| Johnny Prill | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 10, 1955 Bad Axe, Michigan |
| Occupation | singer-songwriter |
Johnny Prill (born November 10, 1955, in Bad Axe, Michigan) is a singer-songwriter, accordionist, record producer, publisher, and the author of “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa,” the official song of the U.S. National Grandparents Day holiday.[1]
Contents |
Prill was born in Bad Axe, Michigan, and by the age of 8, had began taking accordion lessons. By the age of 12, he began to play and sing polka music songs. By age 14, he became part of the family band “The Prill Brothers” and performed at local dance halls. At age 17, he started his own orchestra.
In 1978, Prill recorded his first studio album, which included six original songs at Sound recording studio in New Haven, Michigan. Sound, Inc. President Larry Lick stated, “John, however, is more than a singer and musician - he is creative.”[2] Prill didn't find commercial success until his release of “Cover of the Polka News” and "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa" in 1982.
Prill began his volunteer work at age 12 performing with his accordion at local nursing homes. In 2008, he received an award from Courtney Manor Nursing Home for entertaining their residents over the past 22 years.[3]
In 2008, Prill hosted his first free outdoor concert to celebrate Grandparents Day, which is celebrated annually on the U.S. National Grandparents Day holiday. [4] American actress, comedian, and author, Betty White wished Prill good luck stating, "Johnny, Have a wonderful concert - be sure and sing A Song for Grandma and Grandpa."[5] Also, American actress and comedian Phyllis Diller thanked Prill for honoring grandparents with music.[6]
In 2010, American folk singer Pete Seeger congratulated Prill on volunteering his musical talents, once a month, for 24 years.[7]
Also, in 2010, American country music singer Barbara Mandrell congratulated Prill on his volunteer work stating “Your service through songs and volunteering is so remarkable!” [8]
In 2011, Prill received "Volunteer Of The Year Award" from the Health Care Association of Michigan. The award was given in recognition of Prill's 25 years of volunteering musical entertainment monthly for the residents of Courtney Manor Nursing Home.[9]
In 1983, America's Polka King Frankie Yankovic presented Prill with an autographed copy of his 1977 autobiography "The Polka King: The Life Of Frankie Yankovic." Prill wrote a song based on the book titled “A Tribute To Frankie Yankovic - America's Polka King” and honored Yankovic with his song at September's Club in Warren, Michigan.[10]
In 1987, Prill recorded two original songs on a 45 RPM. Side A featured “Polka Radio” and side B “A Birthday Wish.” That same year, American pop music singer Bobby Vinton released a 45 RPM containing the same two songs. In 1991, Vinton included “Polka Radio” on his "Greatest Polka Hits Of All Time" CD. Vinton also recorded Prill's “Proud To Be An American” in 1988 and included it on his self-titled Bobby Vinton (1988 album). Vinton credits Prill as being “one of the most creative song writers of our time.”[11]
In 1991, Prill wrote “America, This Song's For You.” The song featured vocals by top polka artists including America's Polka King Frankie Yankovic, Li'l Wally, Eddie Blazonczyk, Jimmy Sturr and Bobby Vinton. All proceeds from the album was used to promote polka music in America. Executive producer Carl Rohwetter complimented Prill on his songwriting stating, “one of the greatest song writers the world will ever know.”[12]
In 2004, Prill received the National Songwriter's Award from the National Grandparents Day Council in honor of his excellent composition “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.”[13] The song was chosen because "Grandparents Day gives grandchildren across the nation the opportunity to show love and appreciation for their grandparents. Johnny Prill's A Song for Grandma and Grandpa is exemplary of such appreciation."[14] "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa" is the official song of the U.S. National Grandparents Day holiday.[15]
Also, in 2004, Prill's “Las Vegas” polka received a 5-star review in the Las Vegas Weekly. Martin Stein stated, “Truly the best polka song about our town ever recorded.”[16]
In 2005, Prill's “The Polka Beat” CD was featured in the Detroit Free Press as their Detroit Disc of the week.[17]
In 2006, Prill presented American singer and entertainer Wayne Newton with “The King of Las Vegas” song at the Flamingo Las Vegas Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prill's song was written and based on the book “Once Before I Go” the 1989 autobiography on Newton's life. [18]
In 2008, Prill received an award from Courtney Manor Nursing Home for entertaining their residents over the past 22 years.[19]
In 2010, Prill received an autographed photo from former President Jimmy Carter stating, “Best wishes to Johnny.” [20]
In 2011, Prill's “Polish Prince” song was recorded by Grammy Award winner Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. Prill's song, based on the 1978 autobiography “The Polish Prince – Bobby Vinton,” was included on Sturr's “Not Just Another Polka” CD.[21]
In 2011, the Health Care Association of Michigan presented Prill with their “Volunteer Of The Year Award.” The award was given in recognition of Prill's 25 years of volunteering musical entertainment monthly for the residents of Courtney Manor Nursing Home.[22]
Prill and his wife Patricia currently reside in Bad Axe, Michigan. They have four children: Misty, Sarah, Jennifer and John II.