Passing of Chuck Berger

March 1st 2021
Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor Accordion USA News
Chuck Berger

Video: Chuck Berger performs his Midi accordion version of “Solitaire” All sounds are being played live. Chuck does not use pre-recorder or sequence music. The Drums are from Ketron XD-3. Instrument voices used Emu Ultra Proteus; Emu Classic Keys and Ketron XD-3 controlled by Chuck Berger from his MIDI accordion.

AWW is saddened to learn of the passing of accordionist Chuck Berger in February 2021. Chuck Berger was a professional performer for over 40 years with a repertoire of the big band sounds of the 40’s … through music of the 70’s and 80’s!

Through the early years of his career, polka music was his mainstay while working with the big name polka bands in the Midwest. With the advent of the MIDI accordion, he precisely emulated all styles of music, whether it be big band, country, vocal groups, or polkas and waltzes (Swiss, German, Italian, Polish, to name a few). His sound from stage was equivalent to a 14-piece orchestra, without the aid of computer generated backing tracks.

Each instrument heard, including the acoustic accordion, was actually being played by Chuck. Thus, he became the true “One Man, Big Band”, and was referred to by many as the “Master of the MIDI accordion”.

Chuck continuously performed for such events as the prestigious USBDA Association, KIOTAC, polka dances and festivals, exclusive country clubs, private dance clubs, anniversaries, dinner shows, conventions, and cruise ships. Because of his love for the accordion, he went out of his way to perform for accordion clubs throughout the U.S. A repertoire of over 2000 songs made him a true crowd pleaser.

His unique style and personality will be missed by all.