Steve Adamczyk
Living Category – Inducted 1975
Steve Adamczyk was born in Chicago, the eldest of
four children of the late Stephen and Lottie (nee Kazanecki) Adamczyk.
His parents introduced Steve to music at an early age, enrolling him as
a student of piano, his first teachers being the Felician Sisters of SS.
Peter and Paul Parish. When a school was organized, Steve turned his
attention to the saxophone and clarinet.
When in their teens, Steve and a few neighborhood
friends formed a band, playing at weddings, parties, dances, and other
functions. A short time later, Steve was asked to be the clarinetist in
a polka band which was featured by the late John Nieminski on his live
radio show, "The Polish Merry-Go-Round."
Steve and his band have been the recipients of many
awards within the polka field, and they appeared on many television and
radio shows in the Chicago and Midwest area, among them the “Ron Terry
Polka Party” and the "Frankie Yankovic Show."
Steve and his orchestra have had a long and
pleasant relationship with Dana Recording Company, making many albums
and singles with that company. They have also recorded on the Rondo,
Capitol, and Ridgemoor labels. The Adamczyk band style is recognizable
by a well achieved balance of sound; the arrangements frequently
featuring clarinet duets, and always having a "beat that moves your
feet."
Steve and his wife, Jeanette, are the proud parents
of five children: Joyce (Mrs. Steve Fornek), Robert James (Cathy),
Marian, and Steven. Over the years, Steve has been very active in the
activities of his parish church, and has served as organist and director
of the choir. He is a member and past president of the Holy Name
Society, a member of the Polish Roman Catholic Union, the Polish
National Alliance, and the Knights of Columbus, where he serves as
choral director. He is an avid sports fan and as a participant he
enjoys bowling and golf.
When asked to comment on his years in the polka
field, Steve answered: "They have been wonderful years of enjoyment and
satisfaction. But, without Our Lord’s blessings, without the love and
understanding of my wife and family, the encouragement and guidance of
my parents, without the dedication and co-operation of the men in my
band, and without the affection and support of Polka fans everywhere,
they could not possibly have been the same wonderful years of enjoyment
and satisfaction." Steve's death was mourned by
his many fans. |
