Eddie Rodick, Jr.

Eddie Rodick has been wowing audiences with his exciting accordion playing for
over 60 years.

Eddie was born in 1947 to Slovenian-German parents. Eddie’s father Edward Rodick Sr. nurtured young Eddie’s interest in polka music by buying him an accordion, arranging lessons with Ed Kriz, and taking him to polka dances. The youngster was inspired by the polka stars of that time, including Johnny Vadnal, Eddie Habat, and Ray Champa.

Eddie’s first band in 1960 was called the Champagnes. He put his music on hold
to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966. While in Vietnam he was wounded in the throat from enemy mortar shrapnel, resulting in a Purple Heart and Eddie’s distinctive speaking voice. On his return in 1969, Eddie teamed up with Bob Oblocki, then later formed the Goodtime Boys and finally the Eddie Rodick Orchestra.

Eddie has recorded nine albums and played throughout the U.S., and in Spain,
Holland, Canada, and Mexico, including regular appearances on TV’s Polka
Varieties Show. Eddie’s son Edward Rodick III, now in Nashville, spent many
years playing drums with his father and continues to make appearances with him
when he is able.

Eddie pioneered the driving, exciting, accordion style for polkas he continues to be known for. His audiences also love the sweetness of his waltzes, and the passion Eddie conveys for his love of playing polka music “from the heart.”

Eddie considers his lifetime of polka music as a blessing, and is truly honored to receive the IPA Pioneer award.