Hello to Lil' Wally's family. My husband gave me a stack of Lil' Wally albums for our 27th Anniversary today. Can you imagine that?

GOD REST LIL WALLY's SOUL. I am 56yo. & born & raised on a Small Dairy Farm near Weyerhauser,WI.. As Long as I can remember my Mother had several Lil Wally albums & would play them often & would dance to them. She told me she danced to Lil Wally at Polonia Grove near 47th. & Archer. Even today it seems the Polka Bands still Love to play his songs because they Truly are GOOD & HAPPY Music. I even LOVE to play his music & try to sing along,Especially "Chicago Is A Polka Town". I Believe He is playing & singing in Heaven(:

sorry for the lost, I just found out that he was related to my family the Gabrys my father played the accordion many years and talk about him

To the family of Walter E. Jagiello, my sincerest sympathies. May you find comfort in the promise found at Revelatino 21:4.

My entire family's favorite, nice polka music, i have a few songs, yet I am saerching for the entire collection, I am sorry he is gone, all we have left his his music, and listen it it over and over, its is music you never get tired of. So sorry he is gone.

So many wonderful memories of lil Wally on Sunday mornings. You live on in your happy snappy music. Thank you for everything and God bless.

Back in 1961, I wanted to play the Drums, Mmm & Dad told me I had to learn how to play polka music!!!! I hated polka Music, until 1 Day I heard Lil Wally's 7 Day & 7 nights and now all I listen to is polkas! Got to meet "THE MAN" of Polkas, and gabb with him quite a few times!!!! Love Him!
Allan "Abe" C
Uniontown, pa
abecba

there will never b another lil-wally he was+always b the polka king. i had the pleasure 2 meet him and dance 2 his music more then once.also had a few drinks with him. i miss him dearly.

Listening to one of his 45s on yellow wax right now. Wally truly was the polka king!

Wally you're music is so happy so .... awesome !!!
Thanks for all your songs !
There are all great !!!
Thanks and thanks the world's polka king for ever !!!!

polka

TED BZDAWKA COEUR D ALENE, IDAHO

WALLY YOU WERE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE BEST. REST IN PEACE.

.

Dear Lil Wally, Your music was the best, I am polish, don't understand polish, but the way you sounded, the best of all. I have your albums to listen 2 now,and with you in our hearts, u will be missed.Loved your music.

Uncle Wally,

I just saw this while looking up something Jagiello related. I am so happy that we were able to get back in touch with one another a few years back. You have a great-great nephew to be born in January and the family continues on. Thank you for everything.

Walter was a very good man. I will miss him. Rest in peace!!!

God bless you Wally. May the Saints and Angels of God come to your help and hear your supplication. May you be rewarded with the forever joys in heaven and a blissful eternity to enjoy your music and friends. Rest in Peace

Thanks for the memories!!! Originally from Chgo, so I grew up on your music. My mom and dad (Frand & Sophie Jaworek)loved your music and my little brother, Dennis, actually played drums in one of your sets in FL...rest in peace!
Pat (Jaworek) Farkas
Pflugerville TX

I had the good fortune to hear and see a lot of Polka bands in the Green Bay area. I was away for so long that I can't remember who I saw live, like at the Pulaski Polish Sausage Festival where many bands would gather. I had the good fortune of a gathering with his nephew in California many years ago. He played the accordion also, and we had a lot of fun. Its one of my premium memories. It was God's gift to know the Polska influence from my mother. My condolences to the family.

Bob Pietras

previously from chicago father was edward ronald, his father was edward and his father was vincent
wife mary

Deeply sadden to hear of the passing
of Lil'Wally. Been a polka dj for over 25 years and remember his appearance at the Monaca,Pa.PNA
back in the 70's. As well,had the
opportunity to talk to him via
telephone some years back, and have
some radio liners he did for me.No
doubt,a kind human being and extend
my heartfelt sympathies to his family. Maly Wladziu, thanks for all
the great polka happiness.
POLKA DJ
Robert L.Frynkewicz
WBVP1230/WMBA1460
Beaver County's Hometown Stations
Beaver Falls,Pa./Ambridge,Pa.

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family of Lil' Wally. I knew Lil' Wally from Chicago. In fact, he played on one side of the street and I played concertina on the other side. I've always listened to his music and continue to play his hits at home and in the car. My family truly loves the Lil' Wally sound and he'll never be gone as long as we still have his music. God Bless his family and may Almighty God grant you the strength and peace of eternal hope.

