Walter Jagiello

Originally starting out at the age of 8 singing with the Eddie Zima Orchestra performing up and down "Polish Broadway" in Chicago, Wally soon struck out on his own and formed his own band "The Happy Harmony Boys".

He was renowned for his drumbeat and slower and more danceable tempo, which became a mainstay of "Chicago Style" Polish-American polka sound.

His arrangements of many popular Polish folk tunes, and many originals as well, are those used today by polka bands all over the United States.

His nickname was derived from his short stature (5 foot 6 as an adult), especially during his youth, when he would stand on a picnic table to sing.

In his later years, he retired to Miami Beach, Florida, but continued to perform and record and please audiences nationwide.