International Polka Music Hall of Fame® Frank Wojnarowski was born in Sanok, Poland. He started the Frank Wojnarowski Orchestra in 1940; his instrument was the violin. His sister Eleanore was the original vocalist in the band. Their first break, a recording session with Dana Records, came in 1947 – "Bije Mamcia" was their first record.
Shortly after came a big hit, "Jedzie Boat." This is the record that touched off the polka craze in New England, which, during that period, went through its golden years, lasting through the fifties.
Other hits followed, like "Goral," "Jasiu, Jasiu," "Oh Suzanna," "Rozmaria," etc. He then wrote, sang and recorded his big one – "Matka." For this he received a gold record award.
After Dana Records sold their company and discontinued making records, Frank recorded for Silverbell, Dyno, and then on RMI Records.
Frank toured and played all over the United States and Canada. His longest tour lasted eight weeks. Besides being popular in New England and Pennsylvania, he drew the largest crowds in the Detroit area for the late WJLB radio personality, Eugene Konstantynowicz, at his annual outdoor event in Warsaw Park. Frank played this event for eight consecutive years.
In the early fifties, Frank was busy with his own radio show on WLIZ in Bridgeport doing live shows with the band. He went on to greater things when he hosted his own "Pic A Polka" TV Show in Buffalo, New York. This show lasted over two years, and in its prime it had a higher rating than the Ed Sullivan Show in the Buffalo area.
The Frank Wojnarowski Orchestra was called on to play top polka events, such as the Milwaukee Summerfest, Ocean Beach Festival, and the IPA Convention.
When the band was not on tour, Frank could be found at his Fairfield, Connecticut, home with his wife Wanda.
This CD contains two former albums on the Dana Records label.
Check out this CD today!
Track listing:
1. Sundown Polka
2. Who's Girl Are You Waltz
3. Goldmine Polka
4. Gay Farmer Oberek
5. American Polka
6. Oh Henry Rheinlander
7. What A Day Polka
8. Smooth Ride Polka
9. Oh Boy Polka
10. The Fisherman Polka
11. White Horse Oberek
12. Mayfair Polka
13. Girl From New Jersey Polka
14. Hop Hop Oberek
15. Don’t Cry Daddy Polka
16. Lovers Waltz
17. Polka About A Girl Polka
18. Lucky Wanda Polka
19. I’ll Never Marry You Polka
20. Granpa and Granma Polka
21. Under the Window Waltz
22. Let’s Drink Together Polka
23. I Sing for You Waltz
24. Fiu Fiu Polka
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Artist: |
Frank Wojnarowski and His Orchestra |