Bob Earl, Sr. – Deceased Category – Selected 2025

Bandleader of The Imperials of Toledo, Drummer, Vocalist, Emcee, Polka Promoter, founder of The International Music Association Bob was born on Aug 21, 1930 to a Polish mother and English father. Bob grew up in a Polish neighborhood in Toledo ,Ohio. In 1951 Bob married wife, Mary and had 3 children, Jim, Bob Jr and Mary. Bob founded Earl Bros. Transmission and Auto Repair Centers and quickly trained his sons to take over the business…

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Craig Ebel – Living Category – Inducted August 2012

    Craig Ebel has been involved in polka music all his life. Craig grew up in a musical family with his mother, LaVay, singing and playing guitar in country western bands and his father, Elhart, building and operating the Bel-Rae Ballroom in Mounds View, Minnesota, from 1964 to 1971. The Bel-Rae became one of the most popular dance spots in the country and the foundation of Craig’s musical career.   Craig has been playing…

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