Marv Herzog
Living Category – Inducted 1979
Born in Frankenmuth, Michigan on August 9, 1932, he
has lived there ever since. Having a natural affinity to music, at age
12 he began playing a forty- eight
bass accordion, then acquired his own and played his first job the
following New Year’s Eve. With his father, Otto Herzog, playing the
banjo, and his friends Bill Braeutigam on the drums and Arno Rogner on
the guitar, his first band was formed. Being of German descent in a
uniquely German community, Marv attended many festivals and functions
featuring old country music. His father sang in a male community choir
which performed many of the traditional songs that Marv has since had so
much success in reviving. Marv continued the polka band throughout his
teens, the members gradually changing.
In January 1953, Marv entered the service. While
stationed at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, he won the Army competition for the
right to represent them on a national TV show originating from New
York. Released from the service in January, 1955 he almost immediately
formed a new polka band, taking up where he left off. He played
functions and festivals in the Frankenmuth area, while at the same time
appearing with his sisters in a country group featured on a weekly TV
show sponsored by the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
The first Bavarian Festival was celebrated in
Frankenmuth in 1960, and featured Marv’s band as part of the
entertainment. It has become one of the major annual festivals in the
country. Marv’s band is the only one to have been featured every year.
Marv now co-sponsors the 10-day annual Summer Polka Fest in Frankenmuth,
featuring nationally known polka bands.
The Bavarian Festival inspired Marv’s first
record. “Marv Herzog at the Bavarian Festival” was released by Sound,
Inc. in 1965. A new album has been released every year since. The
group performs a broad spectrum of popular polka music from his own
native German “Schnitzelbank” and “Oktoberfest” albums, to others that
feature Polish, Italian, English, or whatever language best fits the
song. This in part explains why Marv’s acceptance by all ethnic groups
associated with polka music.
Marv has five children, Terri, Rhonda, Clint,
Heidi, and Lisa, featured on his “Schnitzelbank” album.
In 1971, a fan club was formed. Its members
include over 2000 fans who faithfully wear their blue jackets at polka
functions and festivals.
Marv has had a weekly polka radio show in his area
since 1965, beginning on WSAM-AM and currently on the 50,000 watt
WKCQ-FM. He also co-hosts a highly rated daily evening polka program.
Marv Herzog’s career was long and successful,
destined to go on to even bigger things as his talent and personal
magnetism attracted new fans with every performance and recording.
He is now deceased. |
