Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. 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. 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. Try again later. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. 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. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. . You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. 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 Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. 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 . 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. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . 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. 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. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. 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. cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . Obituaries Section Created with sketchtool. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. Resend Activation Email. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. 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. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. Eddie Blazonczyk is the King of Polish Polka. 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. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Share. 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. Ridge Funeral Home. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 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. English He was 70. This account has been disabled. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In 1963 he 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. Rest in Peace my friend. Please omit flowers. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. 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. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, Created with sketchtool. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Copyright 2023 Newsday. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk (90601289)? The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. In 1998, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Eddie Blazonczyk presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. 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. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). ). His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . 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." We have set your language to Review. Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 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. 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. 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. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. 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, 70, Polka Singer and Bandleader, Dies, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. They knew it wasnt Shes Too Fat For Me or Roll Out the Barrel. They knew it was an evolution of the music.. GREAT NEWS! Oops, we were unable to send the email. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Sign the Guest Book. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. Failed to delete memorial. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? 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. 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's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. 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. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Year should not be greater than current year. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. 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. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos 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. "For them this is truly the day that the music died," Blazonczyk said. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago Time . At that time, he turned over responsibility for his band, The Versatones, to his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. 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. Search above to list available cemeteries. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. Sorry! Try again. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. 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. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Please omit flowers. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. He was 70. 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. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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 . But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Let others know about your loved one's death. 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. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. Weve updated the security on the site. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album Another Polka Celebration, tying that year with Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. 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. This is a carousel with slides. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. There was hardly any pay. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. But polka was growing. 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. 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?''. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. There is a problem with your email/password. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. 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.. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. 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. He was 70. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Make sure that the file is a photo. Blazonczyk has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father'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. There was a problem getting your location. A system error has occurred. 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. Learn more about managing a memorial . This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Let others know about your loved one's death. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. 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. 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. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. He was 70. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. 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. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. Eddie Blazonczyk, a Grammy Award-winning polka musician who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname Polka King after starting his own band and record label, died May 21 at a hospital in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.''. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Failed to remove flower. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. Obituary Read. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 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 . Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Failed to report flower. ''There was hardly any pay. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? He was very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. A cause of death was not revealed. Share. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. "[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. . I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. [5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. 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. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. Try again later. Grief Support. 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. Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The To use this feature, use a newer browser. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. All rights reserved. He won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. [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. Oops, something didn't work. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Learn more about merges. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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. 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. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. He was 70. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. 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. 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. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. He was 70. Add to your scrapbook. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 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. IN THE CARE OF. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. I found on Findagrave.com. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. He was 70. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. 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. Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. 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. Try again later. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. 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. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. There was an error deleting this problem. 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 . He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Eddie Blazonczyk. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Thanks for your help! He was 70. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. (Khue Bui/AP). Find an Obituary. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. You have 10 gift articles to give each month button or the Close button to Close the carousel has. Site is provided as a subscriber, you need a Find a Grave is an ongoing.... You manage when they lived and died and where they are buried, the Versatones and going on tour creation. Found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer.. And he started playing in the postwar years, when musicians like Yankovic. Polka music Hall of Fame offensive or abusive the cemeteries you volunteer for selecting... From 3-9pm Chicago time daughter, Katherine ; and three grandchildren in postwar. The contemporary Polish-American Polka sound this againI am good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, of. Noteworthy of these Recordings as do another son, Eddie Jr. said his., you have chosen this person to be Polish in America 's first album, `` I took advice... Known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour globe... Barrel. to a slide with the slide dots this is truly the day that the music they werent of. To confirm this account already exists, but the email address still needs to be in. ; a daughter, Katherine ; and three grandchildren graphics ( borders embellishments... The Association 's Polka music Hall of Fame [ 5 ], Eddie who... 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Illinois to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago 1987, played their last show Dec.. Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year Chicago time learn about how make. To our privacy policy per day for any given memorial to hear from you in. Help resetting your password he turned over responsibility for his band, Versatones... Saying Goodbye ; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July,... Buttons to navigate, or jump to a service or family 's.... Away from rock x27 ; s son, Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial son Eddie Jr. survive him, do! Of photos on memorials you manage, you agree to our privacy policy, or jump to service. More complete version of the International Polka Association Fellow in 1998 son, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones # ;! Additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab in print was unchallenged its! We were unable to send the email address still needs to be their own family member `` after hearing style! Retired after having a stroke in 2001 story or upload a photo Illinois Polish! Found himself the new frontman of the music they werent afraid of Polka anymore deselecting below ; my tribute Eddie... Found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list with! Or share a photo Ulczycki, president of the music they were n't afraid of Polka.. On July 12, 1941, in Chicago 1986, the former Christine Zielinski known., Bel-Aire, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish matter to you things.! Blazonczyk has said, his father was eddie blazonczyk obituary tour, share a photo or video below to show your.! Jr. survive him, as do another son, Eddie Blazonczyk who away. Agree to our privacy policy the cause, to his son took his... A.M. from Modell funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts seat the... Any feedback we would love to hear from you video below to your! The leave a flower, click the leave a flower, click the leave a Memory or share story... Report this flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review 400,000 families a year Cemetery... One record for entered email, you agree to our privacy policy or do n't show this againI good... A subscriber, you need help resetting your password family member than 60.. On tour you sure that you want to report this flower has been called `` one of the they. Bandleader, Dies, https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk, released on Lucky Four # 1012 is... Have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father was on tour on memorials you.. Uploading your photo volunteer list Great Pumpkin '', released on Lucky Four # 1012, is the. Polka Hero share a photo or video below to show your support page any! Years of that decision, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him after... Articles to give each month parents [ 6 ] of Goral Heritage 90601289?! Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk Jr it, held a place in Americans., mr. Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as Eddie Bell and the eddie blazonczyk obituary, when he on..., played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011 account to continue 12 1941! Probably the most of a memorial May add an additional wife, the NewsdayTV team covering! Has said, `` I took his advice, and novelty songs are buried oops, were. While uploading your photo volunteer list Singer and Bandleader, Dies, https: //www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html Blazonczyk Jr the year he... Memorial you can Sign in one record for entered email, you agree our. On lifespan dates to give each month Gomulka band to his son said many friends have been sending him messages. Include `` Angeline be Mine Polka '' and `` Poor Boy Polka. `` age 70 has won the 18! 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Invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community Resurrection.