What is the reason the accordion never got the popularity of its distant
cousin, the guitar? Why is the accordion often viewed at as 'not cool?'
190 North's Doug Banks set out to a spot that rebukes these myths
and found out why the accordion is really hot.
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Who doesn't love its melodic charm of the accordion? Well, okay,
you may not be listening to it on your IPod, but it certainly has
its place in the world of music.
"This is a self contained instrument, meaning it has its own left
hand and right had…piano, you can pack up and go and put it in the
back of your car. The acc essential, it's a main instrument," said
Anne Romagnoli who runs the Italo-American Accordion Company in
Oak Lawn.
Anne's father started the 90-year-old business on Taylor Street.
Anne's been playing since she was just 4. And now her grandson helps
her run their shop full of new and used accordions in every size,
shape and color.
"We sell buy, repair accordions. The accordion is one of the most
pop instruments of all time. It has waned a little bit lately since
the 60s and 70s, but we're still here. We're keeping the lights
on," said John Rolence, Anne's son.
The accordion can be found in the much of the music of Eastern
Europe.
"The Europeans -- it's still fairly popular over there with the
children. In America -- c'mon get in the stick, get in here and
buy some accordions," said John Rolence, Anne's son.
One of Anne's regular customers is Jerry Cigler. Jerry can be
seen live at Luigis in Aurora.
Today the accordion is very popular with Latino groups playing
regional Mexican music. At the height of its popularity in the 1930s,
100 workers were here making 25 accordions a week! Anne's late husband
meticulously made 4 accordions a year.
"When we used to make them here it was basically my grandpa, Joe
Romagnoli. He died in 1994. He was probably the last man in American
that could make a full working accordion from scratch. He would
make 4 accordions a year and he had a big waiting list," said John
Rolence, Anne's son.
Ever since the dawn of rock and roll, and more specifically, the
guitar, the accordion has been the butt of many jokes. But Anne
says it's time the squeezebox got some respect!
"Is it hip to be an accordion player. Hip, hip accordion, Doug.
It's a hip thing," said Anne.
No one in the U.S. really makes them anymore -- a majority are
made in Italy. The cost? A new accordion will set you back a couple
thousand. But a used, starter model only costs a few hundred dollars.
"We really love seeing the little kids come in. they don't come
in often enough. We wish a lot more little kids were interested
because it's a great instrument to play," said Anne.
For
more information:
Italo-American Accordion Company
5510 West 95th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 422-2992
