Reprinted with permission from the July 2009 issue of The Texas Polka News

Moving to ensure that its awards show remains what it called "pertinent within the current musical landscape," the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced June 4 it is eliminating its “best polka album” category.
Too bad, but hardly devastating! The Grammy Award did give polka music some recognition and an air of respectability that will be missed. On the other hand, the absence of a polka Grammy will not be a deterrent to the many thousands of fans who hold polka music near and dear.

Let’s examine why the Grammy is gone. The first (and most important) reason is that most of the voting members of the Academy are ignorant about the joy of polka music. In short, they couldn’t care less! Polka simply isn’t in their world.
Also, the total number of annual entries has been only about 20, according to the Academy announcement. They view this (perhaps correctly) as a lack of general interest. Then too, the Polka Grammy award has been dominated by one artist (Jimmy Sturr), which an outsider could interpret (incorrectly) as a lack of competition. These factors may have contributed to the decision by the Academy to drop the award.

So, goodbye Grammy! Opportunity lost, but not the end of the world. Polka fans need to forget about it, and get on with the business of promoting polka. Here’s how.

First, stop the infighting about what is the best genre of polka music. Polish, Slovenian, Czech, German and more are all legitimate styles of the music we love. It’s great to have a favorite, but it’s harmful – and totally unnecessary - to tear down the others. Resolve to speak only good about polka music.

Second, recognize that polka provincialism is destructive too. What is polka provincialism? It’s the mistaken belief that polka was invented and only exists in your particular part of the United States. Polka is national, folks. And it’s all good!
Third, continue to support your local polka dances and the major US festivals.

Fourth, support the two national polka shows on TV (Jimmy Sturr, Big Joe), the internet shows, and your local polka radio shows. Spread the word about your favorites.

So Goodbye Grammy. Let’s get back to having fun!

Note from Rob Savickis
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