The Petosa Accordion Company based in Washington state celebrates 100 years in business with the recent publication of their new book, “Petosa Accordions, 1922-2022, An American Accordion Story.” This beautiful book celebrates the remarkable legacy of four generations of the Carlo Petosa family of Seattle, highly skilled Italian-American artisans who have been hand-making and importing accordions for one-hundred years.

The family’s fulfillment of the American Dream is a footnote in the history of the contemporary accordion, whose development began in Europe in the 1800s. The “squeezebox” came to America with European immigrants, found a place on the Vaudeville stage, and enjoyed a wave of growing popularity in the first half of the twentieth century – until the arrival of rock ‘n’ roll caused the accordion’s “fall from grace.” The instrument was down but not out, however, and has made a steady comeback. Through it all, Petosa Accordions has survived and innovated while adjusting to cultural shifts and doubling down on its commitment to make and import accordions of superb quality.

Joe Petosa, Jr. is the third generation owner of one of the few surviving accordion companies in the USA. They are proud to have provided accordions for many well known musicians over the years including Clifton Chenier known as the “King of Zydeco.” Carlo Petosa, originally from Italy, was the founder of the Petosa Company. He began making the accordion in his basement in 1922. He learned how to make accordions by being an apprentice at the Guerrini Accordion Company in San Francisco.

In the early 1900’s the accordion was gaining popularity aided by the flamboyant Guido Deiro who married the actress, Mae West. In the late 1940s, an “American Idol”-like contest that drew over 10,000 hopeful musicians was won by Dick Continuo known as “The Valentino of the Accordion” because of his style and flashy playing of his Petosa accordion. Today, Joe’s two year old son, Jack Petosa, represents the fifth generation of the Petosa family involved in the accordion business. The Petosa accordions were built in Seattle, Washington until 1945 by Carlo and his son, Joseph, Joe Jr.’s father.

Demand increased and it was difficult to find well trained and skilled craftsman so the family partnered with a factory in Castelfidardo, Italy. About 25 expert Italian craftsmen built the instruments to Petosa’s design and specifications — an arrangement that continues to this day. All the customization is done in Lynnwood, Washington. Petosa’s best-known customer today might be former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselić, who played accordion in the grunge band’s “MTV Unplugged” session and features it in his own group, Giants in the Trees.

“An American Accordion Story”
Published by American Accordion Press
Limited First Edition, signed & numbered, $35
Coffee Table format, 128 pages, hardbound, 380+ photos
Available in June 2022

How to reserve a copy. Preorder online now from Petosa Accordions Inc.at www.petosa.com