Jimmy Sturr

Artist / Songwriter
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Artist Info

Jimmy Sturr is widely regarded as the most popular modern-day polka musician in the world. His impressive career spans several decades, having recorded more than 100 albums since the 1960s. Sturr first began his recording journey with Vanguard Records, later transitioning to Rounder in the early ’90s. His remarkable talent has earned him 18 Grammy Awards, setting a record for the most consecutive Grammys in any category, solidifying his place as a groundbreaking figure in the music world.

Sturr’s distinctive style of polka is a fusion of various musical genres, including pop, rock, big band swing, country, Tex-Mex, and Cajun, which played a significant role in bringing polka to the mainstream. Throughout his career, Sturr has collaborated with an impressive roster of musical legends, including Willie Nelson, Flaco Jimenez, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bela Fleck, Boots Randolph, and Charlie Daniels. These collaborations helped blend traditional polka with other popular music styles, attracting a broader audience.

His live shows are legendary, drawing tens of thousands of fans across the United States and around the globe. Sturr has sold out prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall seven times and Lincoln Center four times, further cementing his place in the cultural landscape.

In addition to his success as a performer, Jimmy Sturr is also a prolific songwriter. He has written more than 250 songs, many of which have become polka standards. His songwriting prowess is reflected in his longstanding partnership with veteran classical music publisher Lauren Keiser, who holds an ownership interest in Sturr’s catalog. Sturr’s unparalleled contribution to polka music has made him a living legend in the genre, with his influence continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.

Licensing with Spirit: License Jimmy’s music HERE.