# Lawrence Duchow

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**Lawrence Duchow** (May 9, 1914 – December 16, 1972) was an American [polka](/source/Polka) bandleader who recorded on the [RCA Victor](/source/RCA_Records) label from 1932 to 1954.[1][2]

## Career

Born in [Potter, Wisconsin](/source/Potter,_Wisconsin), Duchow was a member of the [International Polka Association](/source/International_Polka_Association) and [Polka Hall of Fame](/source/Polka_Hall_of_Fame). With his Red Raven Orchestra, named after the [Red Raven Polka](/source/Red_Raven_(polka)),[3] he competed in polka contests against the bands of [Frankie Yankovic](/source/Frankie_Yankovic), [Whoopee John](/source/Whoopee_John) Wilfahrt, [Romy Gosz](/source/Romy_Gosz), [Louis Bashell](/source/Louis_Bashell), and [Harold Loeffelmacher](/source/Harold_Loeffelmacher).

Duchow played many of his shows at Kleist's Hall in [Potter, Wisconsin](/source/Potter,_Wisconsin). At one time, he had a weekly radio show on [WGN](/source/WGN_(AM)) in [Chicago](/source/Chicago). In November 1947, he had a [*Billboard*](/source/Billboard_(magazine)) chart hit with "Swiss Boy", which reached number 23.[4]

He was involved in a bogus check scandal in 1953 and arrested in New York.[3][5][6] He then resettled in [California](/source/California),[3] but he returned to Wisconsin in 1969.[3]

## References

1. [Obituary](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45377780) "Mr. Duchow led the Red Raven Orchestra and recorded on the RCA Victor label from 1932 to 1954. He managed the Red Raven Inn at Hilbert, and later operated the Raveno Ballroom at Neenah and the Orahula Ballroom in Fremont."

1. Norm Cohen -Ethnic and Border Music: A Regional Exploration - 2007 -Page 165 "Bandleader Lawrence Duchow from Potter, Wisconsin, established the Red Raven Orchestra, a larger ensemble with a smoother sound, influenced by the Big Band dance bands. He toured widely and established a regular polka night."

1. ["Former Area Bandleader Lawrence Duchow Dies"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4436617/lawrence_duchow_19141972/). *The Post-Crescent*. December 20, 1972. p. 16. Retrieved February 26, 2016. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. Whitburn, Joel (1986). [*Joel Whitburn's Pop memories, 1890-1954 : the history of American popular music : compiled from America's popular music charts 1890-1954*](https://archive.org/details/joelwpopmemories00whit). Menomonee Falls, Wis. : Record Research. p. 142. ISBN 978-0-89820-083-6.

1. ["State Bandleader Held as 'Con Man'"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4436686/lawrence_duchow_19141972/). *The Daily Telegram*. May 5, 1953. p. 1. Retrieved February 26, 2016. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Duchow Arraignment Is Slated at Appleton"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4436715/lawrence_duchow_19141972/). *Oshkosh Daily Northwestern*. May 15, 1953. p. 3. Retrieved February 26, 2016. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

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