Larry Chesky
Larry Chesky (born November 17, 1933, died January 25, 2011, Holyoke, MA) was a Polka band leader and manager of the Polka record label Rex Records.[1] He was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 1985, having recorded over 100 record albums.[2] He was a proponent of the "Big Band" or "Eastern" style of Polka, which features more band members (greater than ten), and a focus on horn and reed instruments, than the typical Polka band. Jimmy Sturr, the 18 time Grammy Award Winner for Best Polka Album, said of him: "He was one of my idols. I grew up on him...I modeled my band after his Eastern style."[3] Lenny Gomulka, the twelve time Polka Grammy Nominee, said that Larry Chesky was a "pioneer who changed and enhanced the image of polka to the Big Band sound."[4]
Partial discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Polish Party | TS74 | |
| Polish House Party | TS79 | |
| Polish Party | TS81 | |
| Castscok | REX 478 | |
| Polka Wonderland | REX 653 | |
| Polkarama | REX 654 | |
| Polka Style Hits | REX 660 | |
| Polka Hits | REX 668 | |
| Broadway Hits: Polka Style | REX 669 | |
| Polka Favorites | REX 678 | |
| Polkatively Yours | REX 679 | |
| Great Polkas | REX 699 | |
| Big Band Polkas | REX 700 | |
| Polkas for the Girls | REX 725 | |
| Polka | REX 736 | |
| Larry Chesky and His Orchestra with Regina Kujawa Singing | REX 754 | |
| Live At The Big E | REX 758 | |
| The Polka Dolls Plus One (with Greg and Colleen) | REX 803 |
References
- ^ Kelly, Ray (2011-01-26). "Polka great Larry Chesky dead at 77". Retrieved 2014-09-22.
- ^ International Polka Association Editorial Staff. "Larry Chesky – Living Category – Inducted 1985". International Polka Association. International Polka Association. Retrieved 2014-09-22.
- ^ Kelly, Ray (2011-01-26). "Polka great Larry Chesky dead at 77". Retrieved 2014-09-22.
- ^ Kelly, Ray (2011-01-26). "Polka great Larry Chesky dead at 77". Retrieved 2014-09-22.