Bandleader of The Imperials of Toledo, Drummer, Vocalist, Emcee, Polka Promoter, founder of The International Music Association

Bob was born on Aug 21, 1930 to a Polish mother and English father. Bob grew up in a Polish neighborhood in Toledo ,Ohio. In 1951 Bob married wife, Mary and had 3 children, Jim, Bob Jr and Mary. Bob founded Earl Bros. Transmission and Auto Repair Centers and quickly trained his sons to take over the business so he could spend more time with his real life’s passion, traveling with his polka band.

His love of polka music started at an early age. A family band consisting of cousins Al Perzynski on trumpet, Jerry Pacer on accordion and Bob on drums soon played for local polish weddings, dances and parties. Their group, the Polka-Berek’s grew in popularity. In the 1960’s the band expanded their sound to consist of 2 trumpets, sax and clarinet, accordion, bass guitar, drums and a dedicated polish vocalist. The band became known as “The Imperials of Toledo”.  In the early 1970’s  Bob took the band into the studio for their first recording session. The album “Let’s Go To A Polish Wedding Reception”  with the Imperials of Toledo was an instant hit. Soon the band traveled  the country sharing the stage with polka greats like Eddie B, Happy Louie, Marion Lush, Frankie Yankovic, Jimmy Sturr, Lil Wally, Dick Pillar, Lenny Gomulka and The New Brass to name a few. The Imperial sound took off with offers to play all over the country.  In 1976 east coast friend and polka promoter Adam Rogodzinski formed the Imperials of Toledo Fan Club with a large member base from Massachusetts through Maryland.

As a musician Bob played drums from 1947-1996. He had the opportunity to gig with Frankie Yankovic during the late 1960’s. As a student of Yankovic, Bob learned how to properly introduce his band to the polka promoters for future engagements for the Imperials. Bob often mentioned how fortunate he was to have had the opportunity to travel with Yankovic and learn from the master himself. Frank was instrumental in the Imperials performing on the Polka Varieties TV show in Cleveland and he suggested recording an album was the best way to get the band greater exposure. The Imperials had many recordings throughout the years such as “The Imperials Go To A Polish Wedding Reception”, “How About That Polka Sound”, Fiddlin With The Brass”, “Just For Fun”, “Play Your Favorites” “Just For You” “The Imperials Go International” and their popular “Polka Mass” album just to name a few. Bob also had 2 recordings under the name “Bob Earl and The All Stars”, a side band he formed to keep playing when the Imperials wanted time off for family activities. The All Stars played a diverse European style of polka music, as to not be mistaken as the Imperials.

As a promoter Bob hired not only local talent but many of the county’s most popular polka bands as they traveled through the Toledo area for dances held at the DC Ranch Ballroom in Perrysburg Ohio. In 1977 Bob hosted “Toledo Polka Days” at the Lucas County Rec Center for a couple years, featuring most local bands along with a few out of town groups. In the years 1985-1988 Bob purchased the La Park Nite Club, a popular Toledo hot spot that featured polka bands Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1970’s through the 1990’s. The owner wanted to retire and Bob wanted to see the place continue offering weekly polka entertainment.

In 1982 with the help of friend Irv Gonya, Bob co-founded a non-profit organization to promote all styles of polka music. The International Music Association was formed. Membership of Toledo area polka fans grew to over 500. Donations to the American Cancer Society were made yearly with  excess profits. The club hosted dances at various locations though the years such as the D C Ranch Ballroom, La Park Nite Club, American Legion  and PRCUA Halls. Bob hired Polish, German, Czech and Slovenian bands to perform. The I.M.A. disbanded in 2017, 3 years after bob’s death. The club hosted a free final dance for it’s membership and donated the remaining funds to Hospice of NW Ohio.

Through the years 1975-1996 Bob also hosted many bus trips, inviting polka lovers to follow the Imperials to some of the greatest polka events around. Trips to Hawaii, Germany, Austria and Caribbean Polka Cruises were also offered. The Imperials also hosted a yearly Thanksgiving Dinner Dance that featured the Imperials and a prominent out of town band.

Whenever Bob was not performing with the band, he could also be found attending other polka events. He truly loved polka music and believed that the only way for it to continue was to either promote a dance yourself or to  support any other function by attending whenever possible.  Bob has also inspired his family members to enjoy this wonderful music. Over the years sons Jim and Bob Jr. have played in various bands, most notably over 30 years as founding members of the group “A Touch of Brass”. Grandson Daniel Earl co-hosted the Golabki Polka Show for a few years on Polish New Castle Radio with cousin Ben Lynn and Brian Earl is presently playing drums with John Gora and Gorale. Granddaughter Holly Lashway has aquired Grandpa Earl’s love for polka music, today you’ll find her at most polka events. The polka field lost Bob Earl Sr. on December 4, 2014 . Bob has done so much for polka music through his lifetime of events but his passion for polka music will continue on through all those he has inspired.