Wonderful video from Hunter Mountain, NY, during 1992 - 27 years ago, when Myron Floren and the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra members were quite that much younger. Myron Floren, with Lawrence Welk and his Orchestra, too, resonated warmly with the Polish people, always smiling broadly as he played the accordion, this from an immigrant of Scandinavian descent. After serving a diverse and devoted public for many decades, he sadly passed away July 23, 2005 at age 85. An amiable man, cherished entertainer, RIP, to both Myron Floren and his boss of many years, Lawrence Welk. That era will not be forgotten.
Thank you for posting this despite me only finding it now. I was 13 years old and went to this very performance with my Grandfather. In between the afternoon and evening shows we went out back behind the festival tent and visited with Jimmy on his huge purple tour bus with the big Pegasus painted on it. He was fantastic to talk with and never once rushed us or tried to move along to something else. I met Myron later that evening and he teased me for wearing a Red Sox shirt. I'll never forget that day and will always be thankful to my Grandparents for marching me right up to that bus for a wonderful chance to meet the performers.
One of the best ever. Albeit he never really got to play much with LW TV show. Always in background, but did play solo every so often. Greatly missed RIP. mos60
I too grew up with Myron as one of my role models and heroes, but in a slightly different way... I was BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF to have Myron and his wife Berdyne as my Godparents. Someone remarked that he “just gave it up”. In fact that WAS NOT THE CASE in ANY WAY!! He was touring actively until approximately six months before he passed away on July 23, 2005 from A SECOND BOUT with Colon Cancer. He did however have to be FORCED (by doctors and family) to take one other short break from his hectic tour schedule in 1998, after having a VERY MILD STROKE while on stage somewhere back East. It was during all the medical work up for this stroke, that he found out that he had colon cancer. This time he did miss SEVERAL months of touring including one of his longest running annual events, Wurstfest in south Texas, which always fell over his Birthday and was one of my favorite because I got to spend time with him between shows and whenever he played the “Champagne Polka”, He always had me come up on stage to blow the bubbles. 1998 was the ONLY YEAR that he had to take any MAJOR TIME OFF to tend to his health (despite having multiple open heart surgeries over the years). It wasn’t until the cancer came back in early 2005 that he stopped touring and even then, he’d still play at home until it got to the point where he simply couldn’t do it MEDICALLY!! Sadly, he passed away on July 23 2005... Colon cancer would also take my Godmother Berdyne , 7 yrs later. Please in his memory Don’t put off the Regular screenings for colon cancer. If it’s caught early enough, then usually the doctors can get a good outcome as Myron had during his first bout with the beast. Rest In Peace, Myron (& Berdyne) You were loved and have been missed terribly since your passing. But as someone anonymously told me shortly after his death, “God simply needed an Accordion in His Heavenly Orchestra”. This was part of a longer poem that I included in my memorial to him. I KNOW that Myron and the love of his life Berdyne (to whom he was married for nearly 60 years, have been reunited in Heaven, where someday I too will be reunited with my Godparents His Favorite hymn (& also the MOST REQUESTED SONG on the Welk show was “How Great Thou Art”. While he might not have always talked about it, HE BELIEVED beyond any shadow of a doubt. And the lyrics to “How Great Thou Art” (especially the last verse) are something that I treasure & hold close to my heart. Blessings to everyone.... I just wanted to clear up any misconceptions that anyone had that he “simply quit” because the truth is quite the opposite. Also, it was actually Myron’s PARENTS who immigrated from 🇳🇴 NORWAY (thus his nickname on Welk show of “The Happy Norwegian”!!) before Myron was born, the oldest child in his family in 1919. It’s almost impossible to believe that if he’d survived the cancer, he would turn 100 yrs old this year‼️
Thank you for sharing about your beloved godfather, Myron! We watched the walk show after church on Sundays at my grandparents place…. My fave part was his playing! RIP Mr. Florence!
I don't want to bore you but I'll tell you a story about myself. I always loved polka music, you see we have big family's in Canade and when we go and we have parties yes it was all Polka music, I felt in love with it and of course the accordion was the main instrument. Well, I started taken accordion lesson at 11 years old and I went up the ladder fast, I play my speed drills with no problem legato and staccato I would practice 4 and 5 hours after school. I played in 5 state teachers association championships one each year my last one was at age 16, I was working for a ladder company and they told me to run a hydraulic press making aluminum rungs for ladders. I was doing great till I got my left pointer finger caught in the press, before this my teacher talked about me going to the Conservatory of Music in Boston well that didn't happen. The doctor said I may have to have my finger remove at the first joint well I only lost the tip on my finger a good piece of it. I told my teacher that I was all done, my finger was to sensitive to play so she came right out and said you're not leaving. She had me play a bass accordion which it has no left-hand buttons to play just a place for your hand to pull the accordion it was all bass key notes which are on the right side of the accordion it sounds like a bass guitar no real music just bass notes, it was the lead instrument, I hated it I was so depress I couldn't play any songs. I played at a wedding in Canada before the accident, my father had me bring my accordion and I surprise everyone there, they had me play with the four-piece band that was at the family wedding and the song I played was Beer Barrel Polka I was only 14 years old then it went off great. Well, here I am at almost 74 and I still have the same accordion but the dream is gone.
