Louis Bashell (July 1, 1914 – December 17, 2008) was an American polka musician from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was known for playing the Slovenian-style polka. He was nicknamed "Milwaukee's polka king".[1]
Bashell formed his first trio in the 1930s.[2] He played accordion and he hired a drummer and saxophone player. Bashell formed a five-piece band in the late 1940s; their recording of the Slovenian folk song, "Zidana Marela," ("Silk Umbrella") was successful.[2] Bashell said "It sold out as fast as they could make the records. Then RCA Victor came along and hired us to make records for them, and we were on the RCA label for almost eight years." RCA wanted Bashell to promote the records on a lengthy national tour, but he refused. He wanted to be close to his wife and children.[2] He later did tours through the "polka belt" in northern United States from North and South Dakota through New Jersey.[2]
Bashell performed at his family's bar for 50 years, as well as house parties, weddings, anniversaries, ballrooms, halls, clubs, bars, and other community-based events in Milwaukee.[2] His albums sold around the United States and worldwide.[1]
Bashell stopped performing in the 2000s after his health began declining.[1] He died on December 17, 2008, from complications of pneumonia. He had been fighting Alzheimer's disease for two years at his death.[1] Bashell was interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee.[4]
