Erwin Suess
Hall of Fame – 2003
Erwin Suess (1927-2012) of North Mankato, Minnesota was a musician and concertina promoter extraordinaire. Erv played his concertina for over 50 years and was a band leader for 30 years. In 1947, Erv joined the Six Sellner Brothers Band and in 1969 started his own band, Erwin Suess and the Hoolerie Dutchman.
Erv recorded numerous albums, 45s, cassette tapes, and five CDs. He could often be found playing his concertina and selling his recordings at flea markets. For seven years, Erv sponsored musical tours to Europe, Hawaii, the west coast, and the Caribbean. In 1986, Erwin was awarded the Minnesota Polka Band of the Year and he was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2003.