He's definitely one of the all time greats. I believe he passed away in 2005. He was with the show through thick and thin, and Lawrence Welk was by no means easy to work with. Very demanding and a quick temper if things weren't perfect. One of LW's biggest peeves is if you didn't plaster smile on your face while performing, and God help you if you didn't have one on your face when you were on camera.
Enjoying watching those fingers flying around on the accordian! Such enthusiasm.
Wonderful video from Hunter Mountain, NY, during 1992 - 27 years ago, when Myron Floren and the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra members were quite that much younger. Myron Floren, with Lawrence Welk and his Orchestra, too, resonated warmly with the Polish people, always smiling broadly as he played the accordion, this from an immigrant of Scandinavian descent. After serving a diverse and devoted public for many decades, he sadly passed away July 23, 2005 at age 85. An amiable man, cherished entertainer, RIP, to both Myron Floren and his boss of many years, Lawrence Welk. That era will not be forgotten.
Loved all that music and entertainers. What a sweet memory to relive I was dancing the polka for two hours ...in my bed!
Loved watching Myron on the Lawrence Welk show..perfection
Myron made that accordion talk just watch his magic fingers a true talent super
Excellent accordionist
I grew up with this man as my hero from the Lawrence Welk show ! I will always remember him and how he loved his instrument and music !!
R.I.P. Myron. You've inspired so many!
Thank you for posting this despite me only finding it now. I was 13 years old and went to this very performance with my Grandfather. In between the afternoon and evening shows we went out back behind the festival tent and visited with Jimmy on his huge purple tour bus with the big Pegasus painted on it. He was fantastic to talk with and never once rushed us or tried to move along to something else.
I met Myron later that evening and he teased me for wearing a Red Sox shirt. I'll never forget that day and will always be thankful to my Grandparents for marching me right up to that bus for a wonderful chance to meet the performers.
Master Floren smoken the keyboards !!! 🥵
Simply the greatest accordionist that ever was or will ever be! Thanks for making us feel happy and for having real fun.
He's great alright, but I think the Twinnies may be even greater.
Saw him live eight times.. got a chance to talk to him in private and in public 9 times. Class all the way.
Also would like to visit the gravesite of Myron - just to say thank you for your wonderful talent and RIP
One of the best ever. Albeit he never really got to play much with LW TV show. Always in background, but did play solo every so often. Greatly missed RIP. mos60
Purely magnificent!
I too grew up with Myron as one of my role models and heroes, but in a slightly different way... I was BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF to have Myron and his wife Berdyne as my Godparents.
Someone remarked that he “just gave it up”. In fact that WAS NOT THE CASE in ANY WAY!! He was touring actively until approximately six months before he passed away on July 23, 2005 from A SECOND BOUT with Colon Cancer.
He did however have to be FORCED (by doctors and family) to take one other short break from his hectic tour schedule in 1998, after having a VERY MILD STROKE while on stage somewhere back East. It was during all the medical work up for this stroke, that he found out that he had colon cancer.
This time he did miss SEVERAL months of touring including one of his longest running annual events, Wurstfest in south Texas, which always fell over his Birthday and was one of my favorite because I got to spend time with him between shows and whenever he played the “Champagne Polka”, He always had me come up on stage to blow the bubbles.
1998 was the ONLY YEAR that he had to take any MAJOR TIME OFF to tend to his health (despite having multiple open heart surgeries over the years).
It wasn’t until the cancer came back in early 2005 that he stopped touring and even then, he’d still play at home until it got to the point where he simply couldn’t do it MEDICALLY!! Sadly, he passed away on July 23 2005...
Colon cancer would also take my Godmother Berdyne , 7 yrs later.
Please in his memory Don’t put off the Regular screenings for colon cancer. If it’s caught early enough, then usually the doctors can get a good outcome as Myron had during his first bout with the beast.
Rest In Peace, Myron (& Berdyne) You were loved and have been missed terribly since your passing.
But as someone anonymously told me shortly after his death,
“God simply needed an Accordion in His Heavenly Orchestra”. This was part of a longer poem that I included in my memorial to him.
