[5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. Created with sketchtool. '', The sound had traces of rock, left over from Mr. Blazonczyk's days in the early 1960s recording rockabilly under the name Eddy Bell, for Mercury and other labels. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. 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. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". The band formed in 1962, after Blazonczyks brief venture into pop music that landed him on Dick Clarks American Bandstand, and toured the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. 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. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. 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. There was a problem getting your location. 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. But polka was growing. Visit Homepage. Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. Grief Support. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. Thanks for your help! Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." I cannot thank him enough for all the good times, the experience, and most of all the friendship that continued after we left the stage. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Eddie Blazonczyk. With a warm tenor and a heavy hand on his electric bass, Mr. Blazonczyk (pronounced bluh-ZON-check) created Chicago push, a subgenre of the Polish polka style characterized by its rhythmic drive and the loud ''bellows shake'' of the based on information from your browser. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. 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. Review. All rights reserved. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. 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. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. He was 70. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. I cannot thank him enough for all th. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. Created with sketchtool. Try again later. Failed to delete memorial. He was 70. 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. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. He was very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. I found on Findagrave.com. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. We have set your language to He was 70. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. 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. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with 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. May 24, 2012. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. 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. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. Verify and try again. <p> Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Sign the Guest Book. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father's death. 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. Please enter your email and password to sign in. "[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. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. Anyone can read what you share. 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. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. 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. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." 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. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. Find an Obituary. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. For them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. 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. Resend Activation Email. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . With a musical landscape that stretches from Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones to R. Kelly, one can only imagine the musical creativity that will burst forth if the Hawks continue their upward . Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Submit an Obit. Ridge Funeral Home. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. 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. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. By Ben Sisario. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Rest in Peace my friend. 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. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. 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. He started the record label in 1963. In 1963 he He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. 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 . (Khue Bui/AP). (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). Share. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. 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. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. 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. 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. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. Tyler Morning Telegraph. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. In 1998, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Eddie Blazonczyk presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. This is a carousel with slides. He was the top guy.". I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. On our Father's Day show we'll talk with musical fathers & sons: polka kings Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. & Sr., and blues greats Tabby Thomas & Chris Thomas King. [1], Before becoming a polka artist, and founding Chicago-based Bel-Aire Records in 1963, Eddie Blazonczyk recorded under the name Eddy Bell for Mercury Records, Versa Records, and Lucky Four Records, all three labels based in Chicago. Make sure that the file is a photo. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . Please try again later. He was 70. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. 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. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. He was 70. Please reset your password. At that time, he turned over responsibility for his band, The Versatones, to his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Musician. It is with gread sadness to announce that Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. passed away on Monday, May 21st at around 6am Eastern Time (5am Chicago Time). Try again later. ''There was hardly any pay. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka..
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