Trustees Honor Roll

Hokavar, John

Bassist (1912-1991)
Inducted on: November 30, 1991

Best known for his bass-playing prowess, John "Hokie" Hokavar was a multi-talented musician. He began playing the banjo as a youngster and went on to master the accordion before finally making the bass his avocation. Hokie, with his popular slapping style, was featured with some of the great early Cleveland-style orchestras, including Johnny Pecon and Frank Yankovic. He wrote the lyrics to many Cleveland-style polkas, including "Because Your Blue Eyes Blink". For his own enjoyment, Hokie played the button box.

Best known for his bass-playing prowess, John "Hokie" Hokavar was a multi-talented musician. He began playing the banjo as a youngster and went on to master the accordion before finally making the bass his avocation. Hokie, with his popular slapping style, was featured with some of the great early Cleveland-style orchestras, including Johnny Pecon and Frank Yankovic. He wrote the lyrics to many Cleveland-style polkas, including "Because Your Blue Eyes Blink". For his own enjoyment, Hokie played the button box.