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. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Add to your scrapbook. 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 was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. He started the record label in 1963. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. 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 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. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. This browser does not support getting your location. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! ). You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Copyright 2023 Newsday. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. Rest in Peace my friend. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Try again later. [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. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. [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. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. He was 70. 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 genres biggest fish, died on Monday in Palos Heights, Ill. Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Family members linked to this person will appear here. But polka was growing. There was an error deleting this problem. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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). Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. 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 retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. "[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. 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. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Ridge Funeral Home. 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], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. He was 70. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. 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. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. We have set your language to Tyler Morning Telegraph. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. 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. Sorry! He was 70. Sign the Guest Book. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Obituaries Section Created with sketchtool. The cause was multiple organ failure, said his son Eddie Jr., who took over the operation of his fathers band, the Versatones, in 1997. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. 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. May 24, 2012. 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. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Grief Support. Failed to remove flower. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. Created with sketchtool. . 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. 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. Search above to list available cemeteries. 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. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . 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 has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. . EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Resend Activation Email. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. 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 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. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. He was 70. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Submit an Obit. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. By Ben Sisario. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . 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. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. Created with sketchtool. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding ''For a community where polka is an important part of their traditional heritage, he maintained it, promoted it, gave it a voice,'' Jim Bessman, a music journalist and longtime polka aficionado, said of Mr. Blazonczyk. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. 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In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. For them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. He was 70. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Failed to report flower. <p> Make sure that the file is a photo. Please omit flowers. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. 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. 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. Weve updated the security on the site. He was 70. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. Sympathy Ideas. Review. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. He was 70. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Anyone can read what you share. 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?. EDWARD BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. 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. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Failed to delete memorial. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. ''He This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Search by Name. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Rest in Peace my friend. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. 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.. 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. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. 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