Brunon (Bruce) Kryger
Deceased Category -
Inducted 1990
Bruce Kryger has been playing with his own band
since 1954. In 1962 he joined with his brother Lucian and
formed what became known as the Kryger Brothers Band. Bruce played the
cordovox accordion and composed many of the arrangements for the band.
The band had several hit recordings including "The Bridal Dance," "The
Boys from Wilkes-Barre" and "Mary on a Bike."
Bruce
was a partner with his brother in the Kryger Music Company for many
years. They carried on the polka band that was handed down to them from
their late father, Brunon Kryger, Sr.
Bruce and the band were
nominated for a Grammy Award presented by the National Academy of
Recording Arts and Sciences in 1987. The band also has the longest
running sales of polka album - "Polish Wedding Memories" -- recorded in
1962.
In 1956 Bruce married
Joan Park in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. They had two children, Brunon
III and Susan Ann, and have one grandson, Adam. Bruce passed away on
January 13, 1989 at the age of 55.
The Kryger family holds
a special distinction. In 1977 Brunon Kryger, Sr. was inducted into the
deceased category. In 1989 Lucian Kryger was inducted, and this year
Brunon Kryger will be inducted. This is the first time three members of
one family will be a part of the Polka Music Hall of Fame.
