Hall of Fame

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 took over the show on his own for a few months. After his work with the Zembruski's, Peter worked full time on radio for a few years always playing at least one or two polkas every morning on his radio show. He later teamed up with Dick Yash for a few years on a show entitled "Polka Carousel." The two would become one of the best Polka radio duos in the country. He and Dick would do live remote broadcasts from the New England Polka Fest every year which was held at Warsaw Park in Ansonia, CT.

Leon J. Kozicki was born on July 4, 1930 in Chicago.  He attended grammar school at St. Peter and Paul's at which time he first became exposed to music when his father presented him with a button accordion one Christmas.  As a youngster he became ill with pneumonia and upon recovery the doctor recommended a wind instrument to help develop and strengthen his lungs.  He tried the trumpet but settled with the clarinet on which he became very proficient.  While in grammar school he formed his first band, the Rhythm Kids.  While at Holy Trinity High School he formed another band.  His group played showers, weddings, dances and numerous charitable engagements. 

Jan Robak was born in Poland on December 1, 1890, and passed away on September 8, 1967. He came to this country and Chicopee, Massachusetts with his violin at the age of ten. He started to play the violin in Poland and continued his study of violin and music after coming to this country. His first job in Chicopee was at the Johnson and Johnson Textile Mill. As he grew older he formed a band that played just about every Polish wedding in the vicinity which, incidentally, lasted for three days. The day before the wedding was known as "do welona" [the veil] and the next day was known as "poprawiny."

Carl Rohwetter was born March 1, 1930, the son of John and Elizabeth Rohwetter in Marion Township, County of Saginaw, Michigan. His father played the button accordion, as so many did in the farming area. Carl along with his brothers, John and Francis were always entertained with Polka Music. Carl's love of Polka Music started as a very young child.

Stan was born in South Meriden, Connecticut in 1910.  He attended St. Stanislaus School, and after finishing 7th grade, his parents told him they needed some financial support, and Stan had to go to work at age 13.  He worked at various jobs:  in a silver factory, for a rug company, as a co-manager of a gas station, order expeditor in a factory, and a head receiving clerk in a department store.