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
Ray is just about the best-known button-boxer in the Penn-Ohio area. As a teen in
Warren, Ohio, Ray was inspired by his father John “Evie” Kovacic and taught himself
the diatonic accordion. Later on, Jake Zagger and Joe Fedorchak became his favorites.
As button box mania spread, Ray co-founded the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club in
1976. He performed with polka tours in the U. S. and Europe and on five albums by
Del Sinchak, including two Grammy nominees and a Polka Hall of Fame winner. For thirty
years, he shared the stage with Al Romain in the Al-Ray Combo. The popular duo entertained
for thirteen years at Kuzman’s Lounge in Girard. He is active with the Penn-Ohio
Polka Pals. Every Sunday, Ray and Gary Rhamy host a polka radio show on WSOM.
Inducted in 2018
National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient
RAY KOVAC
1936
www.polkafame.com © National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, 605
East 222nd Street, Euclid, OH 44123, USA.
