Red Raven (polka) explained

Red Raven is a polka standard.^{[1] [2]} It has been recorded by Jimmy Sturr, also Whoopee John Wilfahrt and many other artists. Musical arrangements include "Red Raven" by Carl E. Olson, "Red Raven Rag" by Charley Straight, and "Red Raven Polka" by Frankie Yankovic. The music and associated lyrics (I Love to Polka) are subject to copyright.

The polka's name was taken by International Polka Association bandleader and Polka Hall of Famer Lawrence Duchow for his Red Raven Orchestra, which also recorded a "Red Raven Waltz".

Actually, this song was composed by Clayton Hofensperger, a member of the original Red Ravens Orchestra. The name "Red Raven" comes from the Red Raven Inn near Chilton, WI, the venue which the Red Ravens Orchestra called home. Hofensperger wrote many original polkas and waltzes for the Red Ravens Orchestra.

Notes and References

1. Jim DuFresne Michigan Off the Beaten Path®, 10th: A Guide to Unique Places 2009 "The bandleader performed for years throughout the country and even the world but always managed to return to his hometown for polka festivals, playing such favorites as “In Heaven There is No Beer” and “Red Raven Polka.” "
2. George Melnyk, Tamara Palmer Seiler The Wild Rose Anthology of Alberta Prose 2003 p166 "The grain and cattle prices were always preceded by a song called “The Red Raven Polka,” what Daddy called a shake-a-leg dance number, "