"Roy Kudrin's Legacy"

Roy's Love of Sharing Slavic Music

Roy Kudrin's musical legacy began on November 13, 1928. As a young boy his father, John Kudrin, introduced him and his sister Viola Kudrin Klosz to the tambura. Spending endless hours practicing, the John Kudrin Tamburitza Orchestra was born in the late 1930's. They performed at parties, picnics and on radio WADC in Akron by live remote from the Rallis Café in Cleveland.

Roy was the founder and director of The Lira Tamburitzans Orchestra (1959-1970's), an ensemble group of musicians, dancers and singers that performed elaborate multicultural concerts. He shared his passion for music with his Lira students. Many of whom went on to receive scholarships to Duquesne University and pursue musical careers of their own.

In 1965, they released their first album Lira Plays for You. One of his most memorable recordings to this day is Tambura Serenadu, a compilation of Croatian and Dalmatian music recorded in 1968.

Not only did Roy perform and teach music, he handcrafted many of the tamburas used in the performances. This amazing skill took him decades of training by his father John, a Tamburitzan Hall of Fame inductee. In the late 1990's, Roy, Viola Klosz, Pat Kershaw, Emily Fabanich, Becky Bruck, Steve Derifaj, Kathleen Rieth and Doreen Rieth serenaded fans as the group Tambura and also accompanied the Veseli Plesaci (Happy Dancers) Kolo group.

Roy also embraced other musical genres playing the alto sax while performing with the

US Army 4th Infantry Jazz band during his tour of duty in the Army, double bass with the Eddie Kos Trio, and was of one of the original members of the acclaimed Continental Strings. He recently was recognized by the Oberlin Historical Society, where he accompanied Professor Arthur Dan as Bassist on his Jazz Album, King Arthur and His Men.

As an accomplished architect, he worked at several prestigious architecture firms. He shared his professional knowledge and expertise, while overseeing renovations and additions to the American Croatian Club at both South Lorain and Oberlin Avenue locations.

Roy took his final bow on March 31, 2022. With his devoted wife Pauline by his side, they dedicated much of their lives to sustaining their Slavic Heritage. He was most proud to share his love of life and music with his son, niece, nephews, and countless young musicians throughout his musical career. His legacy will live on.