Raised in Cleveland, Frank Yankovic took up the button accordion in 1924, at the age of nine, eventually switching to piano accordion in his early teens. He gained a reputation with his band, the Slovenian Folk Orchestra, and in 1938 made a few recordings that were sold locally. After serving in World War II, Yankovic formed a new band, adding an electric organ to the lineup and recording "Just Because," his 1947 million-selling single. He soon devoted himself to a full-time career in music and in 1949 had another big hit with "Blue Skirt Waltz." Yankovic subsequently recorded with Chet Atkins, Doris Day, Kinky Friedman, and "Weird Al" Yankovic (no relation). In 1986, he won a Grammy Award and eventually hung up his accordion in 1997. ~ Rovi Staff