Polish Art Center - Joe Durlak Sings

The Polish Answer Man

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Joe Durlak Sings

In 1947, CZYJA TA DZIEWCZYNA (Whose Girl Are You) became Joe Durlak's most famous composition. It was recorded on the Columbia label with the Carousel Orchestra (Orkiestra Polskiej Karuzeli) and became an instant hit.

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In 1947, CZYJA TA DZIEWCZYNA (Whose Girl Are You) became Joe Durlak's most famous composition. It was recorded on the Columbia label with the Carousel Orchestra (Orkiestra Polskiej Karuzeli) and became an instant hit. English lyrics to the song appeared in 1949. Over the years it has been recorded a countless number of times, in Polish and English, by artists like Lawrence Welk, Bobby Vinton, Li'l Wally Jagielo, Frank Wojnarowski and many others.

Joseph P. Durlak was born May 1, 1919 in Chicago. "Jozio" grew up in the Cragin neighborhood. He worked for Zenith Radio. His wife's name was Stephanie ("Stevie"). They met at a social doing at Oaza Hall.

Originally Joe sang and played a "C" clarinet with the Eddie Zima orchestra. Besides Zima on concertina, the line-up included Edwin Pytel on drums, and violinist Stanley Pisiu, who was also a whistler. His popularity became known at the carnivals of St. James Parish in Cragin. Fr. Edward Przybylski booked the band for every night. This was the first parish to run carnivals and crowds were enormous. Durlak had a great rapport with the crowds.

The band would perform at picnics in Caldwell Woods and Schiller Park. They played for dances at Stefanik's Hall, PRCY Hall, Gut's Hall, Junior's Radio Inn, Veteran's Hall on N. Wood Street and Rainbow Gardens on the south side. Durlak also performed on live radio, along with his "Radio Gang"

Most of his recordings were on Columbia Records. Other recordings were made on the Rondo, Polkatunes and Balkan labels.

Joe Durlak celebrated his 75th birthday at Przybylo's White Eagle. He died on February 24, 1995 and is resting at Maryhill Cemetery.

Song title selections:
1) Oj Ja Se Cholpiec Gipki (I'm a Go-Getter Polka)
2) Czja ta Dziewczyna (Whose Girl Are You Waltz)
3) Takie Czasy Juz Nastaly (Modern Times Polka)
4) Ku Ku Kokoszka (Little Chick Oberek)
5) Malarz Maluje (Painter's Polka)
6) Siedziala Na Studzience (Sitting At The Well Kujawiak)
7) Co Cie Boli (What Aches You Polka)
8) Oj Nic Nie Mam (I'm Broke Oberek)
9) Na Gore Mnie Wiedza (Up The Hill Polka)
10) Zona Moje Gdzie Ty Chodisz (Wife of Mine Where You Goin')
11) Cztery Mile Za Krakowem (Four Miles From Krakow Polka)
12) Do Berna Oberek (To Berne)
13) Swiec Miesizczku (Shine On Moon Waltz)
14) Na Wysokiem Debie (On The Oak Tree Polka)
15) Mlody Parobek (Young Farmer Oberek)
16) Walczyka Mi Gracie (Play Me A Waltz)

Features

Compact Disc
16 Songs
Total Time: 43:11

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