Dick Pillar
Living Category – Inducted 1974
Two words that are virtually synonymous to
thousands of fans throughout the country are "polka" and "Pillar," like
celery and salt they were made for each other. Born 34 years ago to
Joseph and Stella Pillar Pillar of Uncasville, Connecticut, Richard has
been setting toes a-tapping since 1958 when he formed his first
orchestra, performing at school dances, weddings, and private parties.
But fame arrived on supersonic wings and the band was soon on the road,
appearing throughout New England, the Middle Atlantic States and the
Midwest, as well as Canada and Florida.
 Educated
at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, Connecticut, and at Mitchell College
in new London, he also attended the Hartt College of Music in Hartford.
He plays trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, guitar, and
banjo. But beyond that, Dick is a talented impresario who knows what
the polka-loving public wants and gives it to them. Witness the success
of his Polkabration – "the greatest Polka Show on Earth" – an event that
annually draws thousands to New London, Connecticut’s Ocean Beach Park.
Polkabration grew from a one-day affair in 1965, to an eleven-day affair
in 1974 featuring 36 bands.
Witness too, the success of Steljo Records, the
"prestige polka label." Dick is president of the firm and in charge of
the record division while his father is vice-president heading the tape
division.
Dick Pillar and his golden sound orchestra presents
the versatility and energetic style of polka music that is listenable as
well as danceable for audiences of all ages and nationalities. Much of
his musical success is related to his ability to personally communicate
with every member of his audience. At all of the Pillar engagements the
audiences are encouraged to “get into the act” by means of the now
famous Dick Pillar request cards. The Pillar orchestra has four albums
to their credit on the Steljo label.
Then there’s the Sunday radio show on WSUB, Groton,
Connecticut which Dick co-hosts with his wife, Adele (they were wed in
August 1970). Dick is also a music teacher, booking agent, promoter and
producer of various types of entertainment extravaganzas.
One of the founders of the United States Polka
Association and its first president (he’s now an honorary life member),
Dick also belongs to the International Polka Association, the Country
Music Association and the American Federation of Musicians.
Dick readily admits that Walt Solek was among the
first to inspire him to a career in music. It is most fitting,
therefore, that both of these fine talents be recognized by admission on
the same day to the Polka Music Hall of Fame. |
