Video: Corky Bennett & CeCe Gable at the Great American Squeze Off April 2011 at the Silver Legacy
Did you know that accordionist Corky Benett is also a singer, and a stand-up comic? Retiring at the age of 74? No way! When not touring with his national concert act, Corky can be seen in local Reno clubs. At the Polo Lounge first and third Wednesday of every month, the Reno Senior Center with the 9th Street Band every Friday, and and the Bavarian World most Saturdays.
From his website: “Northern Nevada legend, Corky Bennett, started performing in Seattle at the age of 12 on accordion with the “Buckaroos,”a local country/rock band, winning amateur contests by the dozens. He left in 1960 to pursue a musical career that has taken him to the great venues of the United States, Canada, and the Orient.
He has appeared on many network television shows and has served as musical director for many”name acts,” including superstar accordionist, Dick Contino.
Corky possesses a unique sense of humor that makes him a delight on stage. His comedy skills were honed as the comedic half of a musical/comedy team “Raymond & Bennett,” and later on with his own Las Vegas style act. His bizarre, over the top humor leaves crowds roaring. He is totally unpredictable and will do whatever it takes to make his audiences have a good time.”
I had a wonderful conversation with Corky recently. He began his accordion lessons with Roy Smith. Corky grew up in Seattle, Washington and passed the Petosa Company on his way to middle school every day. He had his eye on a Petosa accordion that was very expensive. His mother bought it for him but said that he needed to contribute toward it by getting a job. Corky, age 14 at the time, asked Joe Petosa, Sr. if he could work for him and this was the beginning of a wonderful relationship.
Corky learned about the accordion and worked at the Petosa Company for several years through high school. While there, he met Charles Magnante, Galla-Rini, and Dick Contino. When he was 18, Karl Karlson, from Fairbanks, Alaska stopped at the showroom, met Corky, and offered him a teaching job in Fairbanks. Corky, at the age of 18, took the job and had 75 students there!
A few years later, Corky established a relationship with Dick Contino which has continued until today. Corky became his writer and arranger. Dick enjoyed long walks and would record his thoughts on tape. Corky has transcribed the many hours of Dick’s thoughts and experiences into a book, “The Beauty of Imperfection” which is available on Amazon. Corky also just completed writing a music theory book, “What Your Music Teacher Should Have Taught You, Volume 1”, available on Amazon.
It was delightful to “meet” Corky, a very fortunate person. Why? Because he has been involved with the accordion, music, and humor his entire life! What could be better than that?
For further information:
corky@corkybennett.com
Office: 775.870.1509 Cell: 775.287.2050
