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
Drummer John Gerl has backed up some of the best-known Cleveland polka bands since
the 1960s. He is also a founding trustee and past treasurer of the National Cleveland
Style Polka Hall of Fame. John made his polka debut at age 12 with the Rivieras,
led by Dave Wretschko He set the beat for 24 years until Dave’s passing in 1990.
Over the years, John has provided the rhythm for the Fairport Ensemble, Mike Wojtila,
Bob Kravos, Kathy Hlad, Ron Likovic, Ron Pivovar, and the Mahoning Valley Button
Boxers, among others. In addition to drums, John can be heard as a vocalist, in English
and Slovenian, on many of the 30 albums oh which he appears. Three recordings with
Walter Ostanek earned Grammy Awards for polka album of the year.
Inducted in 2024
www.polkafame.com © National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, 605
East 222nd Street, Euclid, OH 44123, USA.
