International Polka Music Hall of Fame® Ray Henry Mocarski has composed many original songs.
While still in his early teens, Henry Mocarski, of Windsor, Connecticut started a polka band with Emil Juda on drums, Ray Zak on sax, and Henry Mocarski on accordion. Using the first names of Ray Zak and Henry Mocarski, the Ray Henry Orchestra was born. This group played in a local restaurant for approximately 2 ½ years with much of their earnings used to build up their polka library. Then they made plans to have a 10-piece orchestra. Running ads in local newspapers, all positions were soon filled and rehearsals began. Hired to play a wedding, the exposure brought immediate response. They soon found themselves performing in many polka dancing spots in the Connecticut area.
In 1947, while rehearsing in Hartford, Frank Wojnarowski happened to visit the rehearsal hall. Already a popular recording artist, Frank suggested that Ray contact Walter Dana with respect to making records. Following his advice, “Don’t Get Married, Son” was recorded on a 78 rpm single. The name of Ray Henry reached national prominence. Bookings followed in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Ohio, and Detroit. The orchestra recorded some 84-78 rpm records for Dana. “Blonde Bombshell Polka” became a hit in 1952. “Ballroom Polka” became a hit in the mid-60’s and is standard in the polka music field today.
Check out this CD today with Ray Henry. Two former albums now on one CD!
Track listing:
1. Trombone Polka
2. Horseback Polka
3. Stashu Pandowski Polka
4. Hi There Polka
5. Sugar Baby Polka
6. Saxophone Oberek
7. Domino Polka
8. Lindy Polka
9. Baby Oberek
10. Ding Dong Polka
11. Connecticut Yankee Polka
12. Carrot Polka
13. Roller Skating Polka
14. Play Ball Polka
15. Dynamite Polka
16. Home Run Polka
17. Deep Sea Polka
18. Lighthouse Oberek
19. Dream Valley Polka
20. Hot Tomato Polka
21. Humdinger Oberek
22. Farmer's Polka
23. Early Birds Polka
24. Green Garden Oberek
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Artist: |
Ray Henry & His Orchestra |