Gus Kosior on Billy Flynn
gu...@warwick.net
SOUR GRAPES!
It is time that the general polka population knows the truth about
Billy Flynn and
Why he continually tries to demean Jimmy Sturr.
Back in 1985 when we first started presenting our Christmas shows I
approached Mr. Flynn to see if he and his radio station WNBF radio
would be interested in co -sponsoring the show at the Forum in
Binghamton, NY. Mr. Flynn and his radio station agreed to be co-
sponsor. Then WNBF gave us advertising for promotional mentions on all
of our media and advertising for this show. After the show Mr. Flynn
tried to collect money for advertising for his radio station. This was
NOT part of the agreement, henceforth, no monies were paid. This
started Mr. Flynn's castigation of Jimmy Sturr.
In the late 80' early 90's Mr. Flynn hosted Polish weekends and then
started to promote Slovenian weekends at the Raleigh Hotel. United
Polka Artists has hosted polka weekends since 1975 and in the early
90's we too decided to host our first Slovenian Weekend at Kutshers
Hotel in Monticello NY. When Mr. Flynn heard of this he became
outraged. He called our office and said "how could we do such a thing"
as he ran Slovenian weekends, "you're going to put me out of business"
etc... Our reply was simple, "This is America Mr. Flynn and we are
allowed to do legal business when and where we would prefer." "We
did not call you when and complain when you started running Polish
Polka weekends".
Since the above scenario Mr. Flynn has continually ridiculed,
belittled and complained about Jimmy Sturr on his radio shows, in
private and in written statements to others.
Mr. Flynn is right about one thing, we did have our lawyer contact him
on numerous occasions. Defamation of character is serious violation
against the law. Our attorneys were retained to inform Mr. Flynn that
he was to "cease and desist" the illegal slander campaign against
Jimmy Sturr or he would have a lawsuit on his hands.
NARAS Grammy Awards are just another way that Mr. .Flynn can continue
to carry out his slander campaign against Jimmy Sturr. Would Mr.
Flynn be writing the same nonsense about the Grammy's if Sturr and his
band never won? We don't think so.
There are many great artists in our industry that have won numerous
awards from different polka organizations. For example, Lenny Gomulka
has won numerous awards from the USPA and deservedly so. Eddie
Blazonzcyk & the Versatones have won numerous awards from the IPA.
Why is Mr. Flynn not investigating the voting on these awards? I can
tell you why. HE CAN"T BASH JIMMY STURR THERE!
In regards to Lynn Marie. This young lady started performing on the
east coast with JIMMY STURR. Yes that's right -- Jimmy Sturr. We
hired her for many of our events when she started with Polka Aerobics.
It was Jimmy Sturr that brought her to the East coast and gave her
many opportunities and great exposure. When Lynn Marie moved to
Nashville she was hired at the TNN-TV (The Nashville Network) through
OUR contact at the network. From that exposure Lynn Marie made her own
name in the polka field and has been doing quite well. As we stated
before "This is America' and if she wants to move on to a different
genre, this is her prerogative and we wish her well. But Mr. Flynn and
Lynn Marie wants us to believe that Jimmy Sturr is the reason for this
move. How ridiculous!
And furthermore for Ms. Rink to say "the winner has nothing to do with
the quality of the recording" is absurd. Is she implying that Jimmy
Sturr and other nominees don't have good recordings?
The Grammy's have put polkas on a national level and instead of
complaining, bashing and wringing your hands over it , Mr. Flynn you
should think about how we as an industry can capitalize on how to get
POLKA into the main stream. Polka is a small market compared to the
other music giants like Rock, Pop, country, bluegrass etc... Suffice
to say we need as much positive national exposure in the mainstream
media.
So Mr. Flynn it's time to realize that the majority of the people in
our industry are trying very hard to give polka the national attention
it deserves. Your negativity continues to give our industry "a black
eye". Why not realize the potential we could all ascertain if we all
work together.
Gus Kosior
pipe...@aol.com
Mr Kosior,
You stated several times that this is America, and you thus have the
right to steal someone's ideas and profit by them. This being said
does Mr. Flynn and many others have the right to an opinion?? In
America everyone has a right to voice either positive or negative
remarks toward a competing business, performers, etc. Of course in
your opinion, the organization that you front has never said a
negative thing about another band or performer!! "People in Glass
houses should'nt throw stones" Enough said.
gu...@warwick.net
>
> - Show quoted text -
Dear Mr ???? (
there is a huge different from opinion and defamation of Character.
I am not afraid of what I have to say and Put my name out there, WHY
DON'T
you do the same and we can discuss your so called charges.
Gus Kosior
mike surratt
> SOUR GRAPES!
>
> And furthermore for Ms. Rink to say "the winner has nothing to do with
> the quality of the recording" is absurd. Is she implying that Jimmy
> Sturr and other nominees don't have good recordings?
>
> The Grammy's have put polkas on a national level and instead of
> complaining, bashing and wringing your hands over it , Mr. Flynn you
> should think about how we as an industry can capitalize on how to get
> POLKA into the main stream. Polka is a small market compared to the
> other music giants like Rock, Pop, country, bluegrass etc... Suffice
> to say we need as much positive national exposure in the mainstream
> media.
>
> So Mr. Flynn it's time to realize that the majority of the people in
> our industry are trying very hard to give polka the national attention
> it deserves. Your negativity continues to give our industry "a black
> eye". Why not realize the potential we could all ascertain if we all
> work together.
>
> Gus Kosior
All bashing aside, and since you have responded to a "grammy" topic, I
have a question. I do agree that the Polka Grammy has "put polkas on a
national level" and "Suffice
to say we need as much positive national exposure in the mainstream
media."
So...
Since Jimmy Sturr has won the grammy so many times, do you believe
that his dominance in the category is really a positive thing for
polka music on a national level and for representing the varied styles
of polka music in general within the music [NARAS] community?
Mike Surratt
Tony Soprano
taked him serrious has to be dummer than him i have been to his venues and
they are never sold out because he is a terrible bussiness man plus his
radio shows suck as far as lynn marie i think she should buy some midol must
be the wrong time of the month for her and as far as mr sturr winning the
grammy hey i i had a band that good i would win it every time also and why
does mr sturr always sell out where ever he plays any timei go to a dace
that his bad plays at there is standing room only any other dance i go to i
have choice on where to sit so mr surratt your a musician with a band how
come you dont sell out or get any votes for the grammy? all as i know more
people outside of polka musice have heard the name Jimmy Sturr than any one
else enough said
mike surratt
You must be a school teacher, huh?
MS
BTW -- I have had my share of "sell-outs" over the years and I know
for a fact that I have received grammy votes or at least I've been
told so. I also have played many stages where no one there would care
or even know who Jimmy Sturr is -- of course, those places are not
interested in "polka"
music. The question wasn't meant to be a slight of Jimmy Sturr's
achievements. There is no doubt that Jimmy Sturr's "Machine" is doing
great things for polka music, but, he's not the only band/musician/
promoter that is working hard to get the music more exposure.
It was a fair question, since this is a discussion group about polka
music and is a continuation of the topic.
Now, don't you have a show to do? -- it's almost 9pm EST on HBO.
=
"mike surratt" <mikz...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1178498830.9...@u30g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
:
Woke up this mornin' - gottcha self a gun Polka. :)
gu...@warwick.net
>
> - Show quoted text -
Mike:
Everybody has an equal opportuinty to market their product. Some do it
better than others.
As far as our dominance in the Grammy catergory every band regardless
of which style has the equal opportuinity
to belong to NARAS and vote on thier own choice. How many musicians
from each polka group that submit their recording actually belong to
NARAS and which other group recieve more national attention like
Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra does.Even in years when we were not
nominated or won we still receive plenty of attention and national
exposure.
So the answer to your questions is Yes Jimmy Sturr naitonal expoures
is a plus for word polka.
mike surratt
>
> - Show quoted text -
Gus,
Thanks for answering.
> As far as our dominance in the Grammy catergory every band regardless
> of which style has the equal opportuinity
> to belong to NARAS and vote on thier own choice.>>
Since you read this newsgroup, I know you know where I stand on the
grammy issue. But, I have to say that your dominance is probably going
to a contributing factor if the category is eliminated. This is not
your fault -- It's really the fault of the countless "polka" musicians
that haven't joined NARAS. Just my opinion of course.
Wishing you continued success...
Mike Surratt
Opinion
message board and everyone should have the opportunity to critique and
opine on Polka music.
Mike S. some Posts complimented you on the Video post, nice work!
