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Myron
Floren was born in Roslyn, South Dakota, the eldest of seven
children. When Myron was seven years old, he talked his father
into ordering a ten dollar accordion from Sears and Roebuck, and as
a result of that investment, would later become one of the top
virtuosos in the world. He credits the development of his
strong finger and forearm strength to milking the cows on the farm.
Myron attended
Augustana College in Sioux Falls, where he moonlighted teaching
accordion for the Williams Music Company. One of his students
was Berdyne Koerner, his future wife.
When World War II
began, Myron tried to enlist in the Air Force but was turned down
for medical reasons. He later enlisted in the USO and
entertained the troops overseas.
Upon his return
from the war, he and Berdyne lived in Sioux Falls where Myron had a
radio show. In 1946, they moved to St. Louis where he joined
the "Buckeye Four", a popular music group specializing in
hillbilly music. One night, they went dancing at the Casa Loma
ballroom where Welk was appearing. Lawrence invited Myron up
on stage to play a number. Myron chose "Lady of
Spain". The crowd and Lawrence loved it and he was
offered a job with Welk that night. In 1950, he joined the
band and stayed until the show's end in 1982.
Today, Myron
can be seen appearing throughout the country entertaining audiences
everywhere. |