[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18689]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  BENNY PRILL: POLKA'S ``GOLDEN STAR''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 3, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Benny Prill for his 
induction into the Michigan State Polka Music Hall of Fame. Michigan is 
a state whose citizens are proud of their multi-cultural ancestry and 
who delight in celebrating that diversity with others. The Polish 
community is one of the proudest in Michigan, bringing with it a love 
for good food, good spirits, fellowship, dancing and the lively, foot-
stomping traditions of the polka.
  When Benny was just a toddler, he drove nails into a board to 
simulate an accordion and in doing so he became part of the rich 
heritage that all polka music enthusiasts share. Like many musical 
genres, polka is a mingling of many styles, including European 
classical music and folk music. During the Depression Era in the United 
States, a uniquely American style developed that reflected the melting 
pot musical talents of the many immigrants who came to this country.
  Like many polka lovers, Benny was introduced to the music at an early 
age and quickly developed a passion for it. During his school years, 
Benny played for weddings, dances, house parties and at many other 
functions. He was drafted into the army at eighteen and during his 
enlistment he joined a band called the Drifters. Once back home, Benny 
went on to play for the Golden Stars and most recently in the Polka 
Music Sound. Many polka fans have come to know Benny through bus trips 
he has organized throughout Michigan and Ohio for the promotion of 
polka music. He also hosts polka dances and is a part-time disc jockey 
for WKJC-FM in Tawas City.
  For Benny and others, polka is more than just a type of music, it is 
a lifestyle that represents a culture and a warmth of spirit that 
attracts people from all over the world. Polka fans have their own 
language, with words such as ``tubs'' to describe a drum set or 
``boxman'' to describe a concertina or accordion player. Benny has 
earned a reputation not only as a fine musician, but as someone who 
honors the customs and traditions of polka music so that future 
generations also will be able to enjoy it.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Benny 
Prill on achieving the Michigan Polka Music industry's highest honor. 
As a keeper of the polka flame, Benny will ensure that good music and 
lively dancing will live on for many years and I am confident that he 
will find even more ways of providing venues for all to enjoy the 
melodic energy of the polka.

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