My mother played Lil Wally's music for me when I was still in the cradle. My mother has told me that hearing his music would stop me from crying back then, and it still makes me happy today. When I was a bit older, my grandmother used to have me sing along to his music and she would tell me what they meant. I was never able to meet the man and tell him how much his music means to me, but I hope that by doing this, his family will know what a blessing his music was and still is in my life.

I'm sorry to hear of Lil Wally's passing.....
My parents, (George & Fran Lonning) belonged to the Polka Lovers of America and they loved Lil Wally's music,Dancing or listening. My Dad died, Jan of 2005 and Mom's lost without my Dad, but playing Lil Wally's songs and all the bands that played at the Majestic Ballroom in Cottage Grove, Mn and around Minnesota......brings a smile to my Moms face. Thanks Lil Wally.......Your still making people happy with your music!

Thank you for all the wonderful music and entertainment throughout the years.
Dennis Accord

My sympathy to the family. Polka has suffered a loss but will not be lost thanks to this great man.

I first heard Wally back in the late 50's playing "My Shoes Keep Walkn Back To You" I was hooked on his music.Through the many years I have played drums, I have had the opportunity to work with Wally on 4 occasions over the past 35yrs and was always amazed at the amount of lyrics that "Lived" in that man's head. He was truly amazing. A great performer...he kept the crowd going from the first tune to the last. I was very proud to have been chosen to play with George Borsuk's Buffalo Connection backing up Wally for his last performance in Feb of 2006. The man was a cacaphony of the polka experience..he continued to pull out song after song. He still had his ability to read his audience and play Their Song. A Musician and Performer the likes of Wally comes by once in a lifetime...He was loved as was his music. He will be missed. I will miss him.

I don't know Wally, however my name is Jeff Jagiello and I googled my name and this brilliant man's name came up. I'm so fortunate to have the same last name as such a star. Wally will truly be missed.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

I have loved lil wally's music since I was a kid ( and now I'm 60 ).In fact for several years when I was a teenager all I wanted to do was to listen to his music, try to play it or to attend his dances. He was the greatest in the field -- ever -- I wish that his style, fluency or feeling could some day be equalled but can't see it happening . Now, months later, I still can't believe he is gone : there was something ageless, eternal about his music. One of his many albums and songs was entitled "Zyj na wieki!" (Live forever).....Live forever among the angels, Wally: There was a divine spark in you. Like many others I'll love and take comfort in your music until the day I die. Sincerely, Joe Rodgers, Bridgeport, Ct.

To Jeanette and family, please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Li'l Wally, my idol.My father and mother would take me to Caldwell Woods every sunday to hear him sing and play, although there were other bands playing, he always seemed to have the biggest crowd listening and dancing to his music. He sang and played with such passion, pure heart and soul. Because of him and his music, I started to play drums and sing his songs, he was my greatest inspiration. On behalf of the Touch Of Chicago band, NIGDY NIE ZAPOMNE!

When I worked with The Great Walt Solek at WMMW 1470 AM Radio in Meriden, Connecticut we would always have people calling the station and asking for a Polka by the Great Walter E. Jagiello! I think we got the most calls for "In Heaven There Is No Beer!" I know this was one of his BIG All Time Hits for sure! Now he is in Polka Heaven with the Great Walt Solek and Polka DJ Stanley E. Saleski of Meriden,CT. I know he will be Greatly Missed by ALL! May Walter Always Rest In Peace,AMEN!

Wally you will be missed. My late father played the trumpet with you many times on your live radio broadcasts at the Carousel Club at 25th and Sawyer.I remember him taking me to your recording studio on 25th and Kedzie. I was about 15 way back when in 1965. You where kind to me and even gave me a free rock'n Roll 45RPM. that some group recored at your studio on the Drummer Boy label. < I still have that record in my collection> You where the Beatles of Polka music. Everyone of those early 50's and 60's hits where pure Gold recordings. I always thought you should have received a Grammy for all that hard work and great music you made and for changing the entire Polka music field. Your drumming was crisp and driving. Your vocals that you always over dubbed when it came to the harmonies where beyond great. You will be missed. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to your wife Jeanette and your entire family. Joseph Bialek.

