Try again later. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. based on information from your browser. 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. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. He was 70. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Share this memorial using social media sites or email. 1992 Returned with Marion Lush. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. A system error has occurred. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". 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. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". His record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, and his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., said yesterday that Blazonczyk died of natural causes Monday at a hospital in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. He was a recipient of the 1998 National Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor in the folk and traditional arts in the United States. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. 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. This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. Review. 1 Polka Band." But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka . Share. 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. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 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.. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. This account has been disabled. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. 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. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. 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. 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. "[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. This browser does not support getting your location. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. He was 70. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. Add to your scrapbook. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Please omit flowers. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. 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. He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. He was 70. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. 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. 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. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. But polka was growing. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. Rest in Peace my friend. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. 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?''. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. ). Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. This is a carousel with slides. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the
Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. He was 70. 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. IN THE CARE OF. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? 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 might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. 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 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 In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Grief Support. Resend Activation Email. 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?. 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. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. We have set your language to Created with sketchtool. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. 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 . it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. He was 70. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. 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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. 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. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. He was 70. 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. Let others know about your loved one's death. 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. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998, Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. He started the record label in 1963. Find an Obituary. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. All rights reserved. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Try again. 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. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' Search by Name. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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. But polka was growing. 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. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. A cause of death was not revealed. Year should not be greater than current year. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . They knew it wasnt Shes Too Fat For Me or Roll Out the Barrel. They knew it was an evolution of the music.. He was 70. 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. 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. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Failed to report flower. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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