Don gralak biography

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Gag, Johnny (1939 – 2015)

• North Mankato, Minnesota
• Musician
• Bands: Norm Wilke and the Little Fishermen, The Katzenjammers, The Six Fat Dutchmen
• Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2009)

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Gagnon, Thomas (1971 – )

• Stewart,
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Donald R. Gralak (1952-2004) was born on August, 19, 1952 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He began his music career at the early age of six when his father brought home a small accordion. Instead of learning to play, Don decided to entertain himself by disassembling the instrument. After several accordions, Don’s dad finally brought home a concertina since it was harder to take apart. From that point on the two were inseparable.

Don studied concertina with virtuoso, Stan Nowicki. At the age of nine, Don began his public career with several radio and television appearances. By the age of ten, Don was playing solo for parties and small functions. When Stan Nowicki became ill and suffered the loss of his eyesight in 1963, Don took over Stan’s students and continued to teach the concertina for the next 18 years.

In the 1960s Don created his own band and performed throughout the Milwaukee area. In 1969 Don released his first album, “Introducing Don Gralak” on the Cuca label. Several other L

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