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. No No Don’t Get Married Polka
2. Violins Play for Me Polka
3. Nice Quiet Evening Waltz
4. Grandpa Must Polka
5. This and That Oberek
6. We’ll Go to The Wedding Polka
7. Over My Cradle Polka
8. We Are Riding Polka
9. Don’t You Marry Son Polka
10. Aj Jaj Jaj Oberek
11. Tumba Tumba Polka
12. Water Flows Polka
13. Happy Musicians Polka
14. Happy Sophie Polka
15. Joyful Heart Polka
16. Dana Dana Oberek
17. You Will Be Sorry Polka
18. In One Year Polka
19. Dark Night Polka
20. Have Fun Johnny Have Fun Kathy Oberek
21. As I Marched Polka
22. I’m Laughing Polka
23. Two Mary’s Oberek
24. I Don’t Want Such A Wife Polka
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Artist: |
Ray Henry and His Orchestra |