John “Stanky” Stankovic, a revered figure in the world of Polka music, passed away at the age of 89 on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. His family announced the news, marking the end of an era for a musician whose career spanned several decades and touched the lives of millions worldwide. Stankovic was best known as the lead singer of the band Stanky and the Coal Miners, which became a staple at local events in Northeast Pennsylvania and a prominent act on international cruise ship tours.
In a heartfelt tribute posted on the band’s website, his family reflected on Stankovic’s signature closing performance of “I don’t want to go home,” stating, “Today Stanky was called safely home.” The sentiment resonates with fans and friends who celebrated his vibrant spirit and dedication to music throughout his life.
Stankovic’s journey in music began early in his childhood, encouraged by his father, a coal miner, who urged him to learn the accordion instead of pursuing baseball. “If you learn 10 songs, you can make a living,” his father told him. Stankovic humorously replied, “I’ll learn 11 and see the world.” As it turned out, he did just that.
A Life of Music and Adventure
His remarkable career is captured in his autobiography, “Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie: The Story of Stanky and the Coal Miners.” Stankovic’s performances were legendary, including a whirlwind weekend where he played in England, at the Bloomsburg Fair in Pennsylvania, and then in Switzerland—all within 48 hours. One of his most notable performances took place in Tiananmen Square, where he entertained over one million people.
The band’s popularity extended beyond local venues, with Stankovic frequently performing as the headlining act on cruise ships. His daughter, Debbie Stankovic Horoschock, who played trumpet in the band, recalls their global journeys. “We saw the entire world playing Polka music from Nanticoke, Pennsylvania,” she stated, highlighting the unique blend of local roots and international appeal that characterized their style.
Stankovic’s contributions to music were recognized widely; he was inducted into the International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame in August 2019, a testament to his influence in the Polka genre.
A Legacy Built on Love and Community
Throughout his career, Stankovic was supported by his wife, Dottie Stankovic, who was a significant presence on stage and a long-serving elected official in Luzerne County. Together, they co-hosted the “Pennsylvania Polka” show on WVIA public television, which showcased the joy of Polka music and its community.
Originally, Stankovic’s band was known as the “Tip Toppers” before he renamed it to honor the local coal mining heritage. The band members were often coal miners themselves, who he would pick up directly from work to perform. “We used to pick them up and their faces were black,” he reminisced during a 2019 interview. “They would wash their faces off in the restroom and then come out to play.”
Stankovic’s love for the art form and the community it represented never waned. As his daughter put it, “He loved entertaining people. He loved being around people. He had a great love for life.” This passion for Polka music and the connections it fostered will continue to resonate through the many lives he touched.
John “Stanky” Stankovic leaves behind a rich legacy of music, love, and community spirit, ensuring that his contributions to the Polka genre will be remembered for generations to come.