My Condolences to Jeanette
Thank you Li'l Wally for making my wedding a fantastic time 16 yrs ago.
I have so many memories and good times with Wally selling his records that I will treasure the rest of my life.
My mom used to play Wally's music all the time. We grew up watching mom, grandparents and all my aunts and uncles play those favorite tunes out on the farm.
Wally, You will never be forgotton. I play your music every day.
Thanks for the good times may you rest in Peace.
Chuck Stringhill

Sa musique, ses chansons ont enchanté la polonia de France...

Au revoir l'artiste...


----------

Sa musique, ses chansons ont enchanté de nombreuses familles de la polonia francuzka...

Sincères condoléances...

Thank you Wally for the many years of happy joyous music. My late father got me started on your music in my teens, and I loved it ever since. Needless to say,I still have Wally's records and love them.

Bog zaplac i sto lat.
Weronika Sudol,
Brantford ON, Canada.

My condolences to Jeanette and family on the loss of an Polish American original.
We had the honor of seeing him perform at the Polish American Veterans Club in Wilbraham, MA and also attending Sunday Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Indian Orchard, MA

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Will be truly missed, a pleasure to have grown up with this sound, very fond memories, lifetime of happy times listening to Wally. True polka legend. May the King Rest in Peace

Thanks for the good times, great dances and fond memories.

Dear Walter and family,

To the family, I am sorry to hear this and my deepest sympathy is with you.

Walter, first time I heard of you was only after your sad passing, on young polka Patrick's internet polka radio show. A few tunes were played for you.

Mate, well done on the many years of great music. I know you're up in heaven with all the other greats like Frankie Yankovic and more. I enjoy your music very very much, you have produced a wonderful happy true polka sound.

God bless and rest in peace,

Phillip and family from Australia

My uncle went to high school with Little Wally, so my mom used to play his music all the time. We grew up watching mom and grandma, who was from Warsaw, dance the polka. To this day we pass along the tradition to our children as best we can and try to continue his legacy. He will not be forgotten.

When I was a Kid My Aunt played Lil wally records all the time. Guess this is how I got hooked on Polka Music. Wally, thanks for all the memories and good times. Rest In Peace

YOU LEFT A LIFE OF GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT AND THE HARD WORK NECESSARY TO GET THERE. FOR US YOU LEFT PLENTY OF DOBRE CZASY.

I loved dancing and listening to the "Chicago Style" of Polka music growing up in Elizabeth, NJ in the 60's. Sorry to have read that Little Wally, the "Polka King" has passed on. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Thank you Wally you were a great influence growing up listening to you sing, drum and entertain people like no one else could. Thank you for the music and the memories.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

"The World's polka KING" Li'l Wally
No one can carry this TITLE but Wally. A legent he was in our times. I am so happy to have lived in the Li'l Wally era. He has inspired so many people with his musical talent that his misic will live forever. But in the mean time ( as wally would say ) Live it up shoot the moon, its later than you think. Some day we all will be joining him above and Knocking on his door......Prayers going out to his wife Jeanette and family at this difficult time.....judy

My condolences to Jeanette and family on the loss of an American original.

A Major part of pure Polka Music is now gone, but his Music will live on forever. L'il Wally was the Greatest, the TRUE KING of Polka's. I grew up to his wonderful music, and Mom and I always considered him a friend.L'il Wally was a great inspiration to Wanda and Stephanie. Thank you Wally, shoot the moon, and may God rest your soul.

My sincerest condolences to the family of L'il Wally. Our Lord felt that his polka band in heaven needed someone special. Walter in his own right revolutionized polka music and brought it to the entire world.I'm sure he will soon have everyone in heaven twirling their hankies, have their toes tapping, dancing and singing like he wanted all of us to do. Thank You Walter for all you did to promote our heritage.Dzienkuje.

Polka Joe Bason
Plano, TX

What a privilege to have played and recorded with Little Wally. I will never forget the first time I backed up Lil' Wally at Warsaw Park in Utica Michigan. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand. What charisma! What a performer! I learned a lot that day and throughout the years. No doubt he has influenced countless musicians and touched so many polka fans throughout the world. He is a true Polka legend and his music will live forever. God rest his soul.

My grandpa, my dad,& most recently I enjoyed Lil Wally's music. May he rest in peace. May his music live forever. He will be missed by the polka world.

