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
Carl Hartmann perfected a distinctive banjo and guitar sound while conjuring up an
"attitude" that became the trademark of Cleveland-Style rhythm sections throughout
the Upper Midwest. Associated with the Verne Meisner Orchestra from 1955 to 1996
except for a one year tour with Frank Yankovic and an eight year sabbatical with
Ronnie K's Phase II Band, Carl achieved pre-eminence among Wisconsin's journeyman
Cleveland-Style sidemen. Carl took a primary role in preserving the Meisner legacy,
joining Steve Meisner's band in 1981, and made over thirty recordings with the Meisners,
Don Gralak, Bill Savatski, Jerry Hartman, and others. An inspiration to Cleveland-Style
musicians in the region, Carl filled in with all who needed his help and, by way
of example, always did more than his share.
Inducted in 1996
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East 222nd Street, Euclid, OH 44123, USA.
