Art Van Damme

Art Van Damme became one of the biggest stars of the 1950s with a 15-minute radio and TV program, a noted role in the NBC orchestra, and many miscellaneous recordings, all-centering on his talents as an accordionist. The accordion seemed an unlikely instrument for producing a star, however during the 1950s, there were more accordion students than piano students. Art was the first to play jazz on the accordion in many clubs and recordings, and created a style that was sought after by many musicians who requested his renowned arrangements for the accordion. Art’s NAMM Oral History interview was completed in Roseville, California on July 10, 2006.