Eddie Platt
(Dec. 8, 1921, Cleveland, Oh. - Oct. 3, 2010, Akron, Oh.)
Article - #1 The Plain Dealer
EDDIE PLATT, of Stow, previously of Cleveland, passed away Oct. 3, 2010. He was born
on Dec. 8, 1921, son of the late Charlotte and Dan Platakis. He was preceded in death
by his only sibling, Margaret Bell and his first wife "Bobbi". Eddie leaves behind
his loving wife, Andrea Edwards Platt, stepson, Bill (Deidre) Kondik and their adoring
girls, Elizabeth and Addison. He also leaves his brother-in-law Tom (Gwen) Edwards
and nieces and nephews. Eddie started his musical career in high school playing saxophone
and clarinet in clubs. Ed joined the U.S. Army and Air Force and served in W.W. II.
When W.W. II ended he joined the Johnny Pecon Band, a gig he truly enjoyed. 1948-1952
He started his own band, Eddie Platt and the Contrasts in 1952. From 1957-1967 he
played the Manger Hotel in Cleveland at Hal York's 21-28 dances every Friday night,
where local D.J. Bill Randle promoted the shows. Ed recorded for Epic records and
got his biggest hit "Tequila", a cover record of the "Champs", that soared to No.
20 on the pop charts. Another cover "Cha-Hua-Hua followed and climbed to No. 34 on
the charts and was later featured in the film "The Iron Giant". Television appearances
included The Dick Clark Show"Bandstand" in 1958. Bill Randle promoted shows at St.
Michaels in Cleveland and Eddie played there on a regular basis. His band backed
the major acts, including Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, The Everly Brothers and The
Brothers Four on the big rock and roll shows that came through town. Eddie is in
the Polka Hall of Fame and was honored at the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame for musicians
who transitioned from Polkas to Rock. He performed "Waddeling Duck" Polka which he
wrote, and his hit "Tequila" at the Rock Hall ceremony. Eddie also enjoyed tennis,
golf and ballroom dancing. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him!
