Joe Marmilich

Joe Marmilich was born on February 28, 1924. His parents were John Marmilich, a well known and gifted tamburaši, and Helen (Dellich) Marmilich. Their other son, William, passed away at a young age. Joe began his musical career in 1935 at age 11. At age 13, Joe was playing the bugarija in his father John's band. About 1940, John led The Happy Hearts, a family band which included Joe on bass and the three girls -- Millie, Katie, and Louise. The Happy Hearts played together for nearly 10 years. By now, Joe was writing music they used in their appearances. Also, in 1944, Joe married Caroline Scacchetti. Their marriage was blessed with a son, Joe Jr. The Marmilich girls also married and became know as Mildred Markulin, Katie Pezell, and Louise Repko. Joe joined George Skrbina's Balkan Serenaders in the late 1940s, playing second brać. Their many 78 RPM records and years of radio programs made The Balkan Serenaders known far and wide. In 1950, Joe joined Dave Zupkovich and his Balkan Recording Orchestra playing both the cello and second brać. Joe Matacic played lead brać, John Krilich played bass, and Dave sang lead and played the bugarija. During this time, Joe also formed The Slav Serenaders and in 1956 rejoined George Skrbina. In 1963, Joe formed the Marjon Recording Orchestra and recorded its first LP record featuring his rendition of the now famous "Mama Draga Mama". They also made two LPs of just kolo tunes and Joe became known as "The Kolo King". Joe passed on his love and knowledge of tambura to his son, Joe Marmilich, Jr., who began playing bugarija at the age of 14. For the next 26 years, father and son, along with numerous other tamburaši, performed throughout the tri-state area. Joe Marmilich, Sr., devoted over 60 years of his life to tambura music and also gave 37 years to the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. in its electric repair shop, retiring in 1997. Joe was an active member of the Infant of Prague Guild of Campbell's St. John's Church and the CFU Lodge 185, also of Campbell, Ohio. Joe was also a member of Struthers, Ohio, AARP chapter.