International Polka Music Hall of Fame® Eddie Zima was born in 1923 in Chicago and began playing the concertina when he was 6 years old. His mother, Eleanor, upon noticing his eagerness and ability to play, signed him up for lessons. The concertina was too big for the boy to carry, so he hauled it to lessons in his little red wagon.
His band was among the first Chicago polka bands to make records and his early recordings familiarized people with Chicago’s style of polka music. His Capitol recordings made a hit in Texas. He was signed by Dana records and made seven albums for them. His biggest Dana hit was "Circus Polka." He also recorded on the RCA, Chicago and Jay Jay labels.
Eddie Zima composed many tunes. He had a great ear for music. Polka dancers loved his tempo and he was a good dancer himself.
Eddie Zima passed on April 28, 1966. He left behind a Chicago Honky style of polka music picked up by many bands.
Track listing:
1. Club House Polka
2. Everlasting Love Waltz
3. Get Happy Polka
4. My Girl Anna Oberek
5. Hot Rod Polka
6. Red Beer Polka
7. My Maggie Polka
8. State Fair Waltz
9. Needle in the Haystack Polka
10. When I Marry Oberek
11. Moon in My Window Waltz
12. Blonde Secretary Polka
13. Our Secret Love Waltz
14. Dippy Polka
15. Red Pajamas Oberek
16. I am in the Army Now Polka
17. Shoemaker’s Waltz
18. Promises Polka
19. Theresa Polka
20. My Sweetheart I miss You Waltz
21. Dill Pickle Polka
22. Lucy’s Wisconsin Waltz
23. Sparks of Fire Polka
24. Free Lunch Polka