International Polka Music Hall of Fame® Eddie Zima was born in 1923 in Chicago and began playing the concertina when he was 6 years old. His mother, Eleanor, upon noticing his eagerness and ability to play, signed him up for lessons. The concertina was too big for the boy to carry, so he hauled it to lessons in his little red wagon.
His band was among the first Chicago polka bands to make records and his early recordings familiarized people with Chicago’s style of polka music. His Capitol recordings made a hit in Texas. He was signed by Dana records and made seven albums for them. His biggest Dana hit was "Circus Polka." He also recorded on the RCA, Chicago and Jay Jay labels.
Eddie Zima composed many tunes. He had a great ear for music. Polka dancers loved his tempo and he was a good dancer himself.
Eddie Zima passed on April 28, 1966. He left behind a Chicago Honky style of polka music picked up by many bands.
Track listing:
1. Polish Wedding Polka
2. Pink Ears Polka
3. Lucky Five Oberek
4. Chocolate Soda Polka (Czaj-Czaj Polka)
5. Cragin Hop Oberek
6. Zima's Polka
7. After Midnight Polka
8. Rumpus Room Polka
9. International Waltz
10. Stew Pot Polka
11. Peter Piper Polka
12. Two Keys Polka
13. Fruit Salad Polka
14. Tin Lizzie Polka
15. Woodpecker Hop
16. Tune Up Polka