Alvin C. Sajewski
Living Category – Inducted 1978
When it comes to polka music the name of Sajewski
is a household word, representing an association of over 80 years in
the annals of Polish and polka music in America. Alvin Sajewski
carried on the tradition established by his father, who opened their
first music store in 1897 in Chicago. In those early years the
inventory included theatrical books, sheet music, instruments, piano
rolls and recordings. In time the store was flourishing and the related
mail-order business he established had reached the farthest corners of
rural and urban America.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Alvin Sajewski contributed significantly to the growth and development of polka
music. Born in Chicago on March 1, 1905, Alvin attended local schools
and almost immediately became absorbed in the operation of the family
music business. As a publisher, talent scout, and owner of the oldest
and largest polka music store in the United States, he was recognized as
a leading authority of ethnic folk songs and polka music. In 1977,
Alvin Sajewski was invited as a guest panelist to the Library of
Congress conference in Washington, D.C., for the first meeting of its
kind dealing with the subject of ethnic recordings in America. By
donating over 400 rare, old 78 rpm records to the Library of Congress,
he helped lay a foundation on which to build an authentic chronological
library of recorded Polish folk and polka music.
Through the years Sajewski encouraged and
promoted young talent in the recording industry. This is one of his
outstanding contributions to the field of recorded ethnic music.
Because of his efforts, many polka bands and vocalists were given the
opportunity to record.
On May 18, 1977 a testimonial dinner honoring Alvin
C. Sajewski was presented in observance of the 80th
anniversary of the founding of the Sajewski music store. Today, Mr.
Sajewski, his unique store and publishing company have become a legend.
Alvin Sajewski has passed way. |
