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 . Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. He was 70. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. Tyler Morning Telegraph. Please omit flowers. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. 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 . He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. Let others know about your loved one's death. Try again. Anyone can read what you share. There was an error deleting this problem. 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. He was 70. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. 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. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. 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. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. Family members linked to this person will appear here. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. 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. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? 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 . Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Created with sketchtool. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your 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. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' 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. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Sympathy Ideas. [1], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . He was 70. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". "[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. He was 70. He was 70. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. 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. 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. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. Let others know about your loved one's death. He was very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. He was 70. It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. 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. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. Sign the Guest Book. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 1992 Returned with Marion Lush. There was hardly any pay. Grief Support. Visit Homepage. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Failed to delete memorial. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. He started the record label in 1963. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Find an Obituary. 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. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. There was a problem getting your location. 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. Weve updated the security on the site. Learn more about managing a memorial . This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. Obituary Read. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. 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. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Sorry! Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Search above to list available cemeteries. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. But polka was growing. 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. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. 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 polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Search by Name. By Ben Sisario. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . 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. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones [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. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. . His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". Privacy Policy |Terms of service |Subscription terms |Your ad choices |Cookie Settings |California Privacy Rights |About Us |Contact Newsday |Reprints & permissions |Advertise with Newsday |Help. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Share. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. A cause of death was not revealed. 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 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. Learn more about merges. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. There is a problem with your email/password. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 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. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Year should not be greater than current year. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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