My grandpa,my dad,&most recently I enjoyed Li'l Wally's music. May he rest in peace. May his music live on forever. He will be missed by the polka world.

may god bless you & comfort you in time of need , i was shocked to hear that he passed away , i like hearing his songs on my record albums , i like when he was on the late lawerence welk show , he was truly a great musician , i;m sure he his playing up there in polka heaven , he will be sadly missed by all

For the past 50+ years I have listened to, been fortunate to see in person and totally loved the music of Li'l Wally. His place in heaven will be right next to his friend, our Polish Pope. I thank God for his albums because he'll live forever in our hearts.
My parents, all my relatives and my sainted Grandmother lived on Bosworth just north of Division St.
in the heart of Polish Broadway, also known affectionately as Bucktown. God blessed us through Wally's music.

The Jagiello Family and the World lost our "Maly Wladziu i jego squeeze boxa" but his musical legacy will continue forever! May all first class Radio DJs play on their shows at least one Little Wally tune this Labor Day Weekend in honor and respect of :
Walter E. Jagiello !

--Stan Sabal
Musical Memories
WRHC-LP, 106.7 FM
Three Oaks, Michigan

Our deepest sympathies to the family and all friends and fans of Lil Wally. May he rest in peace in POLKA HEAVEN! Sandy, Matt & Brett Lewandowski

My condolences to Jeanette and the entire family. Lil' Wally was part of my life as a young girl. My father would take us to Polonia Grove every Sunday where we danced the hours away while Lil' Wally played. Those memories will be with me forever. Lil Wally and his music will never be forgotten. He was one of a kind and I know I will be playing his music for a long, long time. Farewell.

What a loss to the polka world. I grew up with Wally's songs. If it weren't for Him, I wouldn't have learned how to dance the polka. I remember taking my Mom and Dad to Polonia Grove to see Wally and it was the only time in my life I danced with my Dad....it was 'Blue Skirt Waltz', which was his favorite. Wally played their wedding in 1949.....he was 19 years old. My Mom followed him when she was single and probably knew that when the day came for her to marry, he was the guy who would play her wedding. My first polka experience was at Polonia with my Mom and sister......Mom made up her mind I was going to learn to dance the polka.......and thanks to Mom and Wally, I did. Wally, thank you for some great music......my favorite will always be the 'One Man Band' album. Heaven has one heck of a polka band.

Lil Wally played the music of my childhood growing up in Chicago as the daughter of immigrants. I treasure my record albumns which I still play on my Grundig stereo.

He was the best!

My sincere condolences go out to the entire Jagiello family. I met Li'l Wally when I was 18 years old, a boy from Rhode Island lost in a big city. I walk into a place call the Lucky Stop Lounge. I introduce myself as an engineer for a local radio station in RI. Wally took me under his wings and he became my mentor and my Polka hero. If it wasn't for Wally Jagiello I wouldn't be involve in Polka music the way I am today. God bless you Wally and I will never forget you.

Henry Langlois
Lincoln, RI

YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
YOU WAS MY FAVORITE AND YOU WILL BE MISSED.

R I P

We miss u! The Przybylski's The Gurecki's . The Hofsteadters "The Hoffs" The Lakes Bob N Bev - The Matuscewski's The Drzewiecki's - thanx for the memories!

We loved you Wally and we will miss U!
no one played the music like U did!

Our Condolences go out to you, Jeannette, and the entire Jagiello Family. We were indeed saddened to hear about his passing.
Eternal rest to you Wally. Thank you for your contribution to the Polka World.

My deepest sympathy to his wife and family. We will miss you and your music. You were a great inspiration to the Polish People with your Polish songs. We will miss you, God Bless You. We'll meet in Heaven one day and hear your polka music forever and for all eternity. Kathy Jasenjcak South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I remember Wally from the Gold Star Inn on Division near Wood Street. The year was 1946 when we first met & started our drumming career together. Later we both played at Lucky Stop! Our sympathy to the family.
Fellow Musician Chester & wife Bernadine

My condolences to the family of the man who changed polka music forever. I still remember the first time I heard "I Wish I Was Single Again", it became a part of our band playlist for many years.

How much joy and happiness Wally brought to the world through his music. Remembering fondly when my parents would take us to West View Danceland (Pittsburgh, PA) to see and hear Wally and in later years had the honor or meeting him when I picked him up at the airport for Judy Stringhill when we had Wally booked for Oglebay Polka weekends.I was honored to meet the KING OF POLKA'S !! ETERNAL MEMORY...May he repose among the just and may his memory be eternal. Prayers to Jeanette and the family.

thank you Dear Lord for giving us li'l wally, a talent beyond description! those who never saw him "entertain" have missed one of lifes greatest experiences. Growing up in the Back of the Yards
Chicago, i grew to personally know
wally, from paradise grove, serena's, columbia hall, DG's, baby doll, club irene; from picnics, to weddings, to dances, his entertaining style made you enjoy the event, dancer or listener.
really gonna miss ya wally, but as the Pope said, "you shall be rewarded for your great works".

