Uniquely, making his name as a sideman, Richie Tokarz is well known particularly in the Polish sector of polka music. Through the years he has demonstrated his talents playing the accordion, trumpet and singing with top polka bands. Also, his efforts as a musical writer have always scored high on the list. Born on February 16, 1949, to Stanley and Florence Tokarz, he was raised in Whiting, Indiana and he was the older…
Polka music has been a part of Al Piatkowski’s life as long as he could remember. Born in Syracuse, NY on January 17, 1959, Al grew up listening to the Sunday polka programs. His parents, Mike and Gloria, would attend the local polka dances and bring home the latest recordings of the bands they had just seen, giving Al more music to listen to during the week. At the age of 7, he…
Frank Grybosh had been a polka musician for 18 years and led a 6-piece orchestra under the name of “Frankie Gee” before he was tragically killed on January 1, 1970. Frank Grybosh was born in Ludlow, Massachusetts on October 9, 1936, and was the only child of Wanda (Topor) and Frank C. Grybosh. At a young age, he started playing the accordion and had an avid interest in polka music. He started his…
Henry “Will” Wilczynski has dedicated 53 years to music as an arranger, composer, teacher and musician. He has written and arranged for some of the greatest polka bands and shows of all time including: Jimmy Sturr (Jimmy’s 10 Grammy award recordings and Christmas shows), Myron Floren, Walt Solek, Dick Pillar, Ray Budzilek, Eddie Skinger, Ray Henry, Connecticut Twins, Rich Bobinski, Johnny Dyno, Mike Piorek, Polonaise Dancers, John Przasnyski and more. He has also…
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