1969 – International Polka Association

Frankie Yankovic – Living Category – Inducted 1969

Both Andy Yankovic and Rose Mele came to America in 1903 from the Republic of Slovenia. However, neither knew the other in the old country. They first met in a lumber camp in Davis, West Virginia, where many Slovenes worked. Married in 1910, they had three daughters: Josephine, Rose and Mary. In 1915, Frankie, their only son was born. Eventually, Yankovic moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Andy Yankovic worked as a crane operator before investing…

Li’l Wally Jagiello – Living Category – Inducted 1969

Li’l Wally has been one of the most important and influential polka musicians in America. He was responsible for creating the Chicago-style polka, a slower, more danceable, more improvisational sound, whose core appeal lay with Polish-Americans. Wally was a cottage industry unto himself, recording at an often frantic pace and releasing over 150 albums on his own Jay Jay label. He played both concertina and drums in concert, and performed good-humored dance tunes and…

Portfolio Category: 1969

Frankie Yankovic – Living Category – Inducted 1969

Li’l Wally Jagiello – Living Category – Inducted 1969

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