DANKO Pista (D-8)

Hungarian-born bandleader and composer belonging to the Romani people. He was frequently known by the nickname "Nótafa", a Hungarian word meaning "ballad-singer of folk music". Since the age of ten, Istvan has already begun to earn a living by playing the violin in pubs in a gypsy ensemble, under the guidance of his uncle. Up to 400 songs of Danko's authorship have been preserved (in some he owns not only the melody, but also the words). Many of his songs are still popular among the people. Danko worked in the genres of Hungarian folk and gypsy music.