Larry Chesky

Holyoke, Massachusetts Accordion player, band leader and manager Born November 17, 1933, died January 25, 2011. International Polka Music Hall of Famer - Larry Chesky and His Orchestra With the help of his father, Larry’s first band, “The Polka Dots,” was formed when he was twelve years old.  After its first regional radio broadcast, the popularity of the group soared.  Larry changed the group’s name to “Larry’s Polka Dots”. At the age of fifteen, with the help of his mentor and promoter, Joe Tauss of New York, Larry signed with the Musico Record Company.  It as then that Larry achieved his now famous “Big Band Sound.”  A ten-piece orchestra was formed named “Larry Cheska and His Orchestra.”  The group’s first recording was “Our Gang Oberek” which became a hit. During the 50’s, Larry formed the Rex Record Company.  He had a close working relationship with [a952460], who formed Dala Records and Al Soyka, who formed Glo Records.  Over many years these three pioneer Polka recording companies worked together for promotion and benefit of the Polka industry. In 1974, Larry formed Modern Mail International.  The company was formed to promote Polish heritage through the distribution of “Proud To Be Polish” products.