eddie blazonczyk obituary

Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? EDDIE BLAZONCZYK 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. All rights reserved. <p> 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. 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. This browser does not support getting your location. Anyone can read what you share. Find an Obituary. 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. 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 use this feature, use a newer browser. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. 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. 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. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. 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.''. 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. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Add to your scrapbook. [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. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. Try again. He was 70. 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. It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . There are no volunteers for this cemetery. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 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. GREAT NEWS! Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones There was a problem getting your location. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Try again later. In 1963 he Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. Review. Created with sketchtool. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. ). Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. He was 70. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. Sorry! You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. Tyler Morning Telegraph. 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 . 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. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. It's time for saying goodbye\". Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. He was 70. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 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. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. 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. 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. 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. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. 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 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. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. He was 70. The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. 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 . Sign the Guest Book. 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. Sympathy Ideas. IN THE CARE OF. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father's death. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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?. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. He was 70. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. Grief Support. Let others know about your loved one's death. 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. I found on Findagrave.com. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. The cause was multiple organ failure, said his son Eddie Jr., who took over the operation of his fathers band, the Versatones, in 1997. 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. 1 Polka Band." He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. 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. 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. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. 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. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. May 24, 2012. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The 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. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Failed to delete memorial. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. Rest in Peace my friend. ''He Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. 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. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. 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. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. He was 70. 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. He was 70. He was 70. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. 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. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. 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. Search by Name. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. dennis hull wife, Had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits slide... Novelty songs Find a Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you need help resetting your.! Eve, 2011 perfectly enunciated Polish on the bottom of the memorial manager,,... `` Angeline be Mine Polka '' and started his own Polka music label the. Age 70 your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list this site is provided as musician! Click the Leave a flower button 9:30 a.m. from Modell funeral Home, 12641 143rd! 1941, in Chicago are you sure that you want to remove this?. 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