Marv Herzog was born in Frankenmuth, Michigan on August 9, 1932, he has lived there
ever since. Having a natural affinity to music, at age 12 he began playing a forty-eight
bass accordion, then acquired his own and played his first job the following New
Year’s Eve. With his father, Otto Herzog, playing the banjo, and his friends Bill
Braeutigam on the drums and Arno Rogner on the guitar, his first band was formed.
Being of German descent in a uniquely German community, Marv attended many festivals
and functions featuring old country music. His father sang in a male community choir
which performed many of the traditional songs that Marv has since had so much success
in reviving. Marv continued the polka band throughout his teens, the members gradually
changing. In January 1953, Marv entered the service. While stationed at Camp Chaffee,
Arkansas, he won the Army competition for the right to represent them on a national
TV show originating from New York. Released from the service in January, 1955 he
almost immediately formed a new polka band, taking up where he left off. He played
functions and festivals in the Frankenmuth area, while at the same time appearing
with his sisters in a country group featured on a weekly TV show sponsored by the
Michigan Milk Producers Association. The first Bavarian Festival was celebrated in
Frankenmuth in 1960, and featured Marv’s band as part of the entertainment. It has
become one of the major annual festivals in the country. Marv’s band is the only
one to have been featured every year. Marv now co-sponsors the 10-day annual Summer
Polka Fest in Frankenmuth, featuring nationally known polka bands. The Bavarian Festival
inspired Marv’s first record. “Marv Herzog at the Bavarian Festival” was released
by Sound Inc. in 1965. A new album has been released every year since. The group
performs a broad spectrum of popular polka music from his own native German “Schnitzelbank”
and “Oktoberfest” albums, to others that feature Polish, Italian, English, or whatever
language best fits the song. This in part explains why Marv’s acceptance by all ethnic
groups associated with polka music. Marv has five children, Terri, Rhonda, Clint,
Heidi, and Lisa, featured on his “Schnitzelbank” album. In 1971, a fan club was formed.
Its members include over 2000 fans who faithfully wear their blue jackets at polka
functions and festivals. Marv has had a weekly polka radio show in his area since
1965, beginning on WSAM-AM, he moved on the 50,000 watt WKCQ-FM. Marv also co-hosts
a highly rated daily evening polka program. Marv Herzog’s career was long and successful,
destined to go on to even bigger things as his talent and personal magnetism attracted
new fans with every performance and recording.
