Legendary Polka Musician John “Stanky” Stankovic Dies at 89

John “Stanky” Stankovic, a celebrated figure in the world of Polka music, passed away on December 25, 2023, at the age of 89. His family confirmed the news on Thursday evening, marking the end of an era for the vibrant music scene in Northeast Pennsylvania. Stankovic was best known as the lead singer of the band Stanky and the Coal Miners, which entertained audiences across the globe for decades.

Stankovic’s musical journey began in his youth, inspired by his coal miner father who encouraged him to learn the accordion. “If you learn 10 songs, you can make a living,” his father told him. In response, Stankovic decided to learn 11 songs, declaring, “I’ll see the world.” His passion led him to perform on international stages, including a memorable appearance in Tiananmen Square, China, where he played in front of one million fans.

A Legacy of Entertainment and Community Engagement

Throughout his career, Stankovic and his band were synonymous with Polka music, bringing joy to countless fans. His daughter, Debbie Stankovic Horoschock, who also played trumpet in the band, reflected on her father’s love for entertaining. “He loved being around people and had a great love for life. It’s music that lifts you up,” she said.

Stankovic’s band often played at local fairs, including the famous Bloomsburg Fair, and they became a staple on cruise ships, where they served as the main entertainment act. His talent allowed him to traverse the globe, performing in places like South Korea with little notice. “We saw the entire world playing Polka music from Nanticoke, Pennsylvania,” Horoschock added.

Stankovic chronicled his remarkable life in an autobiography titled “Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie: The Story of Stanky and the Coal Miners.” His contributions to Polka music were recognized when he was inducted into the International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame in August 2019.

A Personal Touch and Lasting Influence

Stankovic’s wife of over 60 years, Dottie Stankovic, stood by his side throughout his career, often joining him on stage to perform. She is also known for her role as Luzerne County’s long-time elected register of wills. Together, they hosted the “Pennsylvania Polka” show on WVIA public television, which showcased the lively tradition of Polka dancing.

The band’s name, originally the “Tip Toppers,” was later changed in tribute to the coal mining heritage of their region. Stankovic often recruited fellow coal miners to join him in performances, recalling how they would clean up after a long day in the mines to take the stage. “We used to pick them up and their faces were black, their clothes were black,” he reminisced in a 2019 interview, illustrating the deep connection between his music and the mining community.

The announcement of Stankovic’s passing has brought an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike. His legacy as the Polka king will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to embrace the joys of this lively musical genre.