Horn man : the Polish-American musician in twentieth-century Detroit / Laurie A. Gomulka Palazzolo.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Palazzolo, Laurie A. Gomulka.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Polish Americans--Michigan--Detroit--Music.

Polish Americans.

Music--Michigan--Detroit--History and criticism.

Music.

Michigan--Detroit.

Genre:

Music.

Physical Description:

xxiii, 360 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 28 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Detroit, Mich. : Wayne State University Press, 2003.

Summary:

Why has the polka -- which did not originate in Poland -- become synonymous with Poles? Why are Poles in general so fiercely nationalistic? Why has the accordion -- which was at one time part of the classical music repertoire -- become the "quintessential polka instrument"? When and why did accordion bashing become fashionable? Would you believe that at one time Europe's aristocracy craved the polka? What was a traditional Polish-American wedding like in the early- and mid-twentieth century?

Horn Man explores these questions by probing the history of twentieth-century Detroit's Polish-American musical landscape. Not only are answers to these and other questions revealed, but the beauty of Polish and Polish-American customs and culture is also illumined. Music is an inseparable part of Polish life, and because of polka's communal aspect, polka musicians are some of the best examples American society has of family bonds and Christian values. The pillar Detroit polka bandleaders who came of age during the Great Depression were, for the most part, community oriented and family focused. Therefore, while they were superstars in their own galaxy and their names readily recognizable in their own circles, in general, their names were not quite as prominent as those of the well-known superstars of the Polka Era. They were, however, no less talented and diversified and their lives no less fascinating than those of their contemporaries in other Polish-American communities (Polonia). In fact, it was their diversification, entrepreneurial skills, and ability to adapt that ensured that they survived in an erratic, chaotic industry. They were trained in theory and the classics, as well as in jazz, voice, and the popular big-band dance music of the era. Along with their colleagues across America, they were among the nation's first ethnomusicologists and the creators of a new genre of American music. They recorded on major record labels, created and developed their own record labels, published sheet music, appeared on radio and television, performed with visiting luminaries and for traveling dignitaries, and became savvy marketers of their product: musical entertainment. Yet, as a result of technological innovations, the influx of rock and roll, and the trend toward an increasing American ethnocentrism, their heyday was tragically brief and fleeting.

Was there a west-side counterpart to Hamtramck, Michigan, in the early- and mid-twentieth century? Who were these "sons of Poland," these "weekend warriors" of Detroit's Polonia? What did they retain of their Polish heritage, and what did they create and evolve from it in this New World? What is the legacy they have left us? Step inside Horn Man and find out. The answers will captivate and astound you.

Contents:

1 The Boys in the Band 7

2 The Polish Culture 25

3 The Polish Ethnic Communities in Detroit 43

4 The War Years 81

5 A Century of the Polish-American Musician in Detroit 106

6 The Music: A Reflection of Cultural Values and Ideals 158

7 Stanley Adamus (1922-1988): The Professional 178

8 Johnny Sadrack (1919-1989): The People's Choice 186

9 Stas Wisniach (1923- ): The Virtuoso Accordionist 191

10 Ted Gomulka (1919-1998): The Horn Man 202

11 Ted Koltowicz (1927-2000): The Fireball Hall-of-Famer 216

12 Eddie Gajec (1918-1998): The Entrepreneur 221

13 Wally Gomulka (1924- ): The Polish Aristocrat 229

14 Eddie (Krzyk) Schick (1917- ): The Philosopher 235

15 Ted Lach (1914-1968): The Sizzling Clarinetist 241

16 Tom Gomulka (1911-1993): The Historian 246

17 Ted (Gorczyca) Gordon (1920-1991): The Authority 251

18 John Gajec (1918- ): The Maestro 256

19 Eddie (1917-1999) and Helen (Rowinski) Nabozny (1919- ): The Childhood Sweethearts 260

20 Wally Duda (1926- ): The Brother 266

21 Clarence (Clare) Witkowski (1931- ): The Big-Band Polka Hall-of-Famer 272

22 John Chrzasz (1929- ): The Gentle Giant 278

23 Ernie Skuta (1935- ): The Adopted Brother 286

24 Walt Lipiec (1943- ): The Noncompromiser 294

25 Walt Cieslik (1947- ): The Ambassador 299

26 A New Millennium in Detroit 307

27 The Flame Keepers 310.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0814331920

0814331939

OCLC:

52947781