Humorist Brian Unger visits the studio of a Los Angeles accordion teacher, and learns that this oft-maligned instrument has been the key to some surprising romantic success for the few who master it.

This is FRESH AIR. I'm Terry Gross. The music of Will Holshouser defies easy categorization. Streaming services have variously filed his albums as jazz, folk, even easy listening. There's more than a ...

Dick Contino is one of the few men in musical history who have ever squeezed big money out of an accordion. When he steps out into a spotlight and flashes a smile almost as wide and white as the ...

Accordionist Matthias Matzke has a deep passion for his instrument, and his inspiration goes beyond its sound. "You can really push yourself to the limit, and there's a correlation between muscle ...

Camaraderie and a shared love of the sometimes misunderstood instrument are what bond members of the Chicago Accordion Club. And they wouldn’t have it any other way. “Members of the Chicago Accordion ...

Holshouser turned to accordion when a college pal gave him one as a gift. Martin Johnson reviews his latest album, then Terry Gross hosts Holshouser in the studio for conversation and some music. This ...

The accordion is gaining worldwide popularity. Germany has declared it the instrument of the year for 2026. This versatile music maker is used across various genres, from tango to heavy metal.

JOHNSON: For many music fans, the accordion will bring to mind the music of the Celtic punk rockers The Pogues, and Holshouser touches on the Irish traditions on "Reel To Reel," a tune written in part ...