Eugene A. "Gene" Wisniewski

I ENJOYED DANCING TO EUGENE WHENEVER I COULD . HIS ORCHESTRA WAS A CLASS ACT. WHAT FOND MEMORIES I HAVE OF THE POLISH HOME IN HARTFORD. REST IN PEACE EUGENE AND MAY GOD WELCOME YOU AND YOUR ORCHESTRA WITH OPEN ARMS

We lost a polka legend on March 7:
Gene Wisniewski, the leader of the
Harmony Bells. Our generation will
never be the same.With him we had the best of times; now it is the
worst of times. In loving memory
I wrote this poem for him.

"THE BANDLEADER"
A humble gentle soft spoken man
His smile lit up his face
He was an ace
A pilot in WW11
So very proud to fly for his country
And the Red White and Blue
Playing the accordion...

Gene Wisniewski and his contribution to Polonia will be missed. His music was very much appreciated on POLKA MUSIC UNLIMITED. We broadcast 7 hours every weekend in the Central NY area-103.9FM Sat. 8-10am and Sun. AM1300 from 10am-3pm. Gene's talent was very special and we would like to pay tribute to Gene. We would appreciate any recorded (cds),records, tapes, etc. The first 33/13 album for my first stereo in 1950s was Gene Wisniewski. I think that my parents purchased the album at Ruda's in...

My short but pleasant memory of Gene was in the 60's when I had the pleasure of spending time with him in a recording studio in Cleveland. He was "coaching" a new kid on the block Dave Gawronski making his first album. At the time I had the pleasure of airing polkas 7 days a week on a program known as Polka Detroit. We played his magnificent music often. He is a pioneer and a legend and will be sadly missed. May he carry on his music in heaven. Stas Baryla

In the early days of my re-attraction to polka music I came across Gene Wisniewski's music almost accidentally. My friend Paul purchased a CD mainly because of the cover art. It looked old, and therefore potentially good. And how great that music was! While I was raised on Li'l Wally and Chicago-style polka music, I soon developed a love for the intricate arrangements, the talent of the orchestra, and the cool and charming one of akind vocals the Harmony Bells presented. Rest in peace,...

Gene Wisniewski, a gifted, talented,musician, accordianist,vocalist,arranger and above all a great person... Will certainly be missed and never to be forgotten. Gene, rest peacefully with the Lord.

Buffalo,New York sends our deepest sympathies and our prayers for "Gene" who gave happiness to many throughout the years with his "golden voice" and great music Special friends Eddie Olinski and Matt Kantor and Jeery Darlak send their prayers.

While Gene is no longer with us, we are fortunate to have wonderful memories of him through the legacy he left with his Polish polka music. The distinctive sound of the Harmony Bells orchestra was always easy to recognize. To Gene's many friends who have enjoyed dancing and listening to his unique musicial abilities over the years --- the music will live on -- and we can continue to enjoy it.

Gene Wisniewski, along with the Harmony Bells, established a style, sound and dedication to Polish Polka Music that made him a true legend of the Polka Industry. He was a bandleader, musician, vocalist, composer and gentleman and his passing saddens all in the polka world.

He was one of a kind! Rest in Peace, Gene Wisniewski!

Steve Litwin
Polka Music Editor
Polish American Journal