Art Van Damme (1920–2010) was a pioneering American jazz accordionist, widely regarded as the first to bring the accordion into the jazz spotlight.
Born on April 9, 1920, in Norway, Michigan, Van Damme began playing accordion at age nine and was heavily influenced by the swing style of Benny Goodman and Art Tatum. His unique approach blended the fluidity of jazz phrasing with the rich tonal possibilities of the accordion.
In the 1940s, Van Damme gained national recognition as a featured performer on NBC radio, which helped him reach a wide audience. He led the Art Van Damme Quintet, combining accordion with guitar, vibes, bass, and drums—creating a sound both sophisticated and accessible. His quintet became a staple of jazz radio and television throughout the 1950s and ’60s.
Van Damme recorded prolifically, particularly for Columbia Records, and his albums remain admired for their elegance, swing, and technical mastery. Though less known in mainstream jazz circles, he was hugely influential in Europe and among accordionists worldwide.
Art Van Damme continued to perform and record into his 80s, leaving a lasting legacy as the “father of jazz accordion.” He passed away on February 15, 2010, at the age of 89.
24 recordings by Art Van Damme you can hear on Instrumentals Forever:
À la Mode • Bluesy • Bye Bye Blackbird • Charmaine • Diane • Gone With He Wind • How About You • I’m Shooting High • In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning • Just You, Just Me • Nicollet Avenue Breakdown • On Green Dolphin Street • Poinciana • Satan’s Doll • Spring Is Here • Star Eyes • Sweet And Lovely • Tangee • That Old Feeling • The Best Thing For You • Tickle-Toe • Valse Hot • You Stepped Out Of A Dream • You Were Meant For Me •
