Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. He started the record label in 1963. Weve updated the security on the site. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. 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. Please reset your password. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. 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 . 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. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 Share. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. He was 70. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." 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, has died. 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?. To use this feature, use a newer browser. He was 70. Please try again later. He was 70. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. 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. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. He was 70. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Learn more about merges. Review. 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. 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. 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 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. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. 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. A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. 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 them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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 won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . For decades, his group was unchallenged as America's number 1 polka band by the International Polka Association and he was inducted into the Polka Music Hall of Fame. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 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. 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. ''There was hardly any pay. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Try again later. 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. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. <p> Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Sorry! Include gps location with grave photos where possible. He was 70. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. Oops, we were unable to send the email. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. He was 70. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. 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. They knew it wasnt Shes Too Fat For Me or Roll Out the Barrel. They knew it was an evolution of the music.. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Rest in Peace my friend. He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule 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. . Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. Try again later. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Created with sketchtool. With the Versatones, he received more than a dozen Grammy nominations and with his recording "Another Polka Celebration" (1986) won the Best Polka Grammy Award. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . 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. His son led . Musician. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' 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. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. 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. OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. He was 70. Please omit flowers. Sympathy Ideas. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Try again. Created with sketchtool. Rest in Peace my friend. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Find an Obituary. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. 1 Polka Band." He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Please omit flowers. 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 . or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. 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. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. Grief Support. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. You can always change this later in your Account settings. 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. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". Add to your scrapbook. Visit Homepage. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. Obituary Read. He was 70. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 1992 Returned with Marion Lush. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. 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. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. 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 . This browser does not support getting your location. Share. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago Time . CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . Share this memorial using social media sites or email. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. 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 . "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. Make sure that the file is a photo. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Please enter your email and password to sign in. 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. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! He was 70. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Tyler Morning Telegraph. It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Search above to list available cemeteries. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. 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. 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?''. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). 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. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. 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. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. He was 70. 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. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. 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 and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. 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. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . Family members linked to this person will appear here. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. "[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. By Ben Sisario. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . 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. He was 70. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. 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.

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