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Joseph
(Joe) P. Fedorchak
Living Category - Inducted 1997
Musician, Bandleader, Composer, AM Radio Polka DJ,
TV Polka Show Host and Performer, Polka Tour Promoter
Respected as a staunch advocate of
Slovenian and the Cleveland Style Polka Music, Joe has performed
throughout the continental United States, Canada, Hawaii, Mexico and
Alaska. He is recognized for his consistent and unselfish support for
efforts toward the further enhancement and perpetuation of the Cleveland
style polka movement. He has been instrumental in enlistment of other
musicians into the Cleveland-style polka movement and has provided
valuable support and assistance.
 Joe
began formal accordion music studies in 1944 at the age of nine. He
continued his formal studies after honorable discharge from the armed
forces in 1960. Also proficient of the button chromatic accordion, he
has devoted more than fifty two years towards playing and promoting
polka music.
Joe launched his career while still
in elementary school when ha became a member of the "Polka Serenaders
orchestra" in the late 1940s. In 1952, while still in high school, he
joined the 'Johnny Butchko Orchestra.' As a member of this orchestra he
participated in several recordings along with numerous appearances on
live radio and Joe Fedorchak television programs during the 1950s and
1960s. He formed his own orchestra in 1963 after the retirement of
Johnny Butchko. Has earned accreditation for the development of an
unique tempo, rhythm and sound that has established his orchestra as one
of the most consistently popular polka bands, based on the number of
requests for his music on radio programs and also through resounding
album sales in record shops. Currently the co-host on the very popular
"Gene Fedorchak Polka Show" which is broadcast every Sunday on WKBN 570
in Youngstown, Ohio from 9:00 AM to 1 1:00 AM. This entertaining program
is heard in portions of six states and Canada.
Contributions towards promulgation,
promotion, and preservation of Slovenian heritage and the
Cleveland-style polka music:
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Joe has produced,
arranged, and recorded four albums; 'Polkas and
Waltzes-Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,’ 'Fedorchak - Second
Time Around’, ‘Fedorchak, by Request,' ‘Fedorchak - For That
Old Gang of Mine’ and ‘The Best of Fedorchak’. Original
compositions include, ‘Little Slugger's Polka,’ ‘The Blue
Lady Polka,’ ‘Helvak's Waltz,’ ‘Jodie’s Waltz’ and ‘Grandpa
John’s Polka.’ Their compositions have also been
incorporated into other polka bands' musical repertoire.
A charter, and diligent,
member of the ‘Penn-Ohio Polka Pals’ organization as well as
a "lifetime" member of Cleveland-style Polka Hall of Fame,
also being a member of SNPJ Lodge #643, Girard, Ohio and
NARAS (The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences),
Chicago chapter. |
Honors bestowed in recognition of
contributions towards Slovenian and the Cleveland style polka movement:
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Voted the 'Ohio State
Polka-Rama champs" in 1976, Honored as 'the Man of the Year'
in 1987 by the Penn Ohio Polka Pals Organization. Other
honorees who have shared this prestigious award are John
Kuzman, Frankie Yankovic, Johnny Vadnal, Lou Trebar, Walter
Ostanek, Eddie Habat, Kenny Bass, Joey Miskulin, Del Sinchak,
Jimmy Sturr, Johnny Krizancic, Norm Kobal, Eddie Vallus,
Gary Rhamy and Dick Tady. Posthumous awards were bestowed
for Johnny Pecon and Matt Hoyer.
Co-fest master for
Slovene-fest Six which was celebrated at the SNPJ recreation
center at Enon Valley, PA in July of 1990.
Winner of the
Cleveland-style Polka Hall of Fame "Band of the Year 1991."
Winner of the Cleveland-style Polka Hall of Fame, "Album of
the Year 1994." |
Other qualifying information:
| A
contributor on the ‘Penn Ohio Polka Pals Souvenir Edition’
album which was a finalist for the 1989 Grammy awards.
A contributor with two songs, on the Walter
Ostanek Grammy Winning Album "Music & Friends" for the year
1995.
Incorporates all facets of Slovenian
cultural heritage and the Cleveland-style polka music into
his recordings and performances, vocals, piano key accordion
and the chromatic button box. |
Personal information:
| Native of
Youngstown, Ohio; of Slovak descent; born September 4, 1935. |
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