(1932-2018)

Inducted 2013

Lorren was born in Cloquet, Minnesota and his musical life began soon with his father’s 2-row Horner button accordion. In 1941 he got a Wurlitzer piano accordion and played it for 78 years. Lorren is one of the most versatile accordionists- playing polkas and country western with world-renowned artists such as Myron Floren, Frankie Yankovic, Dick Contino, and Walter Ostanek. In 1998 he was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame and his music has been heard all over the USA and in other countries. His contemporaries think of Lorren and his style of music as a “Master Accordionist Extraordinaire”.

(1943-2020)

Inducted 2012

Skeets Langley and the trio he formed were one of the most unique and sought-after musical groups of The Great Northwest for many years. During that time, Skeets competed in the World Cup of the Accordion in Prague, Czechoslovakia and placed second. The following year he represented the USA in World Competition in Germany and he was awarded The World Cup, making him the Accordion Champion of the World. After returning home he finished is degree and earned a Masters of Music and began teaching. He was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years in Minneapolis and has taught over 10,000 young people how to play woodwind, percussion, and brass instruments.

(1923-2009)

Inducted 1997

While Larry Malmberg was in high school in the Twin Cities he became interested in playing accordion, following in his father’s musical talents. A musician since the 1930s, Malmberg taught accordion, piano, and organ. Larry also opened his own accordion music school in Minneapolis. In addition to teaching and performing, his peers recognized him as an outstanding professional accordinist. He was unusual in that he had an extremely broad range of musical literature, including classical music, show tunes, old-tyme, jazz, and other mainstream music. Malmberg had a phenomenal amount of music committed to memory. Malmberg’s career resume’ consisted of performing with The Viking Accordion Band, The Whoopee John Orchestra, Leon Bonrud’s Bravarians, The Minnesota Orchestra, and The Golden Strings Orchestra & Quartet. Other accomplishments include being a teacher to The 1963 World Champion Accordinist “Skeets” Langley appeared in a movie made for HBO entitled Hometown Boy Makes Good, and was a regular on radio and television performing live. He recorded the background music for The Medora North Dakota Amphitheater & Playhouse for many years, and was bandleader for the American Swedish Salleskapet Celebration in Minneapolis for over 30 years.

(1918-2021)

Inducted in 1996

At the age of 16, Bert’s father gave him a four-string banjo while he was recuperating from the mumps. He learned to play trumpet and accordion, and went on to entertain and spread happiness to his audiences. Over the years he played with numerous bands including the Nets Royal Bagabonds and Matt DeLong’s Big Band, but declined to join any “big name” bands as he didn’t want to travel. Bert received a Master’s Degree in Music, and became the Band Director at New London/Spicer School District. He taught for 25 years until retiring in 1980. Bert then led the Ancient Age community dance big band for 30 years. Bert noted his most interesting musical experience in the past 65 years was playing or “sitting in” with Big Bands including Lawrence Welk, Tiny Little, Jules Herman, Sammy Jensen, The 91st Division Dance Band, and jam sessions with Harry James. Music always brought much joy to Bert’s life. He said “seeing people happy when you’re working means you’ve accomplished something”.