Pictures (coming soon)
Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5 has entertained in the Central Texas area for 43 years, playing a variety of music, including traditional and Top 40 country, Czech polkas and waltzes, and a little classic rock and roll. The band originally started as Otis Beck and the Melody 5 in the fall of 1966. Original members were Otis Beck, Walter (Pop) Arnold, Bill Barr, Bob Haisler, Alice Sulak, and Jerry Haisler. In 1969, the band was the back-up band for Bob Wills at the Bluebonnet Club at Troy, Texas. In 1971, the name changed to Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5. Four members of the group were together from 1967 – 2003: Bob Haisler, Alice Sulak, H. D. (Dewey) Wofford Jr., and Jerry Haisler. Bob Haisler, at age 92, was likely the oldest active musician in a Texas polka band (deceased 2004). He wrote “Dad’s Polka” which is featured on the band’s first album recorded in 1978. He played for many house dances and in the late 1930’s, he formed the Rhythm Kings that played live on the KTEM radio station (Temple, Texas 1950’s). The band was back up band for Ray Price at the Temple City Auditorium in about 1952. Current Melody 5 Band Members: [picture] Alice Sulak - Tenor Sax and Vocals Robert (Bobby) Haisler - Bass and Vocals Joe Morris - Drums and Vocals Robert (Bob) Broughton - Guitar and Lead Vocals Charles Mikeska - Accordion, Steel Guitar and Vocals. Jerry Haisler, Bandleader - Lead Guitar, Accordion, Tenor Sax, Fiddle, and Vocals. Alice Sulak is one of Texas’ few female Czech vocalists. She is well known for her sax playing and Czech and Country vocals. She and her sister, Adela, played together as the Music Masters for many years. Perhaps she is most known for her connection to Tom Sefcik’s Hall at Seaton, Texas, a Central Texas landmark, established by her family in 1923. Robert (Bobby) Haisler is the nephew of Jerry Haisler and the grandson of Bob Haisler. He originally started playing drums with the Melody 5 at about age 13 and is the current bass player. Joe Morris is the newest member of the Melody 5. He began playing drums about 25 years ago and is well known in the Central Texas area. He developed his style over the years with a variety of well-known groups in Central Texas. He loves “classic country” and good dance music and it shows in the way he “lays down the beat”. Robert (Bobert) Broughton, lead vocalist and guitarist, started playing music only a few years ago but has an extensive vocal repertoire of songs. His love for making music is evident in his delivery and enthusiasm. Charles Mikeska of Temple, grew up around Czech and Melody 5 music and spent much time with M5 member Alice Sulak -- he was a natural addition to the band. He greatly admired and intently watched band patriarch and accordionist, Bob Haisler. As a teenager, he formed Charles Mikeska and the Sensations, a very popular group of young aspiring polka and country musicians (including Mark Haisler on bass). Jerry Haisler, taught himself to play accordion after listening to “Czech” polka shows on the radio. As a youngster, he performed at Tom Sefcik’s Hall with his father, Bob Haisler and Alice Sulak. Through his teen years, music was his main interest and he expanded his talents to a number of instruments. The Melody 5 has enjoyed playing in many regular venues: Tom Sefcik Hall * Geneva Hall * West Fraternal Auditorium * SPJST Halls: Seaton Star, Flag, Elk, Linden (Elm Mott), Academy, Buckholts, Elgin and Holland * Temple KC * Cameron and Temple VFW Halls * Frenstat and many more across Central Texas. The dances, picnics, weddings, anniversaries, and club dances were always family oriented and centered on a “good time”. Through support of our Melody 5 families, loyal fans and friends a most enjoyable “part-time band life” was made possible. Previous Melody 5 musicians not mentioned above: Andy Diaz (drums), Gerald Mathis (vocals/guitar), Mark Higginbotham (vocals/guitar), Johnny Farrer (vocals/guitar), Albin Matus Jr. (Drums), James Mudd (vocals/guitar), Marvin Bragewitz (vocals/guitar), Wayne Talasek (drums), Jim Howell (vocals), Mark Haisler (bass, guitar, vocals), Tony Chudej (drums). Thanks to our families and many loyal fans that support us. We appreciate the opportunity to entertain you. |
