•Florian Chmielewski

•Slim Dunlap

•Doug Kodet

•John Koerner

•Lester Schuft

(1927–2024)

Inducted in 1995

Florian Chmielewski’s accomplishments have come as a result of will and a strong desire to succeed. Based in Sturgeon Lake in Northern Minnesota, he traveled a long and prosperous road. Florian picked up his first accordion and learned to play at the age of 18 and played his first dance job three months later. As an Air Force enlistee in 1952, Florian played for four years with such distinguished entertainers as Hank Williams while being stationed in Shreveport, Louisana. By 1955, he had contracted with Channel 6 WDSM-TV in Duluth, and proceeded to produce the longest running music television show in the United States. Over a period of 45 years, the Chmielewski Family magic wove its way through the heartland and byways of America. Chmielewski was a “third generation” musician. His grandfather, Frank Chmielewski, who came to America from Poland in 1883 and Florian’s father, Tony, kept the music moving until 1945 when Florian started the third generation band. All in all, Chimielewski music spans 134 years. Florian’s children and grandchildren now represent the fifth generation of musically talented Chmielewskis, with a sixth generation in the works. Florian actively promoted musicianship as well as the Polka culture nationwide, and acted as a consultant for Wyoming, California and Hawaii Polka Fests.

Chmielewski Funtime Band website