Great for music..
One ridiculous post by "Tony S." who could get a lawsuit for character
attack, it did remind me of "the muscle of the machine, the fear of
reprisal. The originally referenced lawsuits.
I think Jimmy genuinely wants to be liked, appreciated and have fans,
gets misguided with aggressive business advice around him.
Additionally, Gus Kosior, who appears to be the overall spokesperson
for Jimmy mentions, "everyone has the equal opportunity to publicize
their recordings". OK and everyone born in America has the right and
opportunity to be President. Yeah. Well in America one can critique a
style or for that matter the way a dynasty exists, whether it is in
baseball, football or polka music let them.
Credit to Lynn Marie stepping aside from Polkas. The reference is like
all the credit goes to hiring her for the engagement and the job
recommendation; this wasn't a mutual effort for fan attractions? Can't
the same annoyance be said about the obnoxious cabling and soundboard
when the band appeared at Ocean City Maryland years ago to impress a
music channel?
By the way, what POLKA bands were invited to the RFD TV shows? Be a
leader and show off bands in the field. Suppose NO ONE entered the
category for NARAS polka, win the next 5, 10 15. Great go ahead. It
would be a good chuckle to see that happen.
Mr. Flynn may have been extreme and erroneous in word usage while
referencing the critique of the Jimmy Sturr band and the recording
mechanics or recording formula.
Look at the past, Matusz Dancers, Polonaise Dancers, Phil Niekro,
Bobby Vinton and countless others as far as people, and amusement
parks and the dance halls were part of the formula. Recording at
Nashville, mixing at Tony Bennet studios-all formula.
These are NOT slanderous comments, it's an analysis. Like one would
review the playbook of the New England Patriots or Dallas Cowboys.
Hey it worked, and congratulations, like Jack Benny, I hope you're
smiling all the way to the bank. Look back, at the end of the day, at
the end of a career or the end of an era, and say has it helped more
than a pocketbook?
The association with a major artist each recording year has brought
those "recognition votes. In the NY Fox news clip Jimmy stated, out
West we get 20,000 fans to our events. Interesting excerpt of facts,
is that a solo appearance, with no other artists appearing?
The basis for this controversy is the heat is on, it may be a slow
deterioration but it would probably be best for Polka Grammy to sunset
or merge into other categories. Hey across the country there is
Slovenian, Tex Mex and other forms of polka bands, where are they in
the polka category. Get ready for the barrage of rebuttals.
polkabill
years?
Even Judge Judy would rule "For the good of Polka, be gentleman and
stop the battle".
Polkabill
gu...@warwick.net
Polka Bill:
We have been silent about Billy Flynn for years and decided
that enough is enough and people should know how we feel.
I agree with you--this should've ended a long time ago. let Mr. Flynn
use his energy
to do something good for polkas instead of trying to Defame us.
GUS KOSIOR
Nostradamus
Mike:
We're pretty much in agreement on this. JS puts out a very high
quality product, though my personal preferences lie elsewhere.
And he's won his Grammys by *getting more votes*. I think it would be
better for the polka world if he'd step aside for a year or two but I
don't know if I would do any differently if I were in his shoes.
--
Read my polka CD reviews, now with even fresher opinions!
http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm
mike surratt
nostradamus.net)> wrote:
>
> - Show quoted text -
Absolutely -- why should anyone back down? Not submitting your work
for award consideration and publicity goes against "Musician/Promoter"
instincts. We all promote ourselves 24/7 -- it's what we do besides
play music.
That's why I have tried my best to make "Polka" musicians realize that
the "Polka" category is just that -- a category for "Polka" musicians
to make a difference and to showcase the many styles and bands that
play the music throughout North America.
This isn't entirely my idea. I have talked extensively with people in
NARAS. They all say the same thing. Low submissions and no change in
the outcome of the award translates to "no one is really interested or
cares, so why should they have the category?"
There are many music genres that are trying to get their own category.
Cajun/Zydeco for example, and I heard that the NARAS award staff was
considering putting "polka" in the Tejano Muisc categories. Whatever
happens to the polka category, I'll be submitting my work --
I probably will see many polka bands in the world music
categories....soon...
