Jimmy Sturr
James W. Sturr Jr. (commonly known as Jimmy Sturr) is an American polka musician, trumpeter, clarinetist, saxophonist and leader of Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra. Media outlets have often dubbed him the "King of Polka," with his recordings having won 18 out of the 24 Grammy Awards given for Best Polka Album.[1] Sturr's orchestra is on the Top Ten List of the All-Time Grammy Awards, and has acquired more Grammy nominations than anyone in the history of musical polka awards.[2][3]
Career[edit]
Sturr and his orchestra have performed at Carnegie Hall,[4] Lincoln Center in New York City, Yankee Stadium [5] and the Palace of Culture in Warsaw, Poland.[6] When touring, the band rides in Jimmy's 45-foot customized tour bus, previously owned by Billy Ray Cyrus.[2] The band has crossed genres and collaborated with numerous prominent musicians such as Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Arlo Guthrie, Boots Randolph, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mel Tillis, and Charlie Daniels.
A significant highlight for Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra was when they were invited to appear on the Grand Ole Opry, the only polka group (and the only group with brass instruments) to do so.[1]
Sturr hosts a syndicated radio show on stations including WTBQ[7] in his hometown of Florida, New York, the station he once owned. He also has a weekly radio show on the Rural Radio channel on SirusXM.[8] In addition to radio shows, he also owns and operates United Polka Artists, Starr Record Company, Jimmy Sturr Travel Agency, and a publishing company.[1]
Band Members
Reoccurring members
Past members