Big-band leader Richard 'Dick' Macko, who brought music to the masses, dies at age 84

Richard "Dick" Macko kept generations of Minnesotans swinging with big-band performances that filled ballrooms, dance halls and festivals across the Twin Cities.

Macko, an accordion player who was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, spent seven decades playing venues from the Medina Ballroom to the Minnesota State Fair with the Dick Macko Band, which he founded and led.

"He would get such joy out of people coming and dancing to the music he performed. That was his true love," said his son Mark Macko.

Macko, of Nisswa, died of cancer on May 2 at Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. He was 84.

Macko was born July 13, 1936,in Minneapolis to George and Rose Macko, a machinist and a homemaker. His mother first urged him to take up the accordion, shuttling him to lessons in Hopkins and rewarding him with ice cream for good performances. He also learned to play piano and eventually sang vocals for his band.

"He was fluent in quite a few instruments, but the accordion made him famous," Mark Macko said. "My dad was amazing. You could turn on the radio and no matter what station you hit, he could play the tune."

Macko graduated from Anoka High School and was an active reservist in the U.S. Navy from 1956-58.

Macko reconnected with childhood playmate and neighbor Joanne Roman in high school. Macko, who had pulled Joanne and her sister around in a red wagon as a youngster, took her to prom and sparks flew. The pair married in 1958, settled in the western suburbs and had three children.

His wife's love of music and dancing inspired his musical career.

"He and my mom were incredible ballroom dancers," Mark Macko said.

Macko supported his family by holding down multiple jobs — often all at once. He performed with his band across the Twin Cities, taught accordion lessons and tuned pianos. At one point, he co-owned and helped manage the Front Page, a club and music venue in Minneapolis. For a time, he also owned and operated a ski and sporting goods shop in Rockford, Minn. He worked until the end of his life, his son said.

Macko was Catholic and was a deeply religious man, his son said. He was also devoted to his family. Mark Macko said his father reveled in family vacations and enjoyed bringing his family along for band performances at some of Minnesota's most iconic dance halls, including the Bel Rae Ballroom in Mounds View and the Medina Ballroom.

"We all grew up helping him set up band equipment, listening to the band and being at the dances," Mark Macko said.

Some of Dick Macko's favorite songs to perform were "Could I Have This Dance" and "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue."

His band performed at everything from marquee events, including the Minneapolis Aquatennial, to polka masses at local churches and senior dances.

Macko idolized North Dakota-born band leader Lawrence Welk and Welk's accordionist Myron Floren, and Macko got the opportunity to play with Floren, his son said.

Macko was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

He is survived by wife Joanne; sons Thomas and Mark, both of Nisswa; and three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Ginny.

A private interment will be held.

Shannon Prather • 612-673-4804