Arthur G. Koterba was the youngest of nine children of Czech immigrants who spelled their name Kotrba. He grew up in the Brown Park area of South Omaha.



At 14, Arthur Koterba would sneak into bars and play drums for money for the family.



After graduating from South High, Art took his drums and his sticks and hit the road. He also played a lot locally.



Art Koterba played with Johnny Carson's band for Johnny's magic show. He played gigs with the Mills Brothers and with the duo of Les Paul and Mary Ford.



Art especially enjoyed playing jazz, big-band and swing music. For a time many years ago, he promoted his own band using his stage name and the motto: "Dance and be gay with Artie Kay."



Factoid: Arthur Koterba held the record for the longest current membership in the Omaha Musicians' Union, just under 72 years.