Charlie Dvorak was born on April 19th, 1932. His musical career started in the mid-1940s, when his father, Vaclav Dvorak, started him on the trumpet. He later studied trumpet under Fred Elias as most trumpet players did in those years.

Charlie played in his first band around 1949, called The Cardinals Orchestra, along with his father.

On January 3rd, 1953, he married his High School sweetheart, Lila Grossman.
After serving his time in the armed forces, he went back to playing. He also worked in the field of heating and air conditioning.

He spent a short time with Eddie Svoboda & the Red Raven Orchestra and, in 1955, joined the Eddie Janak Orchestra for 19 years. This was the start of a lot of things for Charlie.

He started arranging music for many bands in our area, mainly for Eddie’s band. Charlie also took up sax, clarinet, and the banjo. He was also a promoter of Polka music.

Bands that Charlie participated in:

• Oldtimers
• Red Raven
• Ernie Kuckera
• Golden Prague
• Bored of Directors
• Ron Nadherny
• Paulsen’s Dutchman
• Sparta Orchestra

Recordings that Charlie was a part of:

• Eddie Janak
• Oldtimers
• ZCBJ Teen Band
• Omaha Czech Brass Band
• Polonairs
• Tribute to Jerry Mazanec
• Tribute to Dr. Srb

Source: Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony