Versa J's Biographiestt

:: Henny Jasiewicz :: Butch Jasiewicz :: Chirs Bogdon ::
:: Erik Bogdon :: Frankie Gibala :: Steve Gibala :: Randy Koslosky ::

Henny Jasiewicz
Trumpet, leader

Henry David (Henny) Jasiewicz was born in McKeesport, PA on May 22, 1945. He has performed professionally since he was nine (9) years old. In 1954 Leo Gibala started a band with four (4) of his own children and asked Henny’s father (Henry Thomas Jasiewicz – 1991 IPA Hall of Fame inductee) if his son would be interested in playing trumpet in their band. That group, known as the Bell Hops Orchestra, became locally and nationally recognized as they performed at numerous charity events, dances, weddings as well as on local radio and television shows.

Henny spent several years with the Bell Hops mastering his craft and growing in his musical abilities. In 1964 the band recorded their first of two (2) albums on the Jay Jay label titled, “Polka Hops”. Their second album was recorded in 1965 and titled New Polkas for You. Unfortunately, in the late 1960’s the Bell Hops disbanded and Henny began playing with another local Pittsburgh band called, The Polish All-Stars.

In 1972 Henny left the Polish All-Stars and started his own band called, Henny & the Versa J’s…which is currently enjoying its 35th consecutive year in existence. During those 35 years, the Versa J’s performed locally, nationally and even internationally with a tour of Poland in 2000. The band, led by Henny, has been fortunate enough to win the following awards:

2004:

Grammy Award Nomination for Best Polka Recording
International Polka Association (IPA) Awards:
~ Favorite Album or CD - Come On Over

~ Favorite Song - Do You Remember? (Fiddle Medley)

United States Polka Association (USPA) Awards:
~ Favorite Album - Come On Over

~ Favorite Song - Come On Over

24/7 Polka Heaven Awards:
~Best Album

~ Best Song - Touch of the Master's Hand

~ Polka Entertainers of the Year - Henny & the Versa J's

"Groundhog Grammy" from the Punxsutawney Polka Boosters
Proclamation from the City of McKeesport making the month of May, “Henny & the Versa J's Month”.

1993:

International Polka Association (IPA) Awards:
~ Favorite Song - If I Could Be Like You

Henny’s talents on trumpet as well as vocals can be heard on the following recordings:

2004 - Come On Over
1998 - Mother's Hands
1997 - Sharing Our Blessings
1993 - If I Could Be Like You
1990 - A Tribute to Our Dad with Love
1989 - Three Generations of Polkas
1982 - Home Style Polkas
1964 - Polka Hops
1965 - New Polkas for You

~ Note: Henny has also performed on three (3) 45 recordings.

Remarkably, Henny has been going strong for more than 50 straight years and is showing no signs of slowing. It has been his tremendously steady hand that has guided the Versa J’s and provided thousands of fans over the years with the opportunity to enjoy the Polish music that they love as they celebrate their heritage and culture.

Henny has been married to Joanie for 43 wonderful years. The two have two (2) children (Teri & Butch) and six (6) grandchildren (Justin, Jayna, Anna, Julia, Emma & Jacob).

 

E-mail at: henny@versaj.com

Back to Versa J's 101