I am an accordionist, and I can’t believe I didn’t see this question earlier. I learned how to play when I was about 7. My father’s parents immigrated from Slovenia, so it was part of the family culture. About the same time, in the mid-fifties, Accordionist Dick Contino had a highly successful recording of “Lady of Spain”, which was covered by Lawrence Welk, featuring his accordionst, Myron Floren. The popularity of this song, especially by these artists, inspired many young boys and girls to want to play “Lady of Spain”, attempting (in many cases, poorly) to use many of the advanced techniques that made the Contino and Floren versions so popular. It got to the point that I couldn’t take my accordion out without someone shouting “Play Lady of Spain!”, kind of like the ”Free Bird” of the accordion.
What most folks don’t realize is the breadth of cultures that have used the accordion in their music. Of course, we all know about the polkas, such as those recorded by Frank Yankovic and Walter Ostanek, and if you live in the right neighborhood or region, you know about NorteƱo or conjunto styles. I think Flaco Jimemez is a good example of this. In addition, you have ”Cajun”, and it’s younger brother zyedeco. Then there’s the music from Texas, Brazil, Africa , or a whole list of styles and genres.
Needless to say, my embarrassment for playing the accordion has long been replaced with joy and celebration!
(edit for punctuation)