TEXAS POLKA MUSIC ASSOCIATION (TPMA)
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The Texas Polka Music Association (TPMA) was established in 1991 by Julius Tupa, Texas musician, bandleader, polka radio DJ, and founder/publisher of The Texas Polka News.
The mission of TPMA was to help preserve and promote polka music in Texas by recognizing those persons and organizations that had made substantial contributions to Texas polka music. TPMA functioned for eight years, producing a 2-3 day annual polka fest at which the awards were presented. The first TPMA Awards were held in Belton in 1991, the last (8th) in El Campo in 1998.
In its eight years, TPMA recognized 33 individuals with “Lifetime Awards,” the highest honor bestowed. Special Hall-of-Fame Awards were presented to two radio stations and for two songs. In addition, annual awards were presented each year in 6-8 categories, including band of the year, musician of the year, song of the year, and similar categories.
The Lifetime Award winners are presented below. Fittingly, the last recipient in 1998 was Julius Tupa himself. Julius continued all his other activities until his death in 2002.
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TEXAS
POLKA MUSIC ASSOCIATION (TPMA) LIFETIME AWARDS
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YR |
AWARD TO |
PRESENTED
FOR |
|
1991 |
Baca, John |
Early polka band in Texas, preserving Czech music
(posthumous) |
|
" |
Gavranovic, Joe |
Grass roots, traditional, admired polka DJ
(posthumous) |
|
" |
Hofner, Adolph |
For his lasting impression on Texas polka music |
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" |
Krenek, Ed |
Early pioneer in Texas polka music (posthumous) |
|
" |
Longoria, Valerio |
For pioneering Conjunto music in Texas |
|
" |
Mikula, Jodie |
Development of a respected sound in
Texas polka (posthumous) |
|
" |
Mraz, Bill |
Operator of most famous polka ballroom in Texas
(posthumous) |
|
" |
Patek, Joe |
Development of a unique sound in Texas polka music
(posthumous) |
|
" |
Shimek, Wence |
For his dedication to programming Texas polka music |
|
" |
Vrazel Brothers |
To Alfred and Anton, for the development of the
“central Texas sound |
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1992 |
Hi-Toppers Orch |
Texas polka band bringing their music to the highest
standard (39 years) |
|
" |
Kurtz, Rudy |
Dedicated to promoting & preserving Czech music
in Texas (posthumous) |
|
" |
Lichnovsky, Gene |
Outstanding musician whose talents contributed to
many bands |
|
" |
Matocha, Lee Roy |
Dedication and longevity in promoting polka music on
the airwaves |
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" |
Majek Orchestra |
Family band dedicated to preserving/promoting
polka music for 95 years |
|
" |
Vrazel, Alfred |
For polka radio music for longest uninterrupted time
(since 1955) |
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1993 |
Okanski, Steve |
Early pioneer in performance of Polish music in Texas |
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" |
Matocha, Lee Roy |
Dedication and longevity in performing Czech music in
Texas |
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1994 |
Brosch, Henry |
Early Texas polka bands |
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" |
Brosch, Jimmie |
Popular Texas polka band |
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" |
Gebala, Bernie |
Lifetime promoter of polka music |
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" |
Kozel, Al |
Longevity as Texas polka DJ |
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" |
Sloan, Bill |
Pioneering DJ in early days of polka radio |
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" |
Veit, Charles |
Drummer for the Joe Patek Orchestra |
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1995 |
Cox, Harley |
Polka promoter, booking for SPJST |
|
" |
Darilek, Leonard |
Performer with several great polka bands, still
performing at time of award |
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" |
Kubala, Henry |
Early polka musician, 100 years old at time of award |
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" |
Pavlas, Adolph |
Early musician of the Gold Chain Bohemians |
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" |
Sefcik, Rudy |
Pioneer in radio polka broadcasting |
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1996 |
Jozwiak, Sigmund |
Early pioneer in performing Polish music as band
leader |
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" |
Oldag, Ben |
“The Voice” and one of the early pioneers in
polka radio broadcasting |
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1997 |
Baca, Ray |
One of the early bands of Texas, from Fayetteville |
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1998 |
Tupa, Julius |
Musician, bandleader, radio DJ, creator of Texas
Polka News & TPMA |
TPMA HALL OF FAME AWARDS
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KTEM Radio – Temple |
The Melody Hour, longest running continuous polka
radio show |
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KULP Radio – El Campo |
Pioneers of polka radio programming |
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The Shiner Song |
All time favorite song (Joe Patek) |
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Corn Cockle Polka |
All time favorite song (Jimmie Brosch) |
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