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Djoko Dokich

Folk

The life story of the late Djoko Dokich reveals the great part that perserverance and determination played in altering his life, thereby enabling him to pursue his chosen field in music and marking him as one of the all-time greats in the annals of tamburitza culture. Born in Selo Tuk, in the province of Srem, Yugoslavia, Djoko's father wanted his son to follow in his footsteps as a farmer, but fate plays mysterious tricks. After a gallant try, Djoko left the farm and soon was wending his way to America. In 1909, Djoko was entertaining with the greats in the world of tambura in the United States, playing in the original Jorgovan Orchestra and enjoying it with musicians such as Baich, Deda Petrovich, Elijah Miskovich, Pete Perez, Skornjak, Jim Kovacevic and the great violinist Zerbes (a fact which probably inspired him to have his son Melvin study and become one of tamburitza's great violinists). Djoko toured with his orchestra all over the country and was on many of the vaudeville circuits. In the late twenties, Djoko Dokich's arrangements started to make an impact. Arranging for large tambura groups, it was he who made it possible for tamburasi to play selections like Mozart's "Magic Flute", the Poet and Peasant Overture, Enesco's entire "Romanian Rhapsody" by Franz Liszt and many others equally as great. A pioneer in the early recordings, Djoko Dokich recorded some 100 records and for those who are fortunate to have one or two, they are collector's items. His original recording of "Kukavica" showed his talent for arranging. With a clever arrangement, he turned an average song into a winner. Always a gentlemen respected by his peers, Djoko excelled on first Brac, but was proficient on all the instruments that make up a full compliment of a tamburitza orchestra. He also had a fine, strong tenor voice with a fantastic range. In the early 1930s, the Dokichs were living in the Pittsburgh area. Here Djoko taught music and continued his playing. By now a certain youngster was being groomed and in a few short years was to become heir apparent. Young Melvin (Milovan) Dokich and father became a familiar sight and sound for years to come until World War II ended an era. During an emergency furlough from the service of his country, a strange quirk of fate befell young Dokich. Visiting his critically ill mother, he substituted a playing engagement for his father so that the elder Dokich could attend to his wife. Midway through the performance Mel received a phone call informing him of a death in the family. Knowing the severity of his mother's illness, he assumed his mother had passed away only to hear the voice on the line repeat "Your father has died". December 1944, Djoko Dokich was laid to rest in Cleveland, Ohio, thus bringing to a close the colorful career of a great musician, who overcame many obstacles to follow his heart's desire. Spiritually, Djoko Dokich is still with us. He lives through his great arrangements and the inspirational musicianship of his son, Melvin Dokich.

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