A Tribute to Leo Greco - Camp Courageous

Remembering Leo Greco
The Greco Family:
2
November 1, 1921 - August 2, 2011
Leo and Louise Greco were married for
over 60 years. Leo was never quite the
same after Louise’s death in 2008. They
were both very much in love, and even in
Leo’s final days, under the care of hospice,
he would kiss Louise’s picture, beside his
bed. That deep love and devotion to each
other, one can easily see in each of their
children and their families. Leo & Louise
were wonderful role models for everyone.
Leo & Louise always opened their
home to the widow, the neighbor, or
friend. Leo taught us the importance of
family and friends.
I called Leo from Camp one evening,
wondering if it was ok to drop off
some pop can tabs and to pick-up some
donations he had collected. I never like to
just drop in on someone. Leo replied, “no
problem, come on over.” When I arrived
I noticed a lot of cars and after a knock
on the door, there was a “come on in,
The Greco Family, that carries on the legacy
are: (L-R) Larry Greco, Linda Greco-Sanders,
Lou Ann Greco-Heng, Leo & Louise Greco,
Lisa Greco-Rehman, and Lance Greco.
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we’re in the kitchen.” There in the kitchen
was the whole Greco Family, with all the
kids and grand kids. It was the birthday
of one of the grandchildren, and Leo had
his accordion out and we all sang Happy
Birthday. I thought to myself, I’m living
out one of Norman Rockwell’s paintings
of the perfect family.
The Early Years and The Band:
Leo Greco was born (November 1,
1921) into a family that came to the
United States from Italy. His father
worked for the railroad and they settled
in Oelwein. Leo loved and respected his
parents. I often heard him say, “As my
Dad (or Mom) always taught me...”
At ten years old his Dad made him
play the accordion. He joined his first
band at 15. He played for over 70 years,
until his back could no longer handle the
weight of the accordion. He never lost
the passion to bring happiness and joy
into the lives of others. His Dad taught
him that you play for your audience…
you play what they want to hear… and
that is what he did all these years.
In 1939 Leo moved to Cedar Rapids
and joined Don Sievert and the
Texans, thus beginning his
professional career. He
played with other bands
during this time but his
new career was soon
interrupted by WW
II.
Leo served in the
Navy 1942-45. While
in the South Pacific his
destroyer, the USS Luce,
was sunk May 4, 1945 by a
kamikaze about 60 miles from Okinawa.
Here he suffered his first back injury
sliding off the destroyer. Leo was a true
hero during the war and demonstrated
unbelievable courage in the face of great
danger. But Leo was always quick to tell
me that the heroes are those that gave
their lives.
After returning home safely, he
married his sweetheart, Louise Dugger,
a few months later. Leo & Louise lived
in the same home at 1960 B Ave NE in
Cedar Rapids, since they bought it on
Valentine’s Day, 1951.
Back from service, Tom Owen
phoned to see if Leo would play with his
band (Tom Owen Cowboys). Leo had
promised Louise (his wife) he would not
go off with a band. Louise told Leo to do
what made him happy…so off he went
with Tom Owen from December of 1945
to June of 1948.
Leo always believed in service to others
and to play what the listeners wanted
to hear and provide more variety…so
he borrowed $2,000 from his Dad and
started his own band on June 1, 1948. It
started out as Leo and the Pioneers and
eventually became The Leo Greco Band.
He played to millions through
his radio shows, television shows,
records, and personal appearances at
such memorable places as Lakeside
in Guttenberg, Zimmerman’s Hall in
Monticello, Wayne Thompson’s Barn in
Hopkinton, Cal Ballroom in Davenport,
Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Danceland
in Cedar Rapids, Armar in Cedar Rapids,
and Melody Ballroom in Dubuque. The
band also played for many weddings and
celebrations.
The band traveled to ten states and
according to “Down Beat Magazine”
they were the #1 Country & Western
Band 1956-1960. Leo was on six
television stations (Cedar Rapids, Mason
City, Sioux City, Des Moines, Peoria, and
Quincy) and twenty-three radio stations.
In 1969 the Band ended when Kent
Feeds dropped their sponsorship. Even
though they were one of the top 25
shows, most listeners were not feed
buyers. The company had a new leader
and a new philosophy. (DVDs of the only
two shows ever recorded are available
through Camp Courageous for $10,
sponsored by Kent Feeds).
In 1970 Leo sold advertisement for
KCRG (took Art Renken’s place) and in
1971 Leo sold advertisement for WMT.
In 1973 Leo’s Radio Show began
and the show continues today. Leo not
only put on a great show he also sold
OCTOBER 2011 — Camp Courageous — www.campcourageous.org