Ansonia’s ‘Polka Pete’ marks 50 years on the air
ANSONIA — The year 2020 has shaped up to be a very special one for Peter J. Danielczuk, affectionately known as “Polka Pete,” as he celebrates 50 years of doing what he loves — promoting polka music on the airwaves.
Danielczuk, 68, is grateful to have spent his life devoted to the promotion of polka music, where he’s marking the half-century milestone in October, national Polish Heritage Month.
The former, longtime president of Ansonia’s Board of Aldermen, serving from 1973 to 2009, and veteran Fitzpatrick’s car salesman, Danielczuk recently was recognized by the International Polka Association. The latest feat is one of many Danielczuk will add to his growing collection of honors over the last five decades.
The lifelong Ansonia resident’s love of polka music began early on.
“When I was a kid, my father used to take us all on Sunday drives for seven or eight hours, and we’d listen to polka music on the radio,” he said, adding his parents met at a polka dance at Warsaw Park.
Landing his first gig in 1970 at the former WADS radio station, Danielczuk honed his chops as an engineer for the Victor and Sophie Zembruski “Polish Eagle Polka Show.” His love of polka music blossomed from there.
Before long, Danielczuk made his way from behind the scenes and took to the airwaves as a WADS D J, known for playing polkas on his morning show. Pairing up with Dick Yash for the “Polka Carousel” show, the two became one of the most popular polka radio duos in the country.
“I never thought back in the ’ 70s that I would be on radio for 50 years,” he said. “I am proud of the fact that I have made hundreds and hundreds of listeners feel good with this happy polka music. It gives me great joy that I can promote the music that I grew up with and love. I give special thanks to my late parents for introducing me to this music. I never get sick of playing and listening polka music. ... It will always be part of my life.”
Danielczuk’s “Polka Celebration” radio show was a hit on WICC radio for more than a decade, and enjoyed by listeners throughout the Northeast. He earned the nickname of Connecticut’s “Prince of Polkas” by several media outlets, including the New Haven Register and Hartford Courant, and even caught the attention of the New York Times.
His long-running shows can still be heard from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on
WNHU, and online at www.247polkaheaven.com, and from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays on the Polka Jammer Network.
The walls of Danielczuk’s home studio are lined with awards, including the Joe Jozwiak Award from the International Polka Association and the Frankie Yankovic Award, a national service award given to those whose efforts have been instrumental in keeping the polka genre in the public eye — and ear.
A recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from
the U.S. Polka Association, Danielczuk was named Citizen of the Year in 1995 by the Polish American World Newspaper, Gold Legion Honor of the Polish Falcons and Gold Star of Merit award from the president of Poland. He’s also a member of the National Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame.
One of Danielczuk’s proudest moments came in 2013 when the “Ballroom Polka” was named the official state polka. He persisted for seven years to get the polka, named on behalf
of his mentor, the late Ray Henry, signed into law by former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
Longtime friend Dennis Polisky, band leader of The Maestro’s Men, recalled how proud Danielczuk was that day.
“Not a lot of people know that Connecticut has a state polka, and Pete played such an instrumental role in changing that,” Polisky said. “It’s important to be true to and support your heritage. The polka community is proud of Pete’s dedication. He’s been spreading polka joy all these years.”
Mayor David Cassetti agreed.
“Peter is Ansonia’s ambassador to the Polish community and a friend,” Cassetti said. “He is our direct connection through his music, which has helped bring joy not only to the Polish community, but to the Valley and beyond.”
Danielczuk penned a few polka songs of his own, including “Hooray for the New York Yankees” and
“MaryAnn the Polka Angel.” And he’s not showing any signs of slowing down. He’s been named Connecticut’s trustee to the International Polka Association’s Polka Music Hall of Fame, and continues to honor his civic duty, serving on Ansonia’s Board of Police Commissioners.
One thing Danielczuk knows for sure is his love for polka music will never stop “until the last accordion plays.”