Vinka Ellesin Inducted - Cleveland 1975
	Vinka Ellesin has been lovingly referred to for years as the 'Queen of Sevdalinka' -- an honor she has richly deserved and carried with dignity and pride.
	At the age of 12 she wanted to sing in the church choir but Father Petrovich discouraged her in preference to her older sister.  Vinka came home crying her heart out which prompted Vinka's mother to go talk to Father Petrovich.  Father stated Vinka had a brilliant future as a singer but he did not have a spot for her in the choir.
	Vinka's mother and father were both opposed to Vinka singing the songs of the Old World as a public entertainer.  But Vinka's hometown of Akron had a gathering corner "Rogalj" where all the Slav immigrants and first generation children gathered every evening to sing, dance, and enjoy themselves -- and listen to Vinka.
	Vinka attracted the watchful eye of the famous singing director Vlajko Lugonja.  After that it was up and up in a brilliant singing career for Vinka.  She accepted her first professional performance at age 15 on radio station WADC of Akron on a coast to coast hookup as vocalist with the outstanding orchestra "Lira" under the directorship of John Hallick.
	Vinka later came to Cleveland where she appeared at the elegant Black Whale Restaurant.  On one of her appearances at the Black Whale, she was 'discovered' by Professor Harrick, who was so overwhelmed with Vinka's voice he practically carried Vinka to radio station WTAM where he introduced her to one of the top band leaders in the country, Sammy Kaye.  This was in 1938.
	Sammy Kaye asked Vinka if she could sing any popular American songs.  Vinka answered that she could sing the Star Spangled Banner.  Of course, Sammy Kaye was impressed with Vinka's patriotic character but asked her to sing his theme song "Three Little Words".  Vinka started to sing but her voice would not respond.  Sammy consoled Vinka and said there was nothing to be afraid of and had her try again.  Vinka did but with no better results.  Auditioning at age 16 or 17 for a personality such as Sammy Kaye was asking quite a bit of this young lady.  Sammy Kaye then asked his stage manager to arrange for Vinka to record "Why Do I Love You" and "My Man".  Arrangements were made with the recording studio but Vinka decided not to show up for the recording session.  She saw another path to success.
	It was said of the great Sophie Tucker that she entertained into the third generation.  Take your hats off to Vinka who is into her fourth generation of fanatic admirers and still mesmerizes the audience with her unbelievably vibrant voice.  Vinka has two other assets which are as outstanding as her voice -- her extremely attractive physical features and her humble, down-to-earth attitude.  Vinka attributes her exceptional voice to a God-given gift to be used to make life more enjoyable for the thousands of admirers who have over the years traveled long distances to be treated to a few hours of singing by one of the great voices of our time.
	Tamburasi from every corner of the country recognize and are indebted to Vinka for her elevation of tambura music.  Vinka was booked every week for more than 35 years in addition to making 36 recordings with the top orchestras in the country.
	Vinka's contribution to the perpetuation of tambura music is immeasurable and she will live in our hearts forever!
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