Slavko Avsenik was a renowned Slovenian composer and musician, born on November 26, 1929, in Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia, then part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. He was a self-taught musician who entered the music industry by chance in 1952. In 1953, he founded the Avsenik Brothers Ensemble with his brother Vilko Avsenik, a university-trained clarinet player. The ensemble, known as 'Ansambel bratov Avsenik' in Slovenian and 'Slavko Avsenik und seine Original Oberkrainer' in German, gained international fame with their 1954 hit "Na Golici." This song, also known as "Trompetenecho" in German and "Trumpet Echoes" in English, is considered one of the most frequently played instrumental pieces worldwide.

Avsenik's ensemble became a leading force in the ethnic music scene across Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the Benelux countries. They signed a recording contract with Telefunken-Decca in 1960 and became fixtures on television and in concerts, performing extensively throughout Europe, the United States, and Canada. Notable performances include a 1961 concert at Berlin Stadium attended by over 80,000 people and tours of North America in 1970 and 1985.

Avsenik's influence extended to Cleveland-style polka music, with over 200 of his melodies popularized by various bands. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the European Oscar in 1975 and the Golden Rose Award in 1979. Avsenik passed away on July 2, 2015, in Begunje, Slovenia, leaving behind a legacy as a cultural icon and a pioneer of Slovenian folk music.