Peter J. Danielczuk – Living Category – Inducted 2023

2023 marks Peter J. Danielczuk’s 53rd anniversary of being involved in polka music. Very rarely is there a DJ/IJ who becomes involved in all aspects of polka music the way he has. He started his polka career in 1970 at WADS 690AM in Ansonia, CT as the engineer for the Victor and Sophie Zembruski “Polish Eagle Polka Show” while he was still attending the University of Connecticut. When Sophie had to have an operation, he…

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Lil John Nalevanko – Pioneer Category – Inducted 2023

Documenting the history or polkas in Western Pennsylvania would not be complete without discussing John Nalevanko. Affectionately known as Li’l John, he has been a driving force in promoting Polka music in the area. As a musician, John first started playing drums in local bands when he was 12.   He played in various bands like the Polka Stars, Avant Gard, Starlighters, and the Jr. Simms Band.   However, his true breakout was when he started playing…

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Dee Dee Ogrodny – Living Category – Inducted 2023

Dee-Dee Jasiewicz Ogrodny has had polkas in her heart since she was born, and she has been a fixture at polka events since she was 18 months old, first with her Mom, Josephine Jasiewicz, and with her Dad and brother, Henry and Henny Jasiewicz (both Inductees of the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame). Dee-Dee started to sing with the Bell Hops’ “Hopettes” and then solo with the Bell Hops when she was 9 years…

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Gene Swick – Deceased Category – Inducted 2023

On October 16, 2021, the polka world lost one of the most respected and loved polka promoters in the industry. Eugene (Gene) Swick passed away just two days after his 90th birthday after a long bout with multiple health issues. Born in the Polish neighborhood of Greenpoint in Brooklyn, NY, he went on to serve his country in the Air Force as a nuclear physicist. After 20 years of service, Gene retired as a lieutenant…

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David “Nigel” Kurdziel – Living Category – Inducted 2023

David “Nigel” Alan Kurdziel was born on May 2, 1963, in Buffalo, NY. He was first exposed to polka music at church picnics and from polka shows. Nigel’s cousin, Gino Kurdziel, played for the renowned G Notes. His older brother Mike was a drummer, and his younger brother Kevin played accordion. Nigel started playing guitar at the age of 11 and joined his first band, The Melody Men, at age 12, playing bass with his…

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