Don Peachey (July 21, 1933 – January 23, 2025) was an American band leader, accordionist, musician and recording artist who had performed and recorded since the 1950s with The Don Peachey Band, aka Don Peachey and His Orchestra.[1] Peachey was elected to the InternationalPolka Hall of Fame in 2011 by theInternational Polka Association.[1][2]
Born on July 21, 1933, Don Peachey was fromBurnett, Wisconsin.[3] He started playing the accordion at age 14, taking lessons from the Beaver Dam Music Center. While he was a junior in high school, he formed his own polka band and their first paying engagement was at the Fairwater Civic Center in the Village ofFairwater, Wisconsin[4] in June 1951, the same year Peachey graduated from Horicon High School,Horicon, Wisconsin. He then spent two years in the Army, serving in the 1st Cavalry Division and stationed in Japan. He then returned to his home in Burnett[1] and resumed his musical career. Peachey released his first recording in 1957.[5] The group continued to perform and record for over 65 years.[1][4][5]
Don Peachey led music groups by two names during his professional recording and performing career; Don Peachey and His Orchestra and later, The Don Peachey Band. Peachey recorded 18 Albums/CDs, including a popular novelty song called "Horsie Keep Your Tail Up."[5] Peachey made an early name for himself in the late 1950s and early 1960s asBillboard Magazine frequently covered the band through its "Talent Topics" section covering bands' touring and performing schedule[6][7][8][9] and also gave the songs,No No Polka andMorning Star Polka 4 Star Reviews.[10] In 1959Billboard Magazine labeled the band's recordings of theJigsaw Polka 45 RPM record as "Sprightly... Polka themes given a springy instrumental treatment."[11] The band toured the United States from Wisconsin to Texas for over 50 years.[12][13] They appeared with Dan Rather on theCBS Evening News during a Patriotic Special and have performed at the largest Polka Venues in the United States.[1][14] Don Peachey said he believes his success is directly related to how much he practices even after over 50 years of performing. As Peachey stated "(I) heartily agree with piano playerVictor Borge's observation," "If I don't practice for a day, I can tell the difference, If I don't practice for two days my critics can tell the difference, and if I don't practice for three days, my audience can tell the difference."[4]Don Peachey had been a guest performer onRFD-TV withMolly B[15][16] and numerous other telecasts over the years.[17] Peachey helped startVolksfest inWaupun, Wisconsin. His band averaged one to three engagements a week and had five to seven members, including his son John Peachey.[4]
Peachey was elected "Bandleader of the Year" by theWisconsin Orchestra Leaders Association in 1973[12][18] and was inducted into theWisconsin Polka Hall of Fame twice in 1998 as a recipient of both the Lifetime Achievement and the Senior awards.[12][19] In 2011 he was inducted into the InternationalPolka Hall of Fame in the "Pioneer" category for "significant contributions in the advancement of polka music."[1][20][21] In 2011, Peachey received a special citation from the Legislature of theState of Wisconsin recognizing his achievements and accomplishments in the music field.[22] He is listed in The Heritage Registry of Who's Who.[23]
