"Jumpin' John", Born Dec. 28, 1927 in Wall, PA.  One of 13 children, John started his first Violin lesson in the 1930’s.  John was taught by Walter Smith & Joe Guzik from Wall, PA.  Attended Polish School, St. Leocadia, in Wilmerding, PA.  Graduated from Westinghouse Memorial H.S. in Wilmerding, PA, 1946.  Chosen to represent his Alma Mater for the All State Orchestra, at the State Forum in Harrisburg, PA.  John was also invited to join & play for the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony, with Conductor Stanley Levin.

John was a guest with Marie Torri on the KDKA Polka Show with Joe Fiedor, and did a show on KTLA, Ch. 5, Los Angeles, CA.  He organized the Polka Party Band for the George Almasi TV Shows on Ch. 53, Pittsburgh, PA. Co-Owner of Pomona Polka Town in Pomona, CA.

Performed with Lil' Wally, Stephanie, Frankie Yankovic, Johnny Vadnal, and Gary Seibert.

Performed with (3) Hall of Famers: Joe Mlakar, Sam Pugliano, and Lou Trebar.

Performed with Dave Miron Orchestra, CA; Tony Mandella Orchestra. Etiwanda, CA; Bill Guzel Orch. Etiwanda, CA; Frank Zeitz Arcadia, CA; Herb Eberly La Verne, CA; Jan Cyman, Fl; Northern Sounds, Fl; Bee Sharps, Fl; Don Wojtila Enon Valley, Polka Quads, Steelton, PA; Kosovo Tamburitza, Wall, PA;  Nick Padezan Tamburitza; Mikey Dee Orchestra; and Bill Smartnick Orchestra. 

John has worked with the following Button Box (BB) Groups:  Fontana, CA, Button Box; Penn Ohio BB; Myrtle Beach BB; White Valley BB; and, Western PA BB.

Performed with Hall of Fame Matt Wasielewski's Polka Jets; Joe Fiedor & the Polish All Stars, Polka Family; Stan Olszewski's Varitones; Dorothy Ziemianki's Slovak-Hungarian Music; Bob Jezewski's Merry Makers; Ray Jay & the Carousels; Andy Fenus & the Trel Tones; Marvels Orch. Erie, PA; Polka Happiness; Dynasonics; Chester Jonczak's Duo; Chudaks, Buffalo Touch; Jersey Polka Richie; Concertina All Stars; Dick Pillar, Catskills; John Gora, Canada; and the Western PA, Preservation Orchestra and the Nu Tones.

John's Bands: Stardusters 1944-1955; Highlites, Pomona, CA, 1956-1966; Polka Dynamics; and the "Ol' Goats" Orch.

 

STROLLING among people and seeing their heart-warming smiles, pleases him the most.

CERTIFICATE of ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – IPA – International Polka Association.

 

When asked, After your long journey, what's your last wish?

John replied, “JESUS, do not pass me by".