Aztalan musician inducted into the Wisconsin Blues Hall of Fame

LAKE MILLS — Paul Filipowicz, a blues guitarist from Aztalan, has received his official induction into the Wisconsin Blues Hall of Fame.

“That blew my mind,” Filipowicz said, remembering when he got the call. He learned he would be in the Hall last year, but received his plaque earlier this month.

Filipowicz has been playing music for as long as he can remember. His family was very musical, and he was listening to blues on the radio by the time he was 8 years old.

“I wanted to play music that was deep in my heart,” Filipowicz said.

He started playing on the street corner when he was 18, and when he was 21, he was already making money from his music, often playing in bars and clubs.

Early in his career, Filipowicz would live on the road, traveling the country to play music. He moved to Aztalan in 1989, and has been playing around the state ever since, and still plays at national locations.

After 55 years of playing music, Filipowicz said it’s an honor to be recognized in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Blues Hall of Fame was just started, and Filipowicz didn’t expect to be included. He was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2015, and that was also a surprise.

“It’s a humbling experience,” Filipowicz said. When he received the plaque on July 14, Filipowicz said he got a particular feeling that “I guess that’s what I’m supposed to be doing.”

“I’m lucky that I know what my calling is all these years,” Filipowicz said.

Filipowicz said it’s “obvious” he’s not supposed to retire yet. He’s been playing the same guitar for 40 years, and he said although his band might change, his music has stayed consistent. He has 12 albums out, and writes most of his own music.

Filipowicz said he now performs about five to six times a month, and still practices every week. And he still loves to play.

“When I’m playing, I’m in heaven.”