Hall of Fame

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 he formed his first orchestra, performing at school dances, weddings, and private parties.  But fame arrived on supersonic wings and the band was soon on the road, appearing throughout New England, the Middle Atlantic States and the Midwest, as well as Canada and Florida. Educated at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, Connecticut, and at Mitchell College in new London, he also attended the Hartt College of Music in Hartford. 

Ellsworth Wagner, nicknamed "Babe" in his early youth, was a native of New Ulm, Minnesota, the "Polka Capital of the Nation." He was born in Essig, Minnesota, on June 1, 1914. During his short life, music was his thing. His musical training began almost on the day he was born. His parents were accomplished musicians, and his maternal grandfather, who played the violin, assisted in giving him music lessons. Babe learned the piano, violin, saxophone, trombone, and drums. Trombone became his instrument of choice, and by the age of 10, he was an accomplished musician.