After nearly 50 years of delighting listeners and promoting Buffalo's vibrant polka and Polish-American music scene, radio host Greg Chwojdak has announced his retirement. Chwojdak's final broadcast of his iconic "Polkamotion Radio" will air on Sunday, May 16, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. on WXRL Radio (1300 AM and 95.5 FM).
“My decision comes after many heartfelt conversations with family and friends,” Chwojdak said. “Sunday afternoons will certainly feel different for me and my listeners, but it's time to dedicate more time to my family and to prioritize my health.”
Greg Chwojdak officially launched his professional radio career on September 17, 1976, bringing polka music to the airwaves at International Cable. In 1979, he joined WWOL 1120 AM, further expanding his presence. His landmark show "Polkamotion" made the pivotal move on January 26, 1985, transitioning from WWOL/WNYS 1120 AM to WXRL 1300 AM, succeeding the legendary Stan Jasinski's Polish American Program. Over the decades, Chwojdak's engaging broadcasts have been staples on WWOL-AM, WECK-AM, and, currently, WXRL-AM. In 2004, Greg briefly left WNY but continued to promote polka music. His program continued online via the PolkaJammer Network but returned to WXRL following the passing of Matthew "Matty K" Kushner.
In the mid-1970s, Greg revolutionized Polish-American broadcasting in Buffalo, connecting with younger listeners and appealing directly to third- and fourth-generation Polish Americans. He infused traditional ethnic programming with the lively energy of Top 40 radio, distinguishing himself from the slower-paced programs of his predecessors by conducting his shows in English rather than Polish. Greg is second only to Stan Jasinski as the longest performing, Polish-American broadcaster in Western New York radio history.
Chwojdak's broadcasts are renowned for their creativity and humor, highlighted by regular comedic segments featuring his parents, affectionately known as “Big Al” and “Bea.” This tradition of laughter continued well into recent years with popular weekly appearances by “Accordion Bill.” Additionally, Greg utilized his musical and creative talents to compose and record memorable radio jingles for prominent Polish-American businesses, such as the Ampol Eagle and Babcia’s Pierogi.
Beyond entertainment, Chwojdak dedicated his platform to significant charitable efforts, leading campaigns that raised over $200,000 for United Cerebral Palsy and supporting initiatives like Buffalo's Response to Love Center. His philanthropic reach extended internationally in the 1980s and early '90s, organizing clothing drives and fundraising efforts benefiting an orphanage in Buffalo’s sister city, Rzeszow, Poland.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Chwojdak expressed deep gratitude: “Thank you to the tens of thousands of polka listeners in Buffalo and worldwide who tuned in through our online stream. It’s been an honor to be welcomed into your homes and lives all these years.”
“My decision comes after many heartfelt conversations with family and friends,” Chwojdak said. “Sunday afternoons will certainly feel different for me and my listeners, but it's time to dedicate more time to my family and to prioritize my health.”
Greg Chwojdak officially launched his professional radio career on September 17, 1976, bringing polka music to the airwaves at International Cable. In 1979, he joined WWOL 1120 AM, further expanding his presence. His landmark show "Polkamotion" made the pivotal move on January 26, 1985, transitioning from WWOL/WNYS 1120 AM to WXRL 1300 AM, succeeding the legendary Stan Jasinski's Polish American Program. Over the decades, Chwojdak's engaging broadcasts have been staples on WWOL-AM, WECK-AM, and, currently, WXRL-AM. In 2004, Greg briefly left WNY but continued to promote polka music. His program continued online via the PolkaJammer Network but returned to WXRL following the passing of Matthew "Matty K" Kushner.
In the mid-1970s, Greg revolutionized Polish-American broadcasting in Buffalo, connecting with younger listeners and appealing directly to third- and fourth-generation Polish Americans. He infused traditional ethnic programming with the lively energy of Top 40 radio, distinguishing himself from the slower-paced programs of his predecessors by conducting his shows in English rather than Polish. Greg is second only to Stan Jasinski as the longest performing, Polish-American broadcaster in Western New York radio history.
Chwojdak's broadcasts are renowned for their creativity and humor, highlighted by regular comedic segments featuring his parents, affectionately known as “Big Al” and “Bea.” This tradition of laughter continued well into recent years with popular weekly appearances by “Accordion Bill.” Additionally, Greg utilized his musical and creative talents to compose and record memorable radio jingles for prominent Polish-American businesses, such as the Ampol Eagle and Babcia’s Pierogi.
Beyond entertainment, Chwojdak dedicated his platform to significant charitable efforts, leading campaigns that raised over $200,000 for United Cerebral Palsy and supporting initiatives like Buffalo's Response to Love Center. His philanthropic reach extended internationally in the 1980s and early '90s, organizing clothing drives and fundraising efforts benefiting an orphanage in Buffalo’s sister city, Rzeszow, Poland.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Chwojdak expressed deep gratitude: “Thank you to the tens of thousands of polka listeners in Buffalo and worldwide who tuned in through our online stream. It’s been an honor to be welcomed into your homes and lives all these years.”
