Has it been 33 years since we last heard the Jolly J's live on stage? I can't recall the first time I saw The Jolly J's. It may have been at Erie Polka Days, but it was their appearances at The Fountain's Pavilion, a 1940s dance hall in Johnson City, NY, that had infected me with their power, presence and polkas. It gave me a chance to meet them one-on-one.

Recently I was able to re-connect with Rose and Ron of the Js and exchange some thoughts about the band and their glory days on stage and touring with the famous Jolly J's bus. They graciously agreed to an interview about those "Swing & Sway" days with the Jolly J's. ("Swing & Sway with the Jolly J's" was another hit album released by the band)

PAJ POLKA INSIDER: In their era The Jolly J's were innovative and ahead of their time especially with their music, on stage performances and crowd participation. Did the band realize just how ahead of the curve they were at that time?

JOLLY Js: We Realized that there were a lot of bands with great sounds and styles but we wanted to be true to our style and develop our sound. One of the great quotes that still makes sense is "You Can Read the book or you can WRITE the book." What made us unique besides playing our original songs, was our choreogrphy with our songs, our jumping up and down, having 2 girls in the band, our young good looks(quoted by several polka articles), our variety in sounds with everyone in the group being able to sing, and playing from our hearts. We really loved it and loved the people.

PAJ POLKA INSIDER: How many albums did the Jolly Js record?

JOLLY Js:  We recorded six albums: "Swing and Sway with the Jolly J's", "Playing In a Polka Band", "We Love You" , "Polka Revolution", "Love Again and Always, and "Top of the World"

PAJ POLKA INSIDER:  Polka Revolution is probably the song I remember most from those days. It certainly had an impact on your fans. What particular songs do you feel became identified specifically with the Jolly J's?

JOLLY Js:  When on stage there were songs featuring Rich, then songs featuring Rose, songs featuring Rose & Linda, Songs featuring Ron , songs featuring Rich and Ron and songs featuring Group vocals with all 6 members. The opening and ending songs were "Polka Revolution," "Zegnal Goral," "We Love You, On Top of The World," "Raise the Jolly J Flag," "Shake the Jolly J Can," "Polish National Anthem" and God Bless America." The other songs that identified us were When we say Love, "Those Were the Days," "Youre the One," "What Mother Says," "Sing A Song," "Freddie the Robot," "Pognala Wolki," "Life Can Make You Wise," "Just a Little Bit More," "Singing the Blues," "Dark Forest," "Shilavo," "You Can't Be a Beacon," "Lancers," North Shore" and obereks "Rano Rano" and "Staro Babba."

PAJ POLKA INSIDER: When did the band quit performing and why?

JOLLY Js: We quit in 1976 and it was time after 18 years of playing as a group

PAJ POLKA INSIDER: Are any of the former Jolly J's still involved in music, especially polka music?

JOLLY Js:  Most of the J's felt like it was not as enjoyable to play without their Jolly J family. Just recently as a hobby we have started working on putting some of the old songs on CD's for our personal enjoyment.

PAJ POLKA INSIDER: What did life bring to the Jolly Js after the band?

JOLLY Js: Rose taught Vocal music in Jr. High School for 33 1/2 years and is now still substituting music in Ohio and West Virginia. Ron works for an Investment agency. Linda years and works for the Post Office. Rich still plays occasionally with the Yudash Family Band. Frank Santa still plays bass in various polka bands. ( a comment from Rose) "Being a music teacher, and involved with all kinds of music, but nothing comes close to the sounds of a good Polka."

PAJ POLKA INSIDER:  Would the band ever consider a "reunion" performance, either live or on recording?

JOLLY Js: We were able to play for our parents anniversary and played at 2 family Weddings.

PAJ POLKA INSIDER: Any additional comments you wish to add?

JOLLY Js: Thank You for helping us remember Those Days when we were young and Proud to be Polish. We are grateful to have had the chance to make so many good friends and enjoy the true meaning of the words "We Love You." Love Again and Always, THE JOLLY J'S!