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Czech brass band composer renowned for creating one of the world's most famous polkas.Jaromír Vejvoda was a Czech composer and bandmaster, born in Zbraslav (now part of Prague). He worked primarily as a butcher but achieved global fame as a composer. His most famous work, 'Škoda lásky' (Modřanská polka), written in 1927, became internationally known as the 'Beer Barrel Polka' ('Roll Out the Barrel'). This piece became a massive hit during World War II, adopted by both Allied and Axis soldiers. Vejvoda led his own brass band for decades.

• Vejvoda initially composed 'Škoda lásky' (Wasted Love) in 1927 as the 'Modřanská polka' (Modřany Polka), named after the Prague suburb where he lived. Its initial success was regional.
• The tune's global explosion began when Czech emigrant Wladimir A. Timm added German lyrics ('Rosamunde') in 1934. English lyrics by Lew Brown ('Roll Out the Barrel'/'Beer Barrel Polka') in 1939 cemented its worldwide fame.
• Despite its immense popularity and use as a morale-booster by soldiers on all sides during WWII, Vejvoda reportedly received minimal royalties due to complex international copyright issues and arrangements made before the war.
• He led the Vejvoda Orchestra for many years, primarily performing in restaurants, demonstrating his deep connection to folk and popular dance music traditions.
• Vejvoda passed away in 1988 in Prague, having witnessed his composition become arguably the most famous polka ever written.