Slavko Avsenik, born on November 26, 1929, in Begunje, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, was a Slovenian composer and accordionist. Initially a ski jumper for the Yugoslav national team, he taught himself to play the piano accordion and Steirische Harmonika during his military service. In 1953, Avsenik formed Trio Avsenik with guitarist Mitja Butara and bassist Borut Finzgar. He later co-founded Gorenjski Kvintet with his brother Vilko Ovsenik, which became internationally known as Slavko Avsenik and his Original Oberkrainer. The group's distinctive "Oberkrainer sound" was popularized by radio presenter and songwriter Fred Rauch, who helped them secure tours in Germany and record deals. Among their notable songs is "Trompetenecho." and "Planica, Planica." The group disbanded in the early 1990s, and Avsenik passed away on July 2, 2015.
