Each year, the International Polka Association recognizes select polka professionals, living and deceased, with induction into the IPA Polka Hall of Fame. The Board of Trustees reviews the qualifications of Hall of Fame nominees to determine if they meet the criteria for placement on the ballot. An academy of 195 electors from across the country uses these ballots to determine those to be inducted in the annual voting cycle.
The pages below detail the accomplishments of each of those individuals.
Walt Solek got his first break with the "Krakowska" orchestra organized by his brother Henry. In 1939 after recording with them on the RCA Victor label, he organized his own polka band mixing good polka music and good comedy. In 1940 Uncle Sam called him into the Navy and got the first Sailor who could sing "Anchors Aweigh" in Polish. After his hitch in the service the band regrouped and cut "Julida Polka" on Columbia records.