...last update 08 March 2005.

Bill Czerniak and Polka Soul was founded in the Spring of 1974 by Bill Czerniak, when he decided that he wanted to have more control of the style of music he was playing. Bill had always been a "side-man" to this point. Polka Soul's first job was a wedding in Morris, Minnesota, in May of 1974. Bill was joined by his wife, Mary Lou, Dean Totushek and Gordy Konerza on that first job. Soon after, Bill organized the original Polka Soul band. In addition to Mary Lou, Bill recruited his Brother-In-Law, Mike Nesgoda (drums and vocals), Al Hansen (trumpet, piano and vocals), Greg Wyman (trumpet and bass), and Jim Krikava (bass, Saxophone, clarinet, violin and vocals.)

This first group was an instant success, relying heavily on the "Honky Style" drumming and Polish vocals by Mike. The youthfulness and enthusiasm of college students Al, Greg and Jim, made those first years a lot of fun. Polka Soul began to perform at many of the major Polka Festivals throughout the U.S. These included, Seven Springs, Pennsylvania; New London Connecticut; Erie Polka Days, and the International Polka Association Festival in Milwaukee. The uniqueness of Polka Soul, placed them in high demand at these festivals. The band used a liberal amount of "original" tunes, mixed in with traditional Polish numbers. Their first recording "Bill Czerniak and Polka Soul" showed this uniqueness, though it was not a great recording, from a technical standpoint.

When Jim Krikava left in 1976, to become Drum Major for the University of Minnesota Marching Band, he was replaced by Jim Lampert (accordion, Saxophone, trumpet, drums, violin, bass and vocals). With the addition of Accordion to the band, Polka Soul began to mix in more "Push" style polkas. When Greg Wyman left in 1977, he was replaced by a youngster from Duluth, named Paul Perfetti. Paul had considerable experience playing Polka music, and influenced Polka Soul's musical evolution considerably by writing trumpet arrangements. Later, Wayne Slowinski, a Duluthian going to College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, replace Al Hansen. Wayne, a music major, contributed much, in terms of arrangements and ideas.

Thus, the second phase of Polka Soul was born. It was more polished and Progressive than the first version and just as popular. This group presented a variety of styles and sounds, never before achieved in Minnesota Polka circles. Of course, because of a demand for a "Variety" of music, Polka Soul began to integrate more "Modern" music into its Ballroom performances. This was accomplished with the voices of Jim, Paul and Wayne as well as their musical arrangements. The band continued to record--producing "You've Got It Coming," "Concertina Encore", and "Crazy Polkas", the latter being the most successful. Paul left the band in 1979 to complete his education. He was replaced by Wally Staniec. Wally was a veteran of Polish Polka music, with his own style of playing and singing. He brought with him a wealth of knowledge and ideas. He improved the stage "sound" of Polka Soul, as had Wayne earlier. The band continued to perform at many National Polka Fests annually, often traveling for 30 hours straight, to reach a destination. In 1980, Polka Soul was invited to join Eddie Blazonczyk, on a Polka Cruise aboard the TSS Carnival. Nearly 100 Polka Soul fans joined them for this memorable occasion. Combining with other Polka fans, they helped make this the largest Polka Cruise in History, with over 700 Polka Cruisers.

In 1981 Wayne, now a high school music teacher, left, and was replaced by Scot Newton. Scot and Bill had been members of the hot "Mrozinski Brothers", band in the early seventies. Also a music grad, Scot brought with him a lot of moxy about pop music and played a mean piano in addition to his incredible "full" trumpet sound. His vocal renderings were an asset as well. Mary Lou, with little prior contemporary piano training, learned much from Scot. Scot later joined another group. He was replaced by Brian Norris, another transplated Duluthian. He brought with him much experience, gained while playing in Joe Czerniak's band--the "Polka Dots." Brian, upon graduating from college moved to Hibbing, Minnesota, and was replaced by current member Reg Lally of Duluth. Reg is also a veteran of Polka Music, having played for years with the Dobosenski Brothers, and more recently with the Swinging Brass in Massachusetts. Reg has been writing arrangements for the band.

In late 1982, Mike Nesgoda retired from Polka Soul because of job and family responsibilities. He was replaced on drums by Dale Genadek. His drumming style has helped Polka Soul evolve its "Push" style of polkas.

Of course with every successful band, there are "behind the scenes" people. In this case, Bill and Mary Lou are indebted to Band Manager Quent Scheuffele, and Assistant Manager, Butch Herrmann, who have been so helpful throughout the years. They and there wives have traveled thousands of miles with Polka Soul. Their friendship and assistance has been invaluable. Quent has come up with promotional items such as Polka Soul Buttons, Sailor Caps, Cowboy Hats, Pens, T-Shirts, Bumper Stickers, Jackets, etc. He has been the main maintenance man, travel advisor, sound man, salesman, etc. Butch, likewise has assisted Quent and replaced him orb numerous occasions. Their knowledge about the Polka Industry is remarkable.

Despite being a heavy financial risk, Polka Soul has been a worthwhile venture for Bill and Mary Lou. It has provided them with the opportunity to travel--two Polka Tours to Hawaii and numerous Bus Trips, perform for people who appreciate their music, and meet many wonderful Polka People, They hope to do the same for years to come.

Bill stated that "Polka Soul" means playing Polka Music from the heart. He and Mary Lou have reflected on the good times of the past and visit with many of the musicians who have been making "Polka Soul" music for ten years.

Bill and Mary Lou would like to thank all of the Polka fans who have supported the band for so long. They hope that they enjoy this day as well. They also want to acknowledge the special "substitutes" who took pride in helping Polka Soul sound good. They include: Dean Totushek, Kevin Gray, Chuck Burak, Jeanne Wyman, Marv Welinski, Mike Zmyslony, Martin Long, and the newest Polka Soul member, drummer Dale Genadek.

Bill Czerniak - Concertina, Trumpet Vocals and Synthesizer of Polka Soul. Founder of Polka Soul, Bill named the band after a hit song that he wrote while playing with Joe Tomaszewski in 1970. Bill began his music career when he started concertina lessons at age 7. Soon after, he was making T.V. appearances on the "Chmielewski Brothers" show in Superior, Wisconsin and playing with his dad's band the "Duluth Polka Dots". While attending St. Johns University from 1964-1967, Bill played in numerous school bands including the Dance Band, on trumpet. Soon after starting Electrical Engineering School at the University of Minnesota, he began playing trumpet for the Joe Tomaszewski band. In 1972, he became the original concertina player with the Mrozinski Brothers. This is where Bill got his first exposure -to "Big Time" Polkas, as the Mrozinski Brothers traveled all across the United States.

At the suggestion of Tom Mrozinski, Bill formed Polka Soul in 1974 with his wife Mary Lou and brother-in-law, Mike Nesgoda as the nucleus. The rest is History.

Polka Soul gave Bill the opportunity to express his unique Concertina style. Performing at all of the Major Polka Festivals, Polka Soul soon gained a National following because of its unique, energetic and solid sound.

Bill has published approximately 50 original Polka and Waltz tunes, many which were recorded on the dozen LP's on which he has recorded.

Bill is currently serving his fourth term as a Director of the International Polka Association. He works as an Electrical Engineer for Northern States Power Company. He and Mary Lou live in Shoreview with their family.

Bill Czerniak was inducted into the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame in 1992.

William G. 'Bill' Czerniak passed away at the age 55 on April 18, 2002