Living Category - Inducted 1993

Fred's introduction to music was at the age of 10 when a representative of the Midwest Accordion School visited SS. Peter and Paul School on Chicago's Southwest side. Practicing daily, he soon joined his first polka band with Richie Gomulka and Louie Jedlowski called "Little Louie and the Lucky Boys". At the age of twelve he and this band took second place on the then famous Morris B. Sachs amateur hour. The band also made an appearance on WGN-TV in Chicago during a broadcast of the "Ron Terry Polka Party."

During his childhood he performed for many affairs including a parade in Chicago honoring President Eisenhower. After playing the accordion for over ten years, in 1960 he started his own band with musician Bill Gliwa, called the Monumentals. At this time he moved to the drums.

Through the years the Monumentals have performed hundreds of engagements in Illinois and the band has traveled from Minnesota to New London Connecticut, to San Antonio, Texas and Florida. They also recorded an album "Polka's That Swing' on the Bel-Aire Record label. He has shared the stage with a host of talented musicians, and has performed for many benefits, and was also honored by the late Chicago polka promoter Joe Swartz back in 1977 for their contribution to the polka music industry. The Monumentals continue to perform today.

Since its existence in 1968 he has had a lifelong love affair with the International Polka Association. From bartending at Polonia Grove during the few first IPA conventions to his first off ice of director to membership chairman his interest continued to grow. He was elected First Vice-President and played a major role in the acquisition of the building which now houses the International Polka Association, and has held the position of building chairman since 1979. Currently he serves as the President of the IPA, an honor that has been his for a combined total of 10 years.

He has earned a reputation for honest, integrity, and true love for polkas by his peers. He is an accomplished musician, vocalist, composer, promoter and occasional disc jockey. He has been supported by his parents Walter and Pauline Hudy and sister Maryann, his wife Karen and children Cindy, Glenn, Kathy and Lori, along with son-in-law Tim and his two grandchildren, Marty and Joey. In addition Fred is an avid bowler and has served 15 years as secretary/treasurer of the Southwest Clubs Bowling League in Chicago. He is also currently performing with the Gents Orchestra. Fred's dedication and commitment to the IPA will always continue, and his efforts to promote polka music will live in his heart forever.