Joe Fiedor
Deceased Category – Inducted 1982
Joe was born in Mt. Pleasant Township,
Pennsylvania, on February 26, 1931. He graduated from Hurst High School
in 1948.
Joe was always attracted to Polka music and it is
easy to understand why he would become an outstanding Polka promoter.
With a strong determination and the use of his personal he was able to
bring Polka music into an area that was relatively foreign to this type
of music. Beginning in 1951, he began his career as a Polka disc jockey
with WHSB radio in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He was host of the Joe
Fiedor Polka Carousel Program heard every Sunday evening. Joe played
Polka recordings from all over the country on his program. As the
popularity of this music increased in the area, Joe started to book
various bands to play at local dances. As the demand became greater for
this music he was prompted to establish the well-known Fiedor’s Grove in
Mt. Pleasant. A musician at heart, he was also singing with the Bob
Gazda Polka Band from Pittsburgh and recorded with that group.
Joe delighted in introducing traveling bands to the
local audiences. Among the polka personalities to appear for the first
time was Li’l Wally from Chicago who played to a capacity crowd. Joe
expanded his activities in Polka music and with a lot of promotion the
Fiedor Grove soon became a favorite location for polka gatherings.
Because of his involvement in numerous Polka activities he acquired the
name of “Polish Joe Fiedor." His strong love for Polka music inspired
him to organize his own band known as Li’l Ronny and the Carousels. The
band was composed of his son, Ronny, and nephews. Together they made
many appearances throughout the country. During this period they made
several recordings.
Joe was always striving to expand the popularity of
Polka music. In 1975 and for three successive summers he presented the
gigantic Fourth of July Polka Weekend at Seven Springs Resort. The
success of this promotion prompted the presentation of the Winter Ski
Festival. He was the founder and President of the Pennsylvania Polka
Association and the United States Polka Association, Polka Power Club,
Polka Ambassadors, Polish Crusaders. Mount Pleasant Firemen’s Club,
Knights of Columbus, Polish Falcons, AMVETS, American Legion of
Greensburg, and the Kosciuszko Club. |
