Oh-Dig-A-Dig Oberek / Old Grey Mare Polka

Released by Chicago Records, this 78 rpm record represents a significant chapter in the mid-20th-century American polka scene. Wesoły Staś, or Stan Wolowic, was a prominent figure in Chicago's vibrant Polish-American community, where his orchestra helped bridge the gap between traditional folk melodies and the evolving popular dance music styles of the era. These records were produced primarily for the localized ethnic market, providing community staples for weddings, dance halls, and social gatherings.

The record features a coupling of the 'Oh-Dig-A-Dig Oberek' and 'Old Grey Mare Polka,' showcasing the characteristic energetic style of the Joe Pat and Wesoły Staś ensembles. The design of these discs was utilitarian, emphasizing accessibility for dancers and clear identification of the tracks. The music reflects the cultural synthesis common to Midwestern urban music scenes during the late 1940s and 1950s, where traditional eastern European dance structures were energized by the sensibilities of American big band and jazz arrangements.