Music & Dance News JulyAugust 2021 Page 12
Musical history of Jerome “ Jerry ” Schmidt
By Jerry Schmidt , submitted by Jerry ’ s sister , Rosie Johnson
When I was a freshman in high school in New Ulm , MN , I learned a song or two on a button accordion . In 1953 , my Dad bought a key of C Pearl Queen concertina from Wenzel Fischer . I learned how to play it , and in 1956 , in my senior year in high school , one of my classmates who played the tuba in band and I played some songs for the audience in general assembly . Later that year , I traded the Pearl Queen to Wenzel Fischer for a key of C Star concertina .
When my brother , James , came home from the Army , we played for parties , and in 1957 , we played in taverns around the New Ulm area . James played the tuba .
In 1958 , I played with my future wife ’ s uncle and his cousin . In 1959 , Phyllis Johnson and I were married .
In 1962 , I joined Don Morris and the Jolly German Band from New Ulm . I needed an E Flat concertina with that band , so I bought an E Flat from Irwin Fischer . I played with the Jolly Germans for almost 13 years .
In 1962 , I was recorded on four LP records , two cassettes , and two CDs .
During the last two years with the Jolly Germans , I also helped the Six Fat Dutchmen Band and the Slim Kalz Band when it worked out .
In 1966 , I traded my Star E Flat for a Hengel ’ s E Flat from Christy Hengel . In 1970 , I traded my Star C for Hengel ’ s C from Christy .
In 1972 , I joined the Six Fat Dutchmen and played with that band for about 10 years . During that time , I also helped out the Elmer Scheid Band , Ivan Kahle , Erwin Suess , Jerry Schuft , Wally Pikal , and Lester Schuft .
In 1980 , I joined Kirk ’ s Dance Band from Mankato . In 1991 or 1992 , the band quit operating . It was time , as I was getting tired of the late hours and traveling in all kinds of weather conditions .
Some highlights that I remember were playing in Duluth for the Outdoor Writers Convention with the Jolly Germans , and also playing for a big pageant at the Aksarben Arena with the Six Fats , in Omaha , NE . Four groups played for this event ; the Six Fats , a country western band , a rock band and Peter Duch-
Continued on page 13
Jerry Schmidt has a long history of playing concertina with a variety of bands .
Submitted photos
Here is a list , as best as I can remember , of all the bands I played with
The Jolly German Band Ivan Kahle The Six Fat Dutchmen Leona ’ s Concertina Band Kirk ’ s Dance Band Johnny Helget The Slim Kalz Band Willard Gulden The Elmer Scheid Band The Three Yanks The Roamers The Sellner Brothers Wally Pikal The City and Country Cousins Jerry Schuft The Country Gentlemen Lester Schuft Marshall Bob Milbrett The Branded Men Norm Wilke ’ s Little Fishermen Harold Nissel ’ s Concertina Band