National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum
605 East 222nd Street
Euclid, OH 44123
USA
E-mail: Polkashop@aol.com
Phone: 216-261-3263
Toll Free: 1-800-66POLKA
Fax: 216-261-4134
Benjamin Zitko Rathbone, better known as Benzy, was a shooting star on the polka
horizon, whose light was extinguished at too early an age. He was invited at an early
age to sit-in to play the accordion with Frankie Yankovic and his orchestra in Benzy's
hometown of Washington, Pennsylvania. Benzy ws the accordion lead for many orchestras,
including his combo, Jack Frohnhoffer's orchestra, and Jack Tady's orchestra. In
1995, the Benzy Rathbone Combo was honored as Best New/Young Band by the National
Cleveland-Style Hall of Fame. Benzy did not attend, because he suffered a stroke
on the eve of the Award ceremony. He was able to continue in music as organist and
choir director of Holy Rosary Church. Benzy played the button accordion as well and
created a number system to to play the diatonic keyboard. Benzy had recorded one
album, and had completed half of the material for a second album. On March 18, 2003,
he died. He is survived by his wife Lori, and daughters Jessica and Emily.
Inducted in 2003
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East 222nd Street, Euclid, OH 44123, USA.
