Trustees Honor Roll

Nakel, Paul

Polka Disc Jockey and TV Emcee (1919)
Inducted on November 24, 1990

Paul Nakel's broadcast career began in 1938 at radio station WHK. Paul initiated Cleveland's first daily polka program on WJMO in 1947. His efforts soon evolved into three shows daily along with two weekly TV shows. His polka radio and TV contributions continued into the 1960s. As a promoter, Paul was instrumental in helping several Cleveland-style orchestras obtain recording contracts. Paul was credited with establishing Cleveland's title as "Polka Capital of the World" and was acclaimed as "America's Number One Polka Jockey."