Trustees Honor Roll

Tasz, John

Saxophonist and Bandleader (1915-1990)
Inducted on November 28, 1989

A pioneer performer of Cleveland-style music in Western Pennsylvania, Joe Tasz was a major factor in making the tri-state area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia a hotbed of Cleveland-style polka activity. Playing button box and piano accordion, Joe began his legendary career in 1935 and led the Joe Tasz Orchestra continuously through the 1980s. Joe personally inspired, influenced and assisted many musicians in Western Permsylvania to adopt and master the Cleveland style. The Tasz Orchestra did a live one-hour show every Sunday for station WJPA in Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1950, and appeared live on "Polka Party" for WSTV television in Steubenville, Ohio, from 1960 to 1961. The Joe Tasz Orchestra has four recordings to its credit.