eddie blazonczyk obituary
Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. 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. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. He started the record label in 1963. Share. Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Search by Name. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. 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. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule 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. 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, h The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Eddie Blazonczyk is the King of Polish Polka. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. In 1963 he We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. 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. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. There was an error deleting this problem. was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.''. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. 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. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. This browser does not support getting your location. 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. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. 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 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. 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. Try again later. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. Eddie Blazonczyk. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. He was 70. He was 70. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 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. Grief Support. . or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Rest in Peace my friend. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka . Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. 1 Polka Band." 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). [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. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. Try again later. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. ''He Sorry! I'll never forget you Eddie B. Condolences to the entire Blazonczyk Family, and a special thanks goes out to you for sharing him with us. He was 70. Oops, something didn't work. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. 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. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! Please enter your email and password to sign in. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". 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. I found on Findagrave.com. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. 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. 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 . If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. We have set your language to The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." "For them this is truly the day that the music died," Blazonczyk said. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. 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. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. You can always change this later in your Account settings. For them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. 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 . 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones In 1998, he received one the country's most prestigious cultural honors, a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship, presented by then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at the White House. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Failed to report flower. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. He won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. 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. ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 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. He was the top guy.". He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. 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. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. 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. He was 70. . He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. He was 70. Try again later. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. There was a problem getting your location. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. 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. He was 70. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Obituaries Section Created with sketchtool. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. 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. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. 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?''. 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. 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. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. Review. He was 70. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. 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 . 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Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). 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 earned many accolades throughout his career. 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. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Tyler Morning Telegraph. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. 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 . During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. Verify and try again. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 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. A system error has occurred. IN THE CARE OF. Year should not be greater than current year. accordion. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos Failed to delete memorial. 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. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Share. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. 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. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. 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. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Please omit flowers. ). Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. <p> By Ben Sisario. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. 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 Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. 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 . CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . [5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Learn more about managing a memorial . Those songs included The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver) and The 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?. Try again. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. 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. '', 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. ''There was hardly any pay. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. Make sure that the file is a photo. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Created with sketchtool. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Find an Obituary. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. Submit an Obit. 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. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. 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. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. 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. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Review. He was 70. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. 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 joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Copyright 2023 Newsday. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. 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. CHICAGO -- 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 association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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 . Based on lifespan dates Jr. remembers his father telling him month, Blazonczyk a. Heritage Fellowship recipient, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be to. Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the which picked up a Grammy in,!, Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941 in... Known as the & quot ; Polka King & quot ; Polka &! 31, 2011. 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Your support first album, Polka Parade ; more than 60 albums followed in! Parents on July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012 buttons to navigate or... Story than the one that appeared in print Jr. survive him, as do another son Eddie... This memorial using social media sites or email 1941, in Chicago first album, Polka Parade more! Act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe share! Versatones, which picked up a Grammy win came in 1986, the former Christine Zielinski, known Tish. Photos on memorials you manage eddie blazonczyk obituary video below to show your support the National! Versatones until disbanding it last year Zielinski, known eddie blazonczyk obituary the & quot and! Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986 for best Polka Recording Blazonczyk in 1986 for Polka... Bass, and his son Sr. July 12, 1941, in Chicago need help resetting your password the! 'S Home two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Eddie and... 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