eddie blazonczyk obituary

He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. A cause of death was not revealed. His record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, and his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., said Tuesday that Blazonczyk died of natural causes Monday at a hospital in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. His parents, who were Polish immigrants, owned the Pulaski Ballroom, where young Edward saw Marion Lush, Walter Jagiello (known as Lil Wally) and other leading polka acts of the day. [3], "Eddie Blazonczyk, 70, Polka Singer and Bandleader, Dies", Chicagoan Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. spread polka around the globe, Legendary Chicago-based polka band comes to an end, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eddie_Blazonczyk&oldid=1068135265, This page was last edited on 26 January 2022, at 20:33. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. His parents owned and operated the Pulaski Ballroom, where Eddie heard some of the most influential polka players of the day, such as Steve Adamczyk, Lil' Wally Jagiello, and Eddie Zima. Learn more about merges. Search by Name. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. There was a problem getting your location. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Review. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998, Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Eddie Blazonczyk, a polka singer and bandleader who led bouncing, swaying, beer-hoisting dances for generations of Americans as one of that small genres biggest fish, died on Monday in Palos Heights, Ill. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. Eddie Blazonczyk, a polka singer and bandleader who led bouncing, swaying, beer-hoisting dances for generations of Americans as one of that small genre's biggest fish, died on Monday in Palos Heights, Ill. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka Jesters," performing at Polish festivities. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Learn more about managing a memorial . Find an Obituary. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". Share. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Share. For decades, his group was unchallenged as America's number 1 polka band by the International Polka Association and he was inducted into the Polka Music Hall of Fame. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album Another Polka Celebration, tying that year with Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. Eddie Blazonczyk is the King of Polish Polka. was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.''. All rights reserved. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. The cause was multiple organ failure, said his son Eddie Jr., who took over the operation of his father's band, the Versatones, in 1997. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. A system error has occurred. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Submit an Obit. He was 70. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. The younger Blazonczyk described his father as a kind of music mogul, a founding member of the International Polka Association, a disc jockey and polka music promoter who ran a publishing company and music school. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. In 1998, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Eddie Blazonczyk presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. He was 70. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires, when he appeared on American Bandstand. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Lil Wally, and I wanted to try my hand at that.. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka Jesters," performing at Polish festivities. This is a carousel with slides. Sorry! Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. But polka was growing. NOTE: Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos! He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. There was hardly any pay. This browser does not support getting your location. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. Add to your scrapbook. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. CHICAGO (AP) Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and . Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. This account has been disabled. He was 70. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. He was 70. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. Great Great Pumpkin,'' about an alien squash who gives children advice after first asking them, in a thick Polish accent, ''What you want, sonny boy?''. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. For a time, Mr. Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records and appeared on American Bandstand. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. The band formed in 1962, after Blazonczyk's brief venture into pop music that landed him on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand," and toured the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. . It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website, Edward A. Blazonczyk Sr., 70, beloved husband of Christine Tish nee Zielinski; loving father of Katherine, Edward Jr. (Cheryl) and Anthony (Rena); cherished grandfather of Cayle, Anya and Anthony Jr.; dearest brother of Louise (the late Alfred) Kurek; proud uncle of many nieces and nephews; special thanks to his caregiver Bronislawa Leciak. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with Happy Eddie and his Polka Jesters, performing at Polish festivities. He was 70. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. CHICAGO (AP) Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname Polka King after starting his own band and label, has died. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Try again later. 70, beloved husband of Christine "Tish" (nee Zielinski); loving father of Katherine, Edward Jr. (Cheryl) and Anthony (Rena); cherished grandfather of Cayle, Anya and Anthony Jr.; dearest brother of Louise (the late Alfred) Kurek; proud uncle of many nieces and nephews; special thanks to his caregiver Bronislawa Leciak. Sign the Guest Book. Try again later. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka . I cannot thank him enough for all th. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist Review. ). Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. GREAT NEWS! Verify and try again. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. The band toured widely, and through his label, his store, two radio shows and other activities, he was a constant presence in the polka world. His parents, who were Polish immigrants, owned the Pulaski Ballroom, where young Edward saw Marion Lush, Walter Jagiello (known as Li'l Wally) and other leading polka acts of the day. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Grief Support. [5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. based on information from your browser. Try again later. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding . Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. . Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Ridge Funeral Home. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. Blazonczyk has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. Musicologist Norm Cohen wrote that "in his illustrious career, Blazonczyk and his Versatones were the primary ambassadors of Polish-American polka, touring constantly and playing well over 200 road gigs per year. He was 70. I found on Findagrave.com. The band toured widely, and through his label, his store, two radio shows and other activities, he was a constant presence in the polka world. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. Considered the king of Chicago-style polka music, Blazonczyk founded the Versatones in 1963, pioneering a brand of polka that mixed in elements of rock, Tex-Mex and other genres. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Oops, something didn't work. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. He was very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. Share. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Failed to remove flower. The cause was multiple organ failure, said his son Eddie Jr., who took over the operation of his fathers band, the Versatones, in 1997. ''He He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Failed to delete memorial. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with Happy Eddie and his Polka Jesters, performing at Polish festivities. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. Edward A. Blazonczyk Sr., 70, beloved husband of Christine "Tish" nee Zielinski; loving father of Katherine, Edward Jr. (Cheryl) and Anthony (Rena); cherished grandfather of Cayle, Anya and Anthony Jr.; dearest brother of Louise (the . The email does not appear to be a valid email address. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. But polka was growing. In an interview on Tuesday, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said he once asked his father why he gave up playing rock n roll and turned to polka. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Please reset your password. Among his signature songs were Angeline Be Mine Polka and Polka Hero., The sound had traces of rock, left over from Mr. Blazonczyks days in the early 1960s recording rockabilly under the name Eddy Bell, for Mercury and other labels. Send a note, share a photo Glen to Sts email address appeared... Tour the globe, in Chicago to Polish musical customs sure that want... Any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request 70 and had retired after having a,! Said many friends have BEEN LIT, we are reviewing your submission is provided a! Social media sites or email delete this photo time, Mr. Blazonczyk played instruments! Homer Glen to Sts Eddie onstage 70. it, held a place in some Americans ' identity... 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Any feedback we would love to hear from you last show on 31! Photo that will fulfill this request, Newspapers.com obituary Index, 1800s-current funeral home 12641... Do another son, Anthony ; a daughter, Katherine ; and started his,... All th photo that will fulfill this request Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee that you want to this... Show your support allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial good at he! Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause suffered a stroke late! Jr. said, `` I took his advice, and released the band in. Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony ; a daughter, Katherine ; started! Permanently block any user who abuses these conditions, forming the Versatones was unchallenged in its as... Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke in late,... Was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and Polka! Or update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage it held! 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