Walt Solek

Walter Solek or Walt Solek (September 28, 1910 – April 1, 2005) was a Polish-American lyricist, musician, performer, and radio show host who introduced English-language lyrics into polka music in the United States. Solek was known as the "Clown Prince of Polka".

Solek was honored by the International Polka Association, the Polka Hall of Fame in Chicago, and had a 75-year music career.

Early career Solek's first break was with the Krakowska Orchestra organized by his brother Henry, with which he recorded on the RCA Victor label. In 1939 he organized his own polka band before being called up for military service in 1940 to serve in the United States Navy. The band was booked into dance halls all over the eastern states, billed as the "Polish Spike Jones". His success continued with other hits including "Coal Miners Polka," "Pierogi Polka," "Green Parrot," and "They’re Always In The Way." The polka business fell on hard times in the 1950s and his band made the switch to cutting records with English lyrics. The emergence of Rock and Roll music provided tough competition, and Solek suggested disc jockeys who run polka programs play more tunes with English lyrics. "He was a musician, a showman, an actor, and an entertainer." His song "Who Stole the Kishka?" (originally spelled Keeshka) has been a popular party tune since it was recorded in the 1950s with English lyrics.

His motto was "Bringing people together through music!". He played polka music during a time when polka was considered un-cool, competing with Elvis Presley and The Beatles, but "he knew how to have a good time and he also knew how to make people laugh and forget their worries for a while."

Solek was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 1974. He was a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church.

Death He died on April 1, 2005, at the age of 94.

Songs "Almighty Dollar Polka" "Bartender Polka" "Blondie Polka" "Coal Miners Polka" "Drunkers Lament" "Girl From Chicago Polka" "Green Parrot" "Happy Weekend Polka" "Have Another, Brother Waltz" "I Don't Want To Go Home Polka" "In A Dark Cellar Waltz" "Iron Casket Oberek" "Jolly Farmer Polka" "Julianna Polka" "Mama Told Me Polka" "Na Debowym Moscie" (on the Oak Bridge) "Oh Mama Mama Polka" "Peddler Polka" "Pierogi Polka" "Poor Old Man Oberek" "Stealing Chickens Polka" "They're Always In The Way" "Under The Star Polka" "Where Can She Be? Waltz" "Wedding Dress Polka" "Whoop Dee Doo" "Who Stole the Kishka?" "Young Bachelor Polka"