Johnny Karas – Living Category – Inducted 2001

  Johnny Karas, lead vocalist and tenor saxophone for the Jimmy Sturr Band, has regaled audiences with his virtuosity for over forty years.  His intensity, versatility and creativity on the tenor sax have resulted in most observers describing him as one of, if not the best saxophonist ever in the polka field.  His unique vocal styling and phrasing have afforded him the recognition of being one of the finest vocalists in the industry.  Bobby Vinton…

Continue reading

Eddie Skinger – Living Category – Inducted 2001

*Deceased in 2015* The gifted Eddie Skinger has always been clear about his commitment to his vocation.  Over the past 62 years, he has become an accomplished and respected vocalist, musician, arranger and composer.  His talent and ability shine through his music and can easily be considered as one of the bright lights within the Polka Industry.   Eddie Skinger has performed and recorded for some of the greatest Polka bands of all time including: …

Continue reading

Adolph Lesser – Pioneer Category – Inducted 2001

    Adolph Lesser’s colorful career as a musician and entertainer spanned some sixty-five years before his stroke in 1996.  Adolph remains one of the most prominent musical figures in the Rocky Mountain region and is affectionately known as the “Old Master”.   Born in Loveland, Colorado in 1915, Adolph was the second youngest of eight sons and one daughter.  The family always had music in their house and Adolph’s parents were Germans who immigrated…

Continue reading

Rev. Walter Szczypula – Deceased Category – Inducted 2001

  Father Wally, as he was affectionately known, was one of eight children born to St. Louis and Magdeline Szczypula on September 22, 1916.  He was born and raised in Chicago where he attended Five Holy Martyrs grammar school.  He went on to Quigley Preparatory Seminary and then to St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundeline, Illinois where he was ordained a priest on May 1, 1943.  Over the years, he became involved in…

Continue reading