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Henry Jasiewicz
Deceased Category -
Inducted 1991
By age 12, Henry Jasiewicz
discovered his love for music and was practicing with a muted trumpet in
his basement, often while his parents were sleeping. In the years that
followed, he also spent as much time as possible learning the violin.
His musical career began in the 1930's. In 1935 he
 helped
organize the Polish Ambassadors Orchestra. It was at this time that he
DJ'd a weekly radio broadcast over WHJB radio in Greensburg,
Pennsylvania. He then joined the Silver Moon Orchestra and that musical
friendship continued for 25 years. At that time he also played with the
Sunset Orchestra and the Polish Diplomats.
Henry began teaching his son Henny, who was
7 years old at the time, to play trumpet. He then helped in the
formation of the Bell Hops Orchestra whose musicians were all under the
age of 12. He was associated with this group for the following 15 years,
later playing in the group as well. He then instilled his love and
knowledge of music to his daughter Dee-Dee and by the age of 9 was
singing with the group. When the Bell Hops disbanded, Henry began
playing with his family in the Polish All Stars Orchestra.
Henry's son Henny formed the Versa J's in
1972 when the Polish All Stars disbanded. Henry continued to play in
this family orchestra along with son Henny, grandson Butchie, daughter
Dee Dee, son-in-law Stas and, most recently, grandson Ryan. Ryan at the
age of 3 was singing with the band and learning the violin from his "Pappi"
Henry.
Henry recorded numerous
45's throughout the years. He also recorded with the Bell Hops, where
he wrote the music for much of their albums. He recorded four albums
with Henny and the Versa J's where he recorded more than 20 of his
original songs and his wife Josephine wrote most of the lyrics.
Over the years, Henry
performed throughout various areas of the United States sharing his love
for polka music at various functions- He also appeared in the movie "In
Heaven There is No Beer". Henry was honored with a testimonial given by
the Polka Power Club of Pennsylvania in 1984. |
