♫ Greatest All-
2003 GREATEST ALL-
Inducted 2003
“SIMCIC’S WALTZ”
Composer: Don Pecek
Hit Recording:
Don Wojtila Orchestra
Album: “Red Hot Polkas”
World Renowned Sound WRS 10006
1987
Time: 2:46
Other Recordings:
Button Box Connection
The Casuals
Joe Novak & Friends
Walter Ostanek
Del Sinchak
Keys: C and F
Musicians on Hit Recording:
Don Pecek – button accordion
Don Wojtila – accordion
Dan Wojtila – clarinet
Jerry Suhar – guitar
Dave Skrajner – bass
Al Bambic – drums
Simcic’s Tavern in Euclid, Ohio was one of the great polka bars where you could enjoy a good meal, then dance to live music until 2 a.m. Musicians would gather after playing jobs, and the place was a who’s who of Cleveland polka players, who were welcomed by congenial owner John Simcic, Jr., and family. Don Pecek came up with the melody for Simcic’s waltz at an after hours jam session at Simcic’s Tavern. According to Don, “I put the waltz together, and John said play it again, I like it. That’s where it started and why it’s Simcic’s.”
Many bands began playing the waltz including Don’s cousins Jeff and John Pecon. Don’s mother was the late Nettie Pecon Pecek, vocalist and sister of Johnny Pecon. Don Wojtila invited Pecek to record the tune on the long play album “Red Hot Polkas.” Pecek played a four-row Melodija button accordion. The song gained more popularity and was recorded by Del Sinchak of Youngstown and Canada’s Polka King Walter Ostanek.
The simplicity of the melody is very appealing to dancers, who quickly fill the floor upon hearing the opening bars of the waltz.