Walter Procanyn – Deceased Category – Inducted 2021

New York City …. “Hi Polka Cuzzins!” Walt Procanyn is an accordionist and bandleader who currently resides in Woodside, the Queens section of the big apple. Walt is well known throughout the big band and polka circle as a maverick and innovator. He has revolutionized the polka industry by incorporating…

Continue reading

Tony Petkovsek – Pioneer Category – Inducted 2013

  Tony Petkovsek was born August 21, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio to parents of Slovenian descent. At age 20 he began what would become the longest running daily two hour polka program, self-produced with his own sponsors. That daily show aired six days a week from 1961 through 2011 and…

Continue reading

Don Peachey – Pioneer Category – 2011

    Don Peachey hails from Burnett, Wisconsin, a small town located an hour from Milwaukee. He began playing the accordion at the age of 14. Don made his first paying performance at the civic center in Fairwater, Wisconsin. Except for two years in the U.S. Army, he has been…

Continue reading

Stephanie Pietrzak – Living Category – Inducted 2010

    It all started at the age of seven when Stephanie was being taught the accordion by her mom, Wanda, and the Polish vocals by her grandmother, Stephanie. This created an interest in listening to Polish music. While Henry her father was off bowling, Wanda took Stephanie to see…

Continue reading

Dennis Polisky – Living Category – Inducted 2007

    Dennis Polisky, leader, clarinet, tenor saxophone player for the Maestro’s Men Orchestra from Colchester, Connecticut, has been performing and entertaining audiences for over 38 years. His dedication, versatility and personality has earned him the recognition as one of the best clarinet players in the polka field today. He…

Continue reading

Al Piatkowski – Living Category – Inducted 2000

    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…

Continue reading

Stanley Przasnyski – Living Category – Inducted 1993

  *Deceased* Born in 1926 in Bristol Connecticut, he started to study the accordion at age ten while attending St. Stanislaus School. At the age of thirteen he was playing professionally at social affairs, concert solos, and private parties. He started a four-piece band at the age of eighteen. A…

Continue reading

 Emily Pinter – Living Category – Inducted 1987

    Emily Pinter began her music and dancing at the early age of five, studying piano, ballet and tap dancing.  At age 16, while dancing with the Alliance of Polish Clubs group, the dancing instructor took ill, and Emily was asked to take over the class.  The following year…

Continue reading

Lou Prohut – Deceased Category – Inducted 1981

  Lou Prohut was born in Chicago where he attended local parochial schools and began studying the accordion almost as soon as he learned to walk.  His talents led him to an appearance on the famed Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour when he was a mere five years old.  After…

Continue reading

Ignacy Podgorski – Deceased Category – Inducted 1978

    Ignacy Podgorski was a musician, composer, arranger, publisher, recording artist and violinist who conducted his own orchestra.  He was born on February 1, 1886 in Kielce, Poland.  As a boy he lived in Czestochowa where he obtained his musical education and acquired a love for native folk-lore.  …

Continue reading

Dick Pillar – Living Category – Inducted 1974

  Two words that are virtually synonymous to thousands of fans throughout the country are “polka” and “Pillar,” like celery and salt they were made for each other.  Born 34 years ago to Joseph and Stella Pillar Pillar of Uncasville, Connecticut, Richard has been setting toes a-tapping since 1958 when…

Continue reading