Often credited with putting the name of Polka music on the map of the world’s music industry, Jan Lewan even won a Grammy nomination for his tireless efforts to bring attention to Polka Music. But, behind the face of a reputed musician was the intention of running a Ponzi scam that robbed his close friends, family, and about 400 people across 21 states.
He may be spending his present life in obscurity, but his story is one that needs to be discussed, and that is what we are doing today: discussing his success, life, scams, and net worth.
Contents
Early Life
Jan Lewan was born on 15th August 1941 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, and was named Jan Lewandowski. He was born at a time when the world was in a state of frenzy, and World War II, and Poland was occupied by Germany. While nothing about his parents and family is shared in the public domain, it is assumed that his father was a professor and his mother was involved in running a government-owned milk bar.
He was raised in the modest environment, and since his childhood days, he had a strong inclination towards music and dance. He later pursued formal training in the same field from the Conservatory of Music in Gdansk and studied piano and vocal performance. By the age of 20, he served in the military, which was mandated by the Polish army, and there he performed in musical groups.
Evolution of Career
After completing his military services, Lewan joined Syrena Theatre in Warsaw, where he performed in musical theatre and operettas and shared the stage with some renowned Polish artists. He moved to North America in 1972 and first went to Canada, but eventually settled in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and started to perform Polka music for the Polish-American community.
In the next 2 decades, Lewan was able to build a career as the leader of the Jan Lewan Orchestra and toured all over the USA and Europe, and recorded several albums that gave him huge popularity. His reputation as a musician peaked when he was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Polka Album category in 1995.
While he was focusing on his musical career, he also set foot in business and step up in various ventures like a mail-order Baltic Amber jewelry, European tour groups, and a Polish gift shop. His life took a turn when he started to sell unregistered promissory notes with a promise of 20% returns to investors. His activities alerted the authorities, and he received warnings from the Pennsylvania Securities Commission in 1992 and 2000, but he continued his business, which later turned out to be a Ponzi Scam.
He faced legal charges for the same and finally declared bankruptcy in 2002. The very next year, he was charged with 57 felony counts, including racketeering, security fraud, defrauding, and theft of more than 400 investors, including 21 states, and the amount reaching up to $5 million. He pleaded for guilty in 2004 and was sentenced of 6 years of federal prison and served his prison time in New Jersey.Â
While in jail, Lewan was stabbed by a fellow inmate in the neck, but survived. Post his release from jail, he went on living a quieter life in Florida, where he occasionally gave piano lessons. Today, he might be living a life in oblivion, and people remembering him for his crimes, but his legacy as one of the greatest Polka musicians lives on.
Shot to Fame
Jan Lewan rose to fame in 1995 when he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Polka Album category, but things went ugly and his fame reached its peak, but all in a negative sense when he was exposed of his Ponzi scheme.
Relationships
Jan Lewan was married to Rhonda Lewandowski, but the exact date of their marriage is not disclosed, and both them have two kids, Daniel Lewandowski and Amber Lewandowski. However, the couple headed for a divorce and got separated in 2011.
Major Sources of Income and Net Worth
Before getting sentenced, Lewan earned through his performance, tours, and business, but he earned majorly from his Ponzi scheme. However, he filed for bankruptcy in 2002, and now his net worth is assumed to be somewhere from $1 million to $2 million.
