Memorial Page

Slovenian Style Polkas

Cleveland Style Polkas

Mr. Mullec died April 20, 2009

1920 - 2009.

Polkas.nl would like to remember Frankie Mullec.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

FRANK J. MULLEC age 89 of Wickliffe. Beloved husband of Bertha "Terri" (nee Tegel); loving father of Thomas Mullec, Laurie Mullec and Shari Rex; cherished grandfather of three; brother of the late Alice Miheli. WW II Navy Veteran and the 2008 Polka Hall of Fame Lifetime Acheivement Award Winner. Family will receive friends at THE DAN COSIC FUNERAL HOME 28890 CHARDON RD. (BETWEEN BISHOP RD. AND RT. 91) WILLOUGHBY HILLS FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009 FROM 6-8 P.M. Burial will be private. 440-944-8400

Frank Mullec passed away, April 20, age 89 years. Frankie Mullec, accordionist and bandleader, was one of the acknowledged masters in the polka field. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, of Slovenian parents, melodies was a natural gift. Frankie heard polka melodies practically from birth and was beating them out on his accordion. By the age of 10, and before the end of high school, there were several radio engagements and appearances. At the outbreak of World War II, Frankie went to Pearl Harbor arriving at the Navy Base January 1942. After the island was secure, which took about 6 months he started to play at the base in shows for entertaining the men at the Navy Base. After the war, he formed his own band in 1947. There followed a usual period of struggle for a young musician. He played for anyone who would listen, always waiting for a break. Frankie Mullec and his accordion have never been far apart. The Frankie Mullec Orchestra made its mark recording for Continental Records, appearing on radio and television, and performing at top dance spots. Frankie’s composition “Tell Me A Story” sold more than a quarter million copies in 1950 and was followed by other hits “The Cleveland Polka” and “There Was A Time”. Frankie’s band appeared on local television and radio shows. Frankie had to hire a singer because of the jobs the agency was booking for the band. The singer Frankie hired was a lady by the name Terri Lynn. Terry was the female vocalist on “If You’re Only Willing”. She was a wonderful person and an exellant singer, in fact so good Frankie and Terry started dating and soon got married. After a time, Frankie and Terry got tired of traveling and opened the Frankie Mullec Lounge Bar, which Frankie and Terry operated for 15 years and sold. That’s when Frankie started playing lounges solo on the Hammond. Frankie put his accordion away for a switch to the Hammond Organ. Frankie continued his career as a Hammond soloist. In 2001, Frankie played the accordion for the first time in 50 years, which wasn’t easy. Frank Mullec was a 2008 Lifetime Achievement winner from the National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame.

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