Bruce Kryger

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania US bass player and vocalist. Bruce Kryger has been playing with his own band since 1954. In 1962 he joined with his brother Lucian and formed what became known as the Kryger Brothers Band. Bruce played the cordovox accordion and composed many of the arrangements for the band. The band had several hit recordings including “The Bridal Dance,” “The Boys from Wilkes-Barre” and “Mary on a Bike.” Bruce was a partner with his brother in the Kryger Music Company for many years. They carried on the polka band that was handed down to them from their late father, Brunon Kryger, Sr. Bruce and the band were nominated for a Grammy Award presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 1987. The band also has the longest running sales of polka album – “Polish Wedding Memories” — recorded in 1962. In 1956 Bruce married Joan Park in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. They had two children, Brunon III and Susan Ann, and have one grandson, Adam. Bruce passed away on January 13, 1989 at the age of 55. The Kryger family holds a special distinction. In 1977 Brunon Kryger, Sr. was inducted into the deceased category. In 1989 Lucian Kryger was inducted, and this year Brunon Kryger will be inducted. This is the first time three members of one family will be a part of the Polka Music Hall of Fame.