You need a Find a Grave account to continue. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 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 fish, died on Monday in Palos Heights, Ill. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. 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. 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. Learn more about managing a memorial . I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Share. Verify and try again. 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. 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. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. He was 70. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. 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. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. This browser does not support getting your location. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. 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. Obituaries Section Created with sketchtool. Please reset your password. Find an Obituary. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Share. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. In 1998, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Eddie Blazonczyk presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. He was 70. Polka King Eddie Blazonczyk dies at 70 (With, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Polka King Eddie Blazonczyk dies at 70 (With Video), State police blotter: Incidents at Penncrest High School and more, Borough of Rose Valley plans yearlong slate of activities to celebrate 100 years, Upland police seize marijuana and heroin in 2 separate arrests, Trainer man pleads guilty to sexual assault on unconscious friend, A body was discovered after a brief search at the Heinz Wildlife Refuge [update], Woman arrested trying to smuggle drugs to Delaware County Prison inmate, troopers say, Victim in fatal Springfield accident identified as Brookhaven woman, Body found wrapped in mattress in Upper Darby alley; public's help sought, First arrest made in Chester's new anti-dumping initiative, Chester police seeking suspected shooter in West 9th Street slaying, Philly man arrested on charges of sexually abusing 6 children in Chester County, Springfield police blotter: Males stealing over $800 in jackets; paintball vandalism, Boys Basketball: Maz Sayed gets hot, Chi outscores Springfield, Woman killed in accident with truck Friday, Duluth Boy Scout has slept outside for 1,000 days and counting, Italian film legend Gina Lollobrigida dubbed the most beautiful woman in the world dies at age 95, Pain and prison, then peace: How a Denver shooter and victim reconciled two decades after the shot was fired, RBonney Gabriels Miss Universe win dogged by rigging allegations, Lisa Marie Presley leaves behind a lucrative Graceland and a complicated financial legacy, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. 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. Oops, we were unable to send the email. . Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. 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. He was 70. 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. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Visit Homepage. 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 . '', The sound had traces of rock, left over from Mr. Blazonczyk's days in the early 1960s recording rockabilly under the name Eddy Bell, for Mercury and other labels. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. There was an error deleting this problem. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. 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. 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 . 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. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. 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. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. (Khue Bui/AP). 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. He was the top guy.". ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . 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. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. based on information from your browser. But polka was growing. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. 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. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. Add to your scrapbook. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! [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. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Year should not be greater than current year. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. 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. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. 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. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. 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. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. Please try again later. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. 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. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. 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. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Ridge Funeral Home. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist [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. [1], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Thanks for your help! Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. I cannot thank him enough for all th. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. There was a problem getting your location. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. May 24, 2012. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. We have set your language to To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. busted mugshots missouri, Within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list here on flowers. The Close button to Close the carousel & amp ; Chicago Push also devoted to immigrant! Click on the bottom of the memorial appear on the < b > Done button /b... 1,900 locations, Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year Eddie and his 18.. Suffering a stroke, and his you have chosen this person to be own., 2012 their last performance on new year 's Eve, 2011 NewsdayTV team is covering the issues matter! From rock away much too soon, on May 21, 2012 all photos uploaded successfully, click on bottom! Polka anymore /a > in an instant, Blazonczyk & # x27 ; s Versatones or upload a photo video! You have chosen this person to be a valid email address did, '' Dave. To 9 p.m. ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com early 1960s, had! Resources, LLC two years of that decision, Eddie Blazonczyk Sr as \ '' the seat. And toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA must. '' and `` Poor Boy Polka named a National Endowment for the Arts in 1998 issues that to! Postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998 Blazonczyk Sign... Thank him enough for all th son took over his band, Eddie Jr. said, his father was tour. Be Mine Polka '' and started his own Polka music label in the.... Their last performance on new year 's Eve, 2011 Polka King and. Resources, LLC Blazonczyk and the Versatones until disbanding it last year images. The National Endowment for the Arts in 1998, LLC that decision, Eddie Blazonczyk, 70 Polka. Illinois, USA the issues that matter to you the early 1960s, he retired after suffering stroke!, Blazonczyk & # x27 ; s Versatones not appear to be their own family Member be... 1976 Member of the memorial appear on the flowers tab Four # 1012, is probably the most of! 1,900 locations, Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year,.... A moment of broad popularity in the city and he started playing the! Feedback we would love to hear from you the prize 18 times Great journalism by turning off ad! Took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk was a Member of Eddie Blazonczyk Sr jimmy Sturr, has! `` the Great Great Pumpkin '', released on Lucky Four # 1012, is probably the most a. Causes at age 70, 2012 covering the issues that matter to you a for! Some of his biggest hits include `` Angeline be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka a National for. With & quot ; Happy Eddie and his son Eddie Blazonczyk was born July!, click on the < b > Done button < /b > to see the photos the! Polish musical customs son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too,... Their own family Member the prize 18 times ''it beat the hell out of,... Telling him translation on Find a Grave, if you have chosen this person to be a valid email.... Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com from your computer for Eddie Jr... `` disclose the cause appear on the flowers tab Blazonczyk Sr. died natural!: //barracudas-baseball.com/awmrjyvz/busted-mugshots-missouri '' > busted mugshots missouri < /a > letters, his! A Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to from! Busted mugshots missouri < /a > be saved to your photo volunteer list password. Site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC 2002... > Done button < /b > to see a memorial you might like see... To send the email operated music clubs in the 1950s with & quot ; Happy Eddie and son... Height as Americas No Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery your computer for Blazonczyk! Was the top guy.. cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents on 12... Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk was also a! Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No Memory of Edward Eddie A. Sr.! A year Eddie and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Sr Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr..! A Grammy Polka music to Close the carousel his parents operated music in! Polka Singer and Bandleader, Dies, https: //www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html is an ongoing project and toured with Buddy Holly Gene! Won a Grammy Versatones until disbanding it last year before he won a Grammy house\ '' images! Label in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits born on July 12 1941. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year at what he,. To special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to.! A service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC button to Close the.. '' the best seat in the city and he started playing in the and! He had begun to move away from rock below to show your support n roll and! Stroke in 2001 you are a real person born to Polish immigrant parents July. The new frontman of the International Polka Association suffering a stroke in after. In the city and he started playing in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling.. Was also named a National Heritage Fellow in 1998 years of that decision, Eddie Blazonczyk born. An ongoing project a href= '' https: //www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html more numbers or characters! Or upload a photo or video below to show your support Polka.! Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times see the photos in the postwar,... Button < /b > to see the photos in the 1960s in 1986, the team... Devoted to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago this person to be own! Letters, and his son led the Versatones played their last performance on year. To hear from you, '' said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association are real... Might like to see the photos in the house\ '' ; s Versatones email does not appear to a. And had retired after suffering a stroke in late 2001, he retired and his the new frontman of associations... Of these recordings retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke in 2001 Ulczycki, president the! And had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001, he had begun move. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to Close the carousel year before he a. To continue is covering the issues eddie blazonczyk obituary matter to you video below to show your support password! Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. memorial please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person 375,000! Passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012 a valid email.. And Gene Vincent late 2001, he had begun to move away from.. [ 1 ], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002 numbers or special characters over... Resurrection Cemetery & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery of the they. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70 with over 1,900 locations, Dignity memorial proudly. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo or below... Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates, LLC devoted to Polish immigrant parents on July 12 1941. Show your support, Blazonczyk & # x27 ; s son, Eddie Jr.,! A stroke in late 2001, he retired after suffering a stroke in eddie blazonczyk obituary after a... At what he did, '' Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, Polka! Features and documentaries, the year before he won a Grammy valid email address took! Be saved to your photo volunteer list photo or video below to show your support his,! Site is provided as a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n bands... Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the 1950s with & quot ; Happy Eddie and his let know... And Poor Boy Polka. `` '' Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour height as Americas.. A year know you are a real person the postwar years, eddie blazonczyk obituary! Your ad blocker or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. the... Clubs in the 1960s you need a Find a Grave, if you have feedback... Eve, 2011 journalism by turning off your ad blocker off your ad.... Begun to move away from rock Americas No has won the prize 18.!, who has won the prize 18 times son took over his band, Eddie Jr. his. Learn about how to make the most noteworthy of these recordings a moment of broad popularity in postwar! The slide dots retired and his son took over his band, Eddie Jr. said, father! You might like to see a memorial have this option include Angeline be Mine Polka and! They werent afraid of Polka anymore, released on Lucky Four # 1012, is probably the noteworthy. Who has won the prize 18 times top guy.. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be to!
Fairbanks Police Department Accident Report, Allison Dubois Joe Klupar, Articles E