"Jolly Rich" Anton

Richard “Jolly Rich” Anton was born on November 2nd, 1947 in Elizabeth NJ. Rich was exposed to polka music from the day he was born, as his father was an upright bassist in a polka band, and his relatives helped establish the Bayway Polish Home. His musical career began early with learning the clarinet and saxophone in grade school. In his musical development, Rich was heavily inspired by polka icons like Marion Lush, and the Pala Bros. both of whose songs can be heard on Rich’s recordings. As a teenager, Rich participated in the Mummers Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade playing the clarinet. His first band experience was in a local 3 piece American style band that played gigs around the Elizabeth area. In the late 1960s, Rich and a close friend, bass player Mario Kozak, joined a band called the Polka Stars. Mario’s wife coined the nickname “Jolly Rich,” and it stuck ever since. Jolly Rich and The Polka Stars’ first recording came in 1970; a 45 with the original version of the song “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot,” then called “Hot Stuff.” Shortly after, the band released their first LP entitled “In Heaven There Is No Beer?” In 1972, the band recorded and released their second LP, “Polkas With A Kick,” which included one of Rich’s first hits, “Billy’s Mule” polka. Polkas introduced Rich to the love of his life Monica, who would support him and his music career faithfully for close to 50 years. Monica served as the inspiration for many of Rich’s original songs.

In 1973, Jolly Rich and The Polka Stars disbanded, and Rich formed The Jolly Rich Orchestra. The band’s first recording, “When You’re Hot You’re Hot” was released in 1974. The song “When You’re Hot You’re Hot” quickly gained popularity and became Jolly Rich’s most popular song. The band’s second LP and Rich’s fourth, “On The Go With JRO,” was released in 1976. After JRO, Rich briefly joined forces with Jan Cyman’s Musicalaires with whom he played for about a year. Rich then took over the Old Country Musicians in 1980, and recorded their first 45. Their only LP, “Old Country Musicians,” was released in 1981. The band continued for about 4 more years, recording another 45. Despite his dedication and love of polka music, Jolly Rich made the tough decision to take a hiatus from the scene to focus on his family and career.

During his first stint, Jolly Rich had great success playing all across the East Coast, even playing at Shea Stadium during the 7th inning stretch of a Mets Game, and the Pulaski Day Parade in New York City multiple times. Rich served as a longtime board member for the Bayway Polish Club, and also bartended frequently. As a promoter, Rich ran dances at Bayway, The Linden Polish Home, and St. Hedwigs Church in Elizabeth, bringing in some of the top polka bands. In collaboration with the Jolly Rich Fan Club, Rich organized bus trips to festivals like Polka Spree By The Sea, Pillar Polkabration, and Sunnybrook Ballroom, to name a few. He played at these festivals and many others, and was a popular booking for weddings throughout the 70s and 80s. In addition to his own bands, he filled in for and backed bands like Freddy K, Jersey Polka Richie, The Jan Lewan Orchestra, and Bobby Vinton. He also hosted and filled in on WJDM radio in New Jersey, broadcasting polkas to the surrounding areas. One thing that not many people know is that Rich was the inspiration behind the Polka Spree By The Sea festival, in Wildwood NJ. He was unable to run the festival but gave his idea to Bernie Goydish. It became an instant success, bringing in polka fans from all across the country.

In the late 90s Rich’s son wrote a college paper about polka music, inspiring him to jump back into polkas. He held a reunion at the Bayway Polish Home, and with the fire lit again, dove headfirst into reestablishing the modern version of Jolly Rich and the Polka Stars. Jolly Rich put himself back on the map as one of New Jersey’s foremost polka musicians. In 1997, it was back to the studio for the Polka Stars who recorded their first CD, titled “The Band That Time Forgot.” This new version of Jolly Rich and The Polka Stars performed at dances all over the East Coast, top polka festivals like Wildwood, Polkamotion, and Seven Springs, made multiple appearances on the WVIA Pennsylvania Polka TV show, and played on two Polka Cruises. In 2004, Jolly Rich and The Polka Stars released their second and final CD called “Star Struck.” They played up until 2012, when Rich officially retired from the polka scene.

Throughout his career, Rich was famous for giving young musicians a chance, and was coined “The Band Leader’s Band Leader.” Some musicians that Rich guided and helped to start their careers are Michael Costa, Bob Szymanski, the late great Joe Dziuba, Dave Burnatowski, Matt Mularz, his sons Rick and Adam Anton, and his grandson Matt Adamski. As a band leader, he created a family environment, always putting his musicians’ needs before his own, making him one of the most respected polka musicians. Overall, his charismatic personality on and off the stage made him loved among polka fans from all over the country.

One of Rich’s favorite pastimes was golf, which led him to take charge of the Polkamotion golf tournament when the event was moved to Rehoboth. He organized and ran the tournament until he unfortunately suffered a stroke and was unable to golf anymore.

On November 23rd, 2020, Jolly Rich Anton passed away from kidney cancer complications, leaving behind his wife of 48 years, his three children, and three grandchildren who he affectionately called his “Winky Dinks.” His sons, son-in-law, and grandson carry his torch by playing in polka bands.

The legacy that Jolly Rich leaves behind in the polka industry is far bigger than he ever wanted recognition for. In over 40 years, through his 7 albums, 10+ original songs, and countless arrangements, his energetic performances, his leadership of 4 different bands, his time as a part-time DJ and promoter, and his service as a mentor giving young musicians opportunities, his impact on the polka industry will not be forgotten. He will be remembered as a true-hearted, “Jolly” musician. Jolly Rich, though not physically here, will live on.