John "Jas"
Przasnyski
Deceased Category - Inducted 1998
John (Jas) Stanley Przasnyski was born a twin on May 25, 1926 in
Bristol, Connecticut. John was the eldest of the two boys.
After World War 11, John attended the Julius Hartt School of Music in
Hartford and learned to play the drums. From the point, he was attracted
to the music business and though he held day time jobs, his heart was
all music. As a member of the popular Connecticut Twins, they produced
16 albums on the Stella label. The band traveled to many locations and
played almost every major hotel in New York City.
John met his wife, Florence, at a dance at the Polish
National Home in Hartford, Connecticut in October of 1954. They were
married September 10, 1955 and had two daughters, Florence Christine and
Diana Lynn. Diana and her husband Richard Kubena have two sons, Richard
who is age 14 and Robert, 8 years of age.
As an outstanding drummer, John Przasnyski performed
as a member of the Merry Makers, Connecticut Twins and later was leader
of his own band operating under the name of Jas Przasnyski and then
Johnny Praz Orchestra for 21 years. It is said that his great musical
talent became apparent after he had formed his own band. As a tribute to
his wife, Florence, he composed and recorded a song known as Floppy Flo.
Under his own name name and personal leadership John
made three more albums; two on the Starr label and the other for J.P.
Records.
John was still very active and performing at the time
of his demise from Leukemia on December 28, 1996. He was age 70.
