Eddie was born in Toledo, Ohio to a musical family. Mother Gina is a trained clarinetist and vocalist while father, Dionysius “Danny” Biegaj played trumpet and sang. With the help of “Busia” Helen (his maternal grandmother) at a young age Eddie started his love for polka and Polish culture and heritage by singing along to the 78 RPMs and 45’s of such greats as Frank Wojnarowski, the “Connecticut Twins” and “The Naturals”. He started formal training on drums in 2nd grade.
Eddie started performing professionally in fifth grade, both singing and drumming with a trio. By eighth grade, he passed auditions to join other bands and began performing with adult musicians. His father bought him a used Giulietti accordion for Christmas – the very same accordion he has played his entire career.
High school was a great time for…show more content… The polka legend, Joe Oberaitis, has deemed Eddie “The Polish Caruso”. His charm, good looks and vibrant mid-west personality quickly intensified the popularity of the band.
The recipient of numerous awards, including the coveted USPA’s “Male Vocalist of the Year”; IPA’s “Male Vocalist of the Year” – as well as receiving a Grammy nomination in 1990 for TPM’s “Grand Illusion” album—featuring Eddie’s own arrangement and his memorable and resounding delivery of “Red Berries”, Eddie is noted for his unique style of playing not only the popular “Chicago Push” and “Honky” style polka, but remaining ever-cognizant of his roots, playing “Eastern” style as well. It was his courageous exploration of polka in new as well as time honored tradition that earned Eddie the title – “Polka Bad