MS
diffrnt...@gmail.com
Gus, with all due and deserved respect to you and Jimmy, I think part
of the back-lash, besides jealousy, is Jimmys' sometimes flippant/non-
chalant attitude. We all know he "works" very hard to win the
Grammy. If the Grammys are so important to him, and he uses them to
his marketing advantage every chance he gets, why doesn't he perform
the simple courtesy of at least showing up at the Grammys to pick up
his award? Has he outgrown a national award? If anyone can afford to
attend it's Jim. Lynn Marie, say what you want about her, at least
shows up like most of the other bands. (And how many of these guys
can actually afford it?) And wasn't she once given the honor of being
a pre-telecast presenter? Is this something that's ruffling Jims'
feathers? And wasn't she helpful to the band when she worked at TNN,
working to give Jimmy several appearances on TNN? (And keeping another
certain Grammy winner off?) Why would NARAS give Jimmy an on-air
appearance as a presenter, as some of his fan base wants, if he's a
continual no-show? Business is not a game, but it is a two-way street.
gu...@warwick.net
>
> - Show quoted text -
Dear Different Drummer?
The reason Jimmy can't get to the Grammys is becasue we are either
working on a cruise or in South Florida.
When the Grammy's we're in March he made everyone. Jimmy has been to
Grammys nine times. As far as Lynn Marie and TNN, she had nothing to
do with getting Jimmy's appearences, believe me on that. Why would you
think that Lynn Marie being apresenter would ruffle Jimmy? He feels
that it was GREAT publicity for POLKAS.
GUS
LVTADZ
> SOUR GRAPES!
>
> Gus Kosior
Hello Gus,
Amen,on the sour grapes and leave it there !
Sturr deserves all the recognition,and Grammy honors,just like Eddie
Blaz Sr and Lenny Gomulka!
They give much more to entire Polka Field then they ever take or
receive,and are responsible for keeping
the Polka Field alive.
LVTADZ
See you on your next tri back to Vegas !
LynnMarie Rink
I usually don't read these posts, it's too frustrating and
depressing actually. However, a friend of mine forwarded me the link
because they saw the comment about TNN and knew it was untrue, and
thought I should respond.
Since you took the liberty to talk about something publicly that had
nothing to do with Bill Flynn's letter, I will respond publicly.
Otherwise I would have done this in a personal email directly to you
Gus.
I am surprised to find out after all these years that you all
actually think that your contact got me hired at TNN. If you'd like, I
can put you in touch with the two people who did hire me. I'm sure
they would be happy to set the record straight. To be completely
honest, I believe your "contact" tried to stop me from getting hired.
At least that was what I was told by someone in the office who was
there during your contacts visit.
It amazes me that you all continue to believe that my work in
television or music started in 1992 when I met you. I had a career in
television in California for many years before moving to Nashville,
and in fact, I was over qualified for the job I did get at TNN. I also
had a music career, released several recordings and a video without
Jimmy's help. Yes, you are correct, Jimmy did give me exposure to...
his crowd. But as far as using my connections at TNN to advance my
music career, you couldn't be more wrong. The network did not allow
the use of any contacts for anything other then the job at hand, and I
abided by that rule.
I attribute any success I've had in Nashville and any doors opening
for me here to one person... Chet Atkins. He was an amazing man, who
took me under his wing, encouraged me and had me perform with him on
several occasions. He had a genuine interest in my talent and an
honest desire to help me succeed. That relationship is what gave me
credibility in this town and a start in the music business, not in the
polka music field.
As far as the Grammys... you, Jimmy and I know the truth about alot
of things and I will leave it at that.
LynnMarie
diffrnt...@gmail.com
Lynn Marie, you are truly an honest and talented person. The polka
world will be at a great loss without you to pump some vitality and
new ideas into it. Best of luck in the future. And trust me, the
polka fans, as least the open-minded intelligent ones, know the truth
about a lot of things and people. We'll leave it at that.
Opinionated Sailor
just so he would not provide competition in the polka category?
Perhaps if some of these other Grammy nominated bands had Daddy's that ran
banks also, the competition would be a little bit more stern?
Now to give the Devil his due. After having seen the Jimmy Sturr band
perform as recently as last August, I do admire the professionalism
displayed. The band is above average. Is it as good as 16 Grammy's
indicate? Heck No!!! But I would not have problem with 5 or 6 Grammy's.
One Wisconsinite's opinion.
"mike surratt" <mikz...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1178466040....@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...