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Frankie Mullec

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Frankie Mullec

Frank Mullec better known as Frankie Mullec, accordionist and bandleader since 1937, gained notoriety in the late forties and early fifties by recording polka music such as “The Cleveland Polka” “Tell Me A Story” a song that the wrote, also “There Was A Time” and many others. Appearing on the television and radio and ballrooms all over the Midwest, traveling became tiring, o in the early fifties, he, his wife Terri and his Mom opened Frankie Mullec’s Lounge. Finding an organist that would fit the bill, was unsuccessful, so he decided to do it himself. Switching from the accordion to the Hammond organ was difficult, but switch determination, the transition was comparatively successful. Even after 45 years, he still enjoys playing the organ. I put the accordion away in 1951 when we opened Frankie Mullec’s Restaurant and Lounge Bar, which was sold in 1965. I worked as a single playing the Hammond organ all over the east. In the 1970’s Frankie Yankovic asked me to work with him at his Yankovic’s Steakhouse in Cleveland until he could find an organist to work 6 nights a week as I didn’t want to stay in one location more than 6 months. As it returned out, I stayed there for 7 years. After that stint, I played a few more years and decided to quit. In 2001after my CD “High Kickin’ Polkas” was released, I was invited to appear for the “Muscular Dystrophy Foundation” in Enon Valley, PA. where I played my accordion for the first time in 50 years, which wasn’t easy, but with a lot of practice, I did OK. Shortly after I was invited to volunteer playing the organ at the “Slovene Home For The Aged” which I enjoy very much and hope to do so for many years to come. In 1994, I was inducted as an Honorary Member into the “National Cleveland Style Polka Hall Of Fame” for which I am grateful.