I KNOW that Myron and the love of his life Berdyne (to whom he was married for nearly 60 years, have been reunited in Heaven, where someday I too will be reunited with my Godparents
His Favorite hymn (& also the MOST REQUESTED SONG on the Welk show was “How Great Thou Art”. While he might not have always talked about it, HE BELIEVED beyond any shadow of a doubt. And the lyrics to “How Great Thou Art” (especially the last verse) are something that I treasure & hold close to my heart.
Blessings to everyone.... I just wanted to clear up any misconceptions that anyone had that he “simply quit” because the truth is quite the opposite.
Also, it was actually Myron’s PARENTS who immigrated from 🇳🇴 NORWAY (thus his nickname on Welk show of “The Happy Norwegian”!!) before Myron was born, the oldest child in his family in 1919. It’s almost impossible to believe that if he’d survived the cancer, he would turn 100 yrs old this year‼️
Thank you for sharing about your beloved godfather, Myron! We watched the walk show after church on Sundays at my grandparents place…. My fave part was his playing! RIP Mr. Florence!
Great, love it. Myron your just as great as you were with Lawrence Welk and some WOW WOW
People like Myron should never die
Really you are Great Accordionist
Jimmy Sturr one of the Best.!!
live love Polish music Jimmy sturr is it good band
Myron Florin is also a wonderful classical music accordionist. i am very happy he's still around.
He actually passed 11 years ago
xick pillar
Pięknie!**
Miss, Myron Floren what a talented good good Man!!
Love you and Hunter Mountain!
Love it
One of the most difficult instruments to play. Saw Myron many years ago at the Labor Day Polish Festival in Hamtramck, Michigan.
Not easy to play such heavy instrument for 3 - 4 hours. He's a hero!
I don't want to bore you but I'll tell you a story about myself. I always loved polka music, you see we have big family's in Canade and when we go and we have parties yes it was all Polka music, I felt in love with it and of course the accordion was the main instrument. Well, I started taken accordion lesson at 11 years old and I went up the ladder fast, I play my speed drills with no problem legato and staccato I would practice 4 and 5 hours after school. I played in 5 state teachers association championships one each year my last one was at age 16, I was working for a ladder company and they told me to run a hydraulic press making aluminum rungs for ladders. I was doing great till I got my left pointer finger caught in the press, before this my teacher talked about me going to the Conservatory of Music in Boston well that didn't happen. The doctor said I may have to have my finger remove at the first joint well I only lost the tip on my finger a good piece of it. I told my teacher that I was all done, my finger was to sensitive to play so she came right out and said you're not leaving. She had me play a bass accordion which it has no left-hand buttons to play just a place for your hand to pull the accordion it was all bass key notes which are on the right side of the accordion it sounds like a bass guitar no real music just bass notes, it was the lead instrument, I hated it I was so depress I couldn't play any songs. I played at a wedding in Canada before the accident, my father had me bring my accordion and I surprise everyone there, they had me play with the four-piece band that was at the family wedding and the song I played was Beer Barrel Polka I was only 14 years old then it went off great. Well, here I am at almost 74 and I still have the same accordion but the dream is gone.
@@berniecom728thank you for sharing your story.
very nice!
We go back, danced with me at Mohegan Sun Casino,Ct. Will never forget!
they are all the best tom k
I agree....The Buddy Rich of the accordion.
Myron Floren war eine Klasse für sich.
It just doesn't get any better folks. Awesome awesome group.
que gran acordeonista fue Myron Floren !!!
Myron still playing as good as ever.
Think we'll book the next cruise.
That is epic!!!😎
the whole band is great canada
He's definitely one of the all time greats. I believe he passed away in 2005. He was with the show through thick and thin, and Lawrence Welk was by no means easy to work with. Very demanding and a quick temper if things weren't perfect. One of LW's biggest peeves is if you didn't plaster smile on your face while performing, and God help you if you didn't have one on your face when you were on camera.
Lawrence must have been perpetually pissed at woodwinds and brass players…lol
played for years... and gave it up .... why... but very nice.... well done..... myron...
I still play, and will still play. You can still get back
Bo one else like the super talented Myron
Bravo 👏 🎉
Jesus Christ, even at his age when this was recorded, superb technique. This guy is a severely under-rated accordion player.
I want to go next Cruise
My name is John J G most unfortunately Myron is no longer with us ,I enjoyed when he was here and even more now God bless his soul.
Spoken Myron
Err, Smoken, not spoken
First!
Paloma x 🎹 Miqui
O ile chcesz za tańczyć na tej muzyce, to musisz miecz dobre płuca i nogi
German polkas
daja rade , super ale saksofonusta i akordeonista jest nie do przebicia
.
MYRON WAS GREAT BUT i FEEL THAT DICK CONTINO WAS THE BEST EVER.
Ed C, of Cleveland Belvederes.
Great, love it. Myron your just as great as you were with Lawrence Welk and some WOW WOW
Bernie Com d,