magic
-Sturr It Up
-Live at Gilley's! (1992 Grammy)
-When It's Polka Time at Your House (1991 Grammy)
-Fiddles On Fire
-Trip to Poland
-Pure Country
-All in My Love for You (1990 Grammy)
-Born to Polka (1989 Grammy)
-A Polka Just for Me (1988 Grammy)
-I Remember Warsaw (1987 Grammy)
-1st Class Polka's
-Hooked on Polkas
-On Tour
-All American Polkafest
-Polka Fever
-A Jimmy Sturr Christmas
-Polka Christmas
-Million Dollar Polkas
-Old Fashioned Christmas
-Christmas in My Hometown

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