In 2022 Seattle’s Petosa Accordions factory released “An American Accordion Story”, celebrating their family business’ first hundred years in operation. I read the book cover to cover and I can assure you it is very informative and entertaining and you will learn so much about the history of the accordion in the USA! It will be a much appreciated gift for any accordion or music lover.

Video: Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Petosa Accordions with the publishing of a new book featuring the colorful history of the accordion in the United States. A limited edition, high quality printing, this coffee table book is a must-have for any accordion enthusiast.

Now Available: “An American Accordion Story” A Four-Generation Family Legacy Honoring the Accordion, the Musicians, and their Unique Places in American Culture by Joseph Petosa Jr., Petosa Accordions, 1922-2022, Published by American Accordion Press
Limited First Edition, signed & numbered
Coffee Table format, 128 pages, hardbound, 380+ photos
Special Holiday Price: $25.00


https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/for-100-years-lynnwoods-petosa-accordions-has-squeezed-out-the-competition-and-critics-with-its-custom-instruments/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=owned_echobox_f&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2gu3qkIR-7oVUBgfFGfRioKO4Px0uAWKI2aklUuuXX2J9hGSd3JGPdsjk#Echobox=1653064212

Here is an interview with Joe Petosa, Jr. President of Petosa Accordions Inc., on the Anniversary book:

“Growing up in an artisan family business in Seattle, I listened with curiosity and wonder to stories told around the dinner table about the golden age of the accordion. I began playing the accordion in 1967 at age seven and continued a professional career for fifteen years. During that time, I befriended and came to respect many of America’s accordion icons – the men and women who devoted their lives to a somewhat misunderstood musical instrument. 

“An American Accordion Story” chronicles the history of the accordion in the Unites States. It honors the pioneers and legendary artists who transformed the accordion from an instrument associated with the folklore of European immigrants into an increasingly popular formal instrument found in concert halls, jazz clubs, and on all levels of society. Yet, the heart of this book is about my family and the Petosa legacy – it’s one-hundred years of experience, knowledge, and values. We are honored to share this story with loyal costumers, friends, and family, including our current fifth generation and generations to come.

My grandfather, Carlo Petosa, who passed away a year before I was born, brought a humble accordion with him when he immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1906 and founded Petosa Accordions in 1922. He helped introduce what would become for a time, the nation’s most popular instrument. 

What I am, I owe to my loving father. He taught me to be honest, to have compassion for others, and to love one’s family and friends. He shared with me, as I worked by his side, everything he knew about the accordion. 

My wish is that readers will take away an understanding of the evolutionary cycle of this instrument and, perhaps, will witness a second Golden Age of the Accordion.” 


Q: What inspired you to write a book?
A: Intrigued by a close friend’s own custom hardcover photo album & while preparing for our 100th anniversary, it became apparent that this may be the best medium to share the story of our company and its place in world music throughout the last century. Originally, the intentions were to create something special to share with family and close friends as a small passion project; after establishing the basis of the book, it was apparent that there was a wider thirst for a niche, generational perspective. Upon meeting with a publisher, I was encouraged that our unique insight into the distinct industry of accordion making was one of significance and potentially interesting to a wider demographic. All things considered, the concept evolved beyond its original intentions into a project that reflects our company’s constant aim; to create something that endures generations, however painstaking the process is to conceive it. I wanted to leave something behind for our families future generations that they could be proud of…. the satisfaction of enduring a legacy.


Q: There are over 380 photos inside the book spanning the last 100 years of accordion history, was there a particular photo that stands out as your favorite?
A: We sent nearly 1000 photos to our publisher and graphic designer. My idea was to make this of interest to accordionists but also attractive to music lovers and the general public. We asked the design team to choose photos that non-accordionist would find most attractive and informative to the general public and their interests. There are so many photos that in themselves tell a story, but I think for me the front and back cover tell the story of how contemporary and fun the accordion is.

Q: What was it like sifting through so much history?
A: I was so fortunate that my father retained all these photos. During my fathers retirement he found it therapeutic to arrange thousands of photos, newspaper clippings, artists information etc in 3″ binder albums. My guess is I spent 100+ hours going through these binders scanning and editing the photos to archive. Although a lot of work, I also found it therapeutic in a way. I have a lot of great memories of meeting most of these artists.

Q: If you could describe the 4 generations of Petosa’s, including yourself, using only one word what would it be?

A: Carlo Petosa:Pioneer

Joe Petosa Senior: Nobleman

Yourself: Scrupulous

Joey Jr.: Visionary

Q: What do Anthony Galla-Rini, Dick Contino, Art Van Damme, Peitro Diero, Clifton Chenier all have in common?
A: These iconic artists gifted virtuosity to the world and not only popularized and improved their music genre in the process, but inevitably revolutionized many aspects using their preferred tool: accordion.

Q: After the accordions “fall from grace” in the 70’s, how was Petosa Accordions able to survive the steep decline in the accordion market? 
A: My father always kept our company financially healthy, having no debt to service. In the early 70’s we diversified our offerings and added sales and service of other musical instruments such as PA’s, guitars, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer keyboards etc. My father continued the strive for perfection in our accordions, knowing no matter the industry or state of the economy, there will always be demand for the highest quality.



Q: What do you love most about the accordion?
A: I truly believe the accordion is, unequivocally, the most versatile musical instrument in the world. It wasn’t just a coincidence that it was one of the most popular instruments for a half century, and now an entirely new generation is discovering this all over again.

Q: What do you see for the future of the instrument? Innovations in designs? Is there a changing market? Change in demand?
A: As my father predicted 40 years ago, there has been a resurgence in popularity of the accordion over the past decade +. Instrument trends follow music, and music taste is constantly evolving. We find ourselves continually evolving the aesthetics of our instruments and most importantly, we are invariably improving on quality and construction as the science of our craft advances. The one aspect of our business that my father could not possibly have predicted has been the most pleasant surprise of this century; the ability to offer our products to the entire world via the internet. This has allowed us to remain North America’s premier accordion company in addition to reaching many countries with unique music cultures and therefore, contributing to our production of an eclectic range of varying types of accordions and features.

For further information: petosa@petosa.com