To the one and only man that set the polka industry on fire.

May you rest in peace.

You will never be forgotten.

God Bless his family.

I befriended Li'l Wally in the last three years and I was lucky to recieve handwritten letters from him..tiny arthritic writing that often scrawled in the margins...ideas continued to flow as he often wrote on the outside of the envelope...as if the letter alone could not contain his energy. His music is wonderful and he he is a true inspiration and mentor. God has blessed us with Li'L Wally!

Our deepest sympathyto the Jagiello Family I remember Wally from Polonia Grove going there with my parents The Boruckis and their friends the Kafkas Matusak and Golecs they must be having one heck of a polka party in Heaven

Thank you for being my friend for 40 years.We used write to each.

Wally was a giant of American 20th century music. He was a true original and a magician - he made magic wherever he went! Meeting and playing with him was something that I will never forget.

"The King Is Dead, Long Live The King"
May Wally rest in peace and peace to his familly in their loss.
I grew up in Brighton Park and was inspired by Wally at Palonia Grove to Dance and play Polka music. There may not be any beer in heaven, but there will be his music to share with all of us. God Bless.
Ron&Barb Survillas
Bullhead City, Az.

Our deepest sympathy to the family.
I remember him from the picnics
and polka dances in the Chicago
area. All our good memories of
fun we used to have.

LITTLE WALLY I LISTEN TO HIS SONGS AS I WAS GROWING UP. HE WAS THE BEST. I WILL MISS HIM.

My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Jagiello. Of all the Chicago polka artists active in the last 50 years, Li'l Wally was far and away my personal favorite. Thank you Wally, for the great music and fun times!

Our condolences at this hard time. I feel so honored to have met Maly Wally and have him perform at one of my anniversary dances. His music continues to be played weekly on my polka shows and he will forever be a part of our lives. God Bless!! Jeff & Diane Heinz Family-WDEZ Polka Jamboree-Wausau, WI

My sympathy to your family, from someone who has some happy memories growing up with his polka music. Guess this could really be from my Dad, who has passed on also - and just loved to fill our house with not just the music, but a little singing, too. Thank you for "sharing him" with all of us - to make life just a little "happier".

My Parents raised us on "Lil Wally" in Bridgeport. Dad did the polka at my wedding to "I wish I was single again." "Big Wally" will be truly missed. Doreen

My Mom & Dad listened to TO HIM IN Chicago on the Polka hour on Sunday I will still enjoy his music here in Los Angeles on my CD's with my wife. We would hope to hear him on Dick Sinclair's Polka (2) Hours on our cable network. We will think of HIM always.

Sorry for your loss. I grew up with Mr. Jagiello's eldest son and was surprised to see his passing. My deepest sympathy.

Thank you, Wally, for all the joy you broughtto this too-often-sad world. Rest is His loving arms, the source of all true joy. May the memory of you inspire the Sox to finish as champs again.

To Jeanette,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Wally was a "Great Guy". One would have had to perform with him to appreciate his many talents. I had the privilege to play trumpet on several gigs with him, subbing for Don Lucki. Also, what a pleasure it was for me to play piano on many "JJ" recordings. I'll never forget the Christmas album recording session with Joe Koldon, Don Ptak, Ed Noga, Mel Nocek, Wally and myself. It was a classic experience. All of us owe a debt of gratitude to Wally for what he has done in the polka field. He will be missed but his accomplishments and influence on polka music will live forever. My condolences to you and your family.
Bob Bajek (trumpet and piano)

THE PROCANYN'S OF NEW YORK CITY SEND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF WALTER E. JAGIELLO "A POLKA ICON"

Li'l Wally is the reason that my father Hank Drabczak Senior fell in love with that style of Polish music. My father remembers Wally calling him up to the stage at Schliefs Little City in a suburb of St Paul Minnesota and said I want you to here the song I just wrote and it was "Johnies Knocking". Julia and Hank visited Polonia Grove by accident and Wally was performing and the place was jumping. We had beautiful memories like all of his fans. Polish music will never be the same. Thank You Wally.