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IPA Hall of Fame Biography
Joe was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Pennsylvania, on February 26, 1931. He graduated from Hurst High School in 1948.
Joe was always attracted to Polka music and it is easy to understand why he would become an outstanding Polka promoter. With a strong determination and the use of his personal he was able to bring Polka music into an area that was relatively foreign to this type of music. Beginning in 1951, he began his career as a Polka disc jockey with WHSB radio in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He was host of the Joe Fiedor Polka Carousel Program heard every Sunday evening. Joe played Polka recordings from all over the country on his program. As the popularity of this music increased in the area, Joe started to book various bands to play at local dances. As the demand became greater for this music he was prompted to establish the well-known Fiedor’s Grove in Mt. Pleasant. A musician at heart, he was also singing with the Bob Gazda Polka Band from Pittsburgh and recorded with that group.
Joe delighted in introducing traveling bands to the local audiences. Among the polka personalities to appear for the first time was Li’l Wally from Chicago who played to a capacity crowd. Joe expanded his activities in Polka music and with a lot of promotion the Fiedor Grove soon became a favorite location for polka gatherings. Because of his involvement in numerous Polka activities he acquired the name of “Polish Joe Fiedor." His strong love for Polka music inspired him to organize his own band known as Li’l Ronny and the Carousels. The band was composed of his son, Ronny, and nephews. Together they made many appearances throughout the country. During this period they made several recordings.
Joe was always striving to expand the popularity of Polka music. In 1975 and for three successive summers he presented the gigantic Fourth of July Polka Weekend at Seven Springs Resort. The success of this promotion prompted the presentation of the Winter Ski Festival. He was the founder and President of the Pennsylvania Polka Association and the United States Polka Association, Polka Power Club, Polka Ambassadors, Polish Crusaders. Mount Pleasant Firemen’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Polish Falcons, AMVETS, American Legion of Greensburg, and the Kosciuszko Club.