He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. 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 70. Please reset your password. Add to your scrapbook. . Find an Obituary. Try again later. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. I cannot thank him enough for all th. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. . I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. Share. Review. This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding it, held a place in some Americans ethnic identity. OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. 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. He was a recipient of the 1998 National Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor in the folk and traditional arts in the United States. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Dubbed the "Polka King", he was noted for revolutionizing the traditional polka style by infusing it with rock, Cajun, zydeco and country into his own polka music. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Learn more about managing a memorial . You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ''There was hardly any pay. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. 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. Before becoming a polka artist he was a rock-a-billy instrumentalist who preferred to play bass and sing, recording for Mecury Records as Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires in the 1950s. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941 - 21 May, 2012. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. 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. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Eddie Blazonczyk, 70, Polka Singer and Bandleader, Dies, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. Though his focus remained on the polka genre, Blazonczyk was a fan of rock, country, bluegrass and Cajun music and liked to incorporate those styles into his music when he felt it was appropriate. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. He was 70. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. We have set your language to 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Share. Anyone can read what you share. 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. The horn riffs in and out and around in intricate patterns that . Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. 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. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Lenny LaCour, the owner of Lucky Four Records, encouraged Blazonczyk, at the age of 22, to specialize in polka music, rather than to continue as a rockabilly singer. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. 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 the world of polka invisible to many Americans but a steady cultural presence in parts of the Midwest and elsewhere Mr. Blazonczyk was one of the few figures to find a national audience. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. But polka was growing. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. There is a problem with your email/password. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. He was 70. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist Eddie Blazonczyk is the King of Polish Polka. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Obituary Read. 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Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka . But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. He was 70. Let others know about your loved one's death. He was 70. He was 70. Grief Support. 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. This account has been disabled. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones Eddie Blazonczyk, a Grammy Award-winning polka musician who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname Polka King after starting his own band and record label, died May 21 at a hospital in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. 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. He was 70. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. Try again. 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. His record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, and his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., said yesterday that Blazonczyk died of natural causes Monday at a hospital in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding 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. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Failed to delete memorial. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Copyright 2023 Newsday. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Learn more about merges. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. "[8], He is credited with inventing the rhythmic polka subgenre known as "Chicago push,"[5] although ironically the name given to the style comes from bands who came after and were inspired by Blazonczyk, notably the Chicago Push. was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.''. 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 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. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. 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?''. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. 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 . No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. For a communitywhere polka is an important part of their traditional heritage, he maintained it, promoted it, gave it a voice, Jim Bessman, a music journalist and longtime polka aficionado, said of Mr. Blazonczyk. Search above to list available cemeteries. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk (90601289)? There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. Please try again later. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. 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. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos 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 . Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Tyler Morning Telegraph. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause.