LaVerne Donald "Verne" Meisner (December 4, 1938 – June 10, 2005) was an American polka musician born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin.[1] He was inducted into five halls of fame, including the International Polka Association Hall of Fame as a "Living Legend" in 1989.[2] He is best known for the songs "Memories of Vienna" and "El Rio Drive."[3]
Meisner was known for playing Cleveland-style polka waltzes.[2] Radio personality George Mlay said, "No one can play a waltz like Meisner."[2] He released 30 singles and 20 LPs/CDs,[3] wrote over 60 songs, and sold approximately one million records in his career.[3] He toured the United States, Canada, Europe, and Hawaii, playing 200 to 250 dates per year for 40 years.[2][3]