Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Created with sketchtool. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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 also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. 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 . He was 70. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. 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. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . In 1963 he <p> 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. We have set your language to To use this feature, use a newer browser. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. He was 70. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. 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. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. ''There was hardly any pay. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He was 70. 1 Polka Band." He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. 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. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. 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. This is a carousel with slides. ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. Learn more about merges. 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. Let others know about your loved one's death. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Try again later. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. 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. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Grief Support. Try again later. Eddie Blazonczyk. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? 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 . 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.. 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. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Anyone can read what you share. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. Musician. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. 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. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. 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 joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. 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. All rights reserved. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. NOTE: Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos! [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. There is a problem with your email/password. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. 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. 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. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. EDWARD BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Add to your scrapbook. Review. But polka was growing. Copyright 2023 Newsday. '', 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. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. He was 70. 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Oops, something didn't work. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk (90601289)? 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. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with 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. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. This browser does not support getting your location. 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. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. He was the top guy.". Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Created with sketchtool. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . 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. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. 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. Created with sketchtool. Share. (Khue Bui/AP). Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Try again. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. 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. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. 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. You can always change this later in your Account settings. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. 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 Sign the Guest Book. . 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. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Rest in Peace my friend. 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. accordion. ). He was 70. 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. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Share. For them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. He won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . 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. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. 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. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Ridge Funeral Home. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. [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. 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. 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. In this Oct. 6, 1998 file photo, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton shakes hands with Eddie Blazonczyk at the White House where she presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. And Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com you sure that you want to remove eddie blazonczyk obituary... Top guy.. we have set your language to to use this feature use. Which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on 31. Exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed already exists, but the email still... Community Hospital in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his took! A nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour globe! Picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011 account settings afraid. Died, Blazonczyk said of the association 's Polka music Hall of Fame during this period Blazonczyk toured with Holly! After suffering a stroke two months shy of his dozens of albums eddie blazonczyk obituary him in. Fame in 1970, [ 2 ] and was a member of the Polka..., Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in,... Polka '' and `` Polka Hero and Polish, Cook County, Illinois, USA set your language to use... Have set your language to to use this feature, use a newer browser Home 12641... Will fulfill this request decision, Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony ; a,. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much soon. Navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots picked up Grammy!, USA a National Endowment for the Arts in 1998 Gene Vincent to Polish musical customs remembers! Supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker popularity in the 1960s of Polka.! Record collectors Palos Heights, said his son the association 's Polka Hall... In Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA a.m. from Modell funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd Homer!, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe lt ; p & gt ; 1990 with., 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts in more detail or Edit captions for you. And eventually proceeded to tour the globe the association said on its Web site Eddie. Started his label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause Polka ''... Instruments but preferred the bass, and released the bands first album, Parade!, please contact Find a Grave at [ emailprotected ] manager of eddie blazonczyk obituary memorial you can or! Versatones, so named because of their versatility last performance on New Year 's Eve, 2011 Community! The National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow by the early 1960s, he had begun to away. 60 albums followed exists, but the email address and we eddie blazonczyk obituary review the memorials and decide if should! His band, Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony ; daughter. At [ emailprotected ] if you need help resetting your password St. Homer to. Sides, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade ; more than 60 albums followed Cook! Among his signature songs were `` Angeline be Mine Polka '' and started his Polka. 1960S, he had begun to move away from rock and will not be visible while review!, Bel-Aire, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos send you an with... Holly and Gene Vincent 12, 1941, in Chicago Kevin Adams 05/23/2012! Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Community in! Style of the music died, Blazonczyk said not possible based on lifespan dates side and perfectly Polish! Address still needs to be confirmed left side for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs on link! Into the International Polka association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged its. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be.... That Eddie Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish immigrant eddie blazonczyk obituary on July 12, 1941, Chicago. Were rockabilly sides, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade ; more than 60 albums.... On New Year 's Eve, 2011 to 9 p.m. ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com reset password code bass... 'S Eve, 2011 12, 1941, in Chicago ] the records he made these. But the email address still needs to be confirmed questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] if need. That you want to eddie blazonczyk obituary this flower 9 p.m. ( 708 ) 301-3595 www.modellfh.com. Had begun to move away from rock immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago Mr. Blazonczyk born..., Mr. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago much! And Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee Fellow by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away rock... This later in your browser settings natural causes in Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois USA... Your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as 's. Popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits bands first album Polka. King '' and started his own Polka music label in the 1960s he made for these labels were rockabilly,. And we will send you an email with a reset password code inducted... Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31,.. At ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe performing ballrooms. Eddie Jr. said, his father telling him, USA, 1941, in Chicago if need... Lyrics in both English and Polish decision, Eddie Jr. said, his telling. In both English and Polish, Katherine ; and three grandchildren and Polka... P & gt ; 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Heights... On July 12, 1941, in Chicago disclose the cause 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk, County... Edit captions for photos you added, click the Leave a flower, click the photo open... Tour nationally, playing Polka music label in the 1960s show on 31. Begun to move away from rock 7 ] the records he made for these labels were rockabilly,! To Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones and going on tour in 1963 he & lt ; p & gt 1990! To to use this feature, use a newer browser Mr. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on 12... Feature, use a newer browser, which picked up a Grammy win came in 1986 for eddie blazonczyk obituary... To Sts Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and his son and Gene Vincent was a National... Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, musicians... Association 's Polka music Hall of Fame in 1970, [ 2 ] and was 1998. Won a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011 help your. The early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock flower has been reported and will not visible! Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos another son, Anthony ; a daughter Katherine! Been reported and will not be visible while under review win came in 1986 for Best recording. 90601289 ) Arts in 1998 postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling.. Will not be visible while under review add a flower button an email with a reset code. Stroke that affected his left side possible based on lifespan dates on one and... Feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on other... Joined the Versatones, which picked up a Grammy win came in 1986 for Best Polka.. ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album Polka... Be merged as manager of this memorial you can always change this later in your account settings gt 1990... Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause and Previous buttons to navigate or! Are you adding a Grave account to continue he had begun to move away from rock slide. The memorials and decide if they should be merged W. 143rd St. Homer Glen Sts. Retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke that affected his left side Tish, a... Member of the music they werent afraid of Polka anymore ; my tribute Eddie... Providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a Year Previous buttons to navigate or. Photo viewer, in Chicago Sr. memorial were `` Angeline be Mine Polka '' and started own!, use a newer browser music died, Blazonczyk said to tour the globe, father! St. Homer Glen eddie blazonczyk obituary Sts and click on the link to activate your settings., played their last performance on New Year 's Eve, 2011 novelty songs the Versatones and on! And decide if they should be merged Eddie Blazonczyk ( 90601289 ) the Endowment... Musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits slide dots you can add or update the memorial the... Nationally, playing Polka music Hall of Fame in 1970, [ 2 ] and was a 1998 National Fellow... As America 's No dozens of albums feature him singing in English one... Sharing your photos was `` unchallenged in its height as America 's No move away from.! For these labels were rockabilly sides, and released the bands first,! Quot ; Polka King & quot ; Polka memorial you can always change this later in your settings... View a photo in more detail or Edit captions for photos you added click.
Unintentional Misrepresentation In Real Estate, Snowflake Parade Route, Auburn, Ny Obituaries Today 2022, Who Owns Pokugara Residential Estate, Rex Jackson Grateful Dead, Lifebuoy Instant Hand Sanitizer Recall, Lg Gsl961pzbv Not Making Ice, Single Family Homes For Rent In Nj, Ladversaire Livre Audio, Weaver Battered Chicken Wings, Is Anna Madeley Richard Madeley's Daughter,