Pete playing Guitar in sister Nan's kitchen in West Islip, Long Island
As you can see from many photos and stories, all the time growing up, Peter, his sisters, his parents, aunts, uncles and friends spent time together enjoying each other's talents. There wasn't a gathering without the piano playing or a guitar session.
Many of you have told stories about being in a musical family too. Keep it going. Share your talents with your siblings. Sing, Dance, Clap. Enjoy.
Written by Peter's sister Pat:
My Dad’s brother, Uncle Joey, and his father played accordion. These Polish immigrants loved to party, dance, eat & play music.
My Mom’s brother Lou played every instrument you handed him, and was a magnificent jokester (just like Peter). Her sister Tory sang opera, her brother Tommy taught Mom all the newest steps and songs he learned at the Cotton Club, Aunt Helen played piano, Aunts Patty & Pinky played guitar. All Nettie & Pete’s kids either played instruments or sang.
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Can you imagine being a young boy, sitting in his high-chair, being immersed in culture, art, song, and love. It's little wonder that Peter grew up loving culture, laughter, art and song. He had no choice ... it was a part of his everyday living.
Good Video from Penn 1999 (thanks Louie Montalvo for posting)
that is so amazing, thank you ever so much for sharing. I grew up in a quiet home, without any siblings or close family at all and I can only imagine how stimulating it must have been to be part of the Ratajczyk clan. You guys are indeed a wonderful, generous, warm-hearted and talented family and I wish each and every one of you the very best. I am sure you are keeping up this atmosphere and spirit with the younger generations. Don't ever let such a wonderful family dynamics be lost, it is such a beautiful, inspiring way to grow up and one that you will benefit and draw from all your life. Just reading about it is inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story! Your family has a lot of musical talent and it's wonderful that you all came together to express your love for music together as a family. I believe that music and laughter is good for the soul! Thank you for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteGood proof that how you raise a child has a lot to do with what kind of adult they become. Sounds like a wonderful way to grow up.
ReplyDeleteI think creative people are more in touch with their emotions and see the world differently. Peter was very creative and most people like that have issues with life because they feel so much. Having a creative brain brings much pleasure but also much pain. Peter had the ability to show us both sides through his music. I know you all know what I mean when I say his music captures your soul for life. No one in my family played instruments but music and art was always there and has saved my sanity on more than one occasion. There is no better way to raise your children than in a home full of music, art and laughter. Peter and his sisters were very lucky. I would love to know everyones favorite bands from the 70's.
ReplyDeleteWell I certaining thank the Lord above for the talent, fun N love you guys shared with each other :)
ReplyDeleteAmy Wigle, Newark, Ohio
after reading the blog for some time now and watching videos...its easy to see that without you all for family peter would have been a much different person.love,art,music,thats awesome!
ReplyDelete-erik hernandez-
well, Rute here pretty much sums it up nicely!! thanks for sharing again...much love to you girls and yours.
ReplyDeleteHi girls--
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine what it must've been like to grow up in this family. Unfortunately, other than a few uncles who played accordion (is it a Polish thing?!), my family was NOT musically or artistically talented in any way. I remember being in the third grade and being picked to be in the school orchestra (flute). I'd go home, try to practice, and was basically told I was too noisy, go somewhere else so we can hear the TV. So kudos to your parents for being so talented and sharing it with you all and being encouraging. I wish my parents had done the same for me. And thanks for sharing another heart-warming story.
Love & Gratitude--Patty P., Stamford, CT
yes reading your stories warms my heart. I had the same family, only ours was mostly music playing, operas, italian singers. not many of us played instruments. Sounds so heartwarming reading about how Peter was brought up. He was a magnificent performer, human being. Keep these memories alive and share with the fans. We appreciate it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteJUST LIKE YOU SAID....THE MUSIC, ART AND CULTURE MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN A KIDS LIFE. WHY WOULD YOU NEED TO GO HANG OUT ELSEWHERE AND FIND TROUBLE?? YOU GIRLS HAVE SO MUCH TO BE PROUD OF!! AND I HOPE THIS FAMILY GATHERING CONTINUES WITH THE GENERATIONS. XO
ReplyDeleteamazing! peter i cry when i think of you and the great type o memories i have. I saw t.o.n. live many times at harpo's in detroit; the best!! You affected so many lives of your fans and touched so many of us (whether we liked it or not!) Your self deprecating humor and loving compassion for others will never be forgotten. You were a beautiful soul that god called home early because you were just too good for this world . .
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun family to be around at any given time. Thanks again to the Ratajczyk family for all these amazing stories. Thank you all. If you guys are still taking fan suggestions, and since lately it's been a lot about the family as a whole I was kind of curious about a few things. It's a well known fact that Peter loved his family dearly and his upbringing and family had a lot to do with who he was as a person. I know Peter said on numerous occasions that both of his parents were very religious people, I was wondering what their initial reaction was when they heard "Christian Woman" and their thoughts on the lyrics to that song? And what is everyone's first memory of hearing Peter on the radio? I think the fans of Peter know that he was a very complex man. A lot of different sides to him, his family was a huge part of his life. Thanks to all of you, here on earth or passed on for all the love and support you guys gave him throughout his life. Thank you all for sharing the personal side of Peter with us all. I think we love him even more now than we all did before.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this video, its great!
ReplyDeleteYou are right, it was in Peter's blood. How could it not be with so many talented people around him. Peter was very lucky to have such a supportive and musical family. I always wished my parents put me in something as a child. Now, at 32, im learning the violin. Better later than never!