[7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. For a communitywhere 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. <p> The horn riffs in and out and around in intricate patterns that . 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. 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Let others know about your loved one's death. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. English Eddie Blazonczyk. 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. Please reset your password. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. He was 70. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . Oops, something didn't work. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. "[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. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. He was 70. He was 70. Search above to list available cemeteries. 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. 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. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. For them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. 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. Review. 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. There was hardly any pay. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Created with sketchtool. 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. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. 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. A cause of death was not revealed. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. . For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. 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 won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. 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. (Khue Bui/AP). But polka was growing. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. This browser does not support getting your location. 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?. 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 375,000 families a year. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. Try again. Rest in Peace my friend. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. 1 Polka Band." Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Review. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. 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. He was the top guy.". Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. 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 accordion. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. ''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. By Ben Sisario. 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. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. He was 70. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Make sure that the file is a photo. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. 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He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Find an Obituary. 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. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. Failed to remove flower. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. 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 THE CARE OF. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires, when he appeared on American Bandstand. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos 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 . "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". This account has been disabled. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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). He was 70. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. Submit an Obit. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. 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. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. 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 . The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. He was 70. Sorry! Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. 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. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. 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 . Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago Time . 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. 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. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. In 1963 he Created with sketchtool. 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. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. 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. 1992 Returned with Marion Lush. OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. 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 . 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. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Failed to delete memorial. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. He was 70. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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 . [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. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941 - 21 May, 2012. His son led . Year should not be greater than current year. 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. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. He was 70. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. He was 70. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Add to your scrapbook. He was 70. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. I cannot thank him enough for all th. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. 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. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. He was 70. 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. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Weve updated the security on the site. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . 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 was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Family members linked to this person will appear here. They knew it wasnt Shes Too Fat For Me or Roll Out the Barrel. They knew it was an evolution of the music.. Daughter, Katherine ; and three grandchildren possible based on lifespan dates as Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires, he! Versatones until disbanding it last year unchallenged in its height as Americas No to the memorial is for and they... Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule the sponsor of a memorial ensure you have given a! 'Polka King. 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