Next to “Weird Al,” who’s your favorite accordion player?

Yes, I created a spin-off for my own thread. 

And, when talking A+ accordion players, of course you have to start off with the late, very great Judy Tenuta.

Sharon Shannon

"Blackbird" would be my favorite, there.

Don't know who played, but "Romance" composed by Yuki Kajiura has some really good accordion work, too.

John Linnell:

[edit]  Not enough accordion in that one.  Try this:

In reply to Duke :

Hey, just saw them in concert and listening to a live recording of the first album right now. :) 

(32 Footsteps coming up.)

Bandoneon rather than accordian specifically, but...

Astor Piazzola

Yup.  Whichever one of the Johns that is TMBG.  Apparently it's Linnell.

David S. Wallens said:

In reply to Duke :

Hey, just saw them in concert and listening to a live recording of the first album right now. :) 

(32 Footsteps coming up.)

We saw them about 6 weeks ago in Philly.  Did they do 'Sapphire Bullets' backwards at your show?

And then there's this guy:

Duke said:

John Linell:

I came here to say this. :)

I'm sure she's no Buckwheat Zydeco, but I'm going with Christina Hendricks.

 (6:15 mark)      https://youtu.be/14sP0p_2diM

Duke said:

David S. Wallens said:

In reply to Duke :

Hey, just saw them in concert and listening to a live recording of the first album right now. :) 

(32 Footsteps coming up.)

We saw them about 6 weeks ago in Philly.  Did they do 'Sapphire Bullets' backwards at your show?

 

Oh yes. And, yep, I was one of those people who had to record it. Amazing. 

Still have my paper hat, too. 

How about another Yankovic, the great Frank Yankovic. 

https://youtu.be/5FVJGNfubN4

El Rey del accordian - Flaco Jimenez

Wayne Toups & Zydecajun

In reply to David S. Wallens :

i loved Judy Tenuta!

Whoever is in Igorrr (I still blame GRM for introducing me to them!).

https://youtu.be/UZzYxGZ7Hmc

Gus Polinski; Polka King of the Midwest 

Eric Melvin, of course.

Polka Floyd.  All polka, all Floyd

Datsun310Guy said:

Gus Polinski; Polka King of the Midwest 

lest we not forget...and the Kenosha Kickers!  

Preceded by Stan & Yosh Shmenge:

The guy in the black hat playing spoons and later washboard is/was a very close friend of mine.  He was part of the early evening house band at The Tropical Isle Bayou Club, Bourbon St, New Orleans.

I had no idea so many bands had accordion. Have to include LAWRENCE WELK.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Rock and roll accordion!  (Johnny Kongos)

Come With Me Now

Clifton Chenier, King of the bayou.

If you think Cajun music ,  you're thinking of Chenier.