In 1963 he Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Learn more about merges. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. At that time, he turned over responsibility for his band, The Versatones, to his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. ). Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. 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. 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. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. There was hardly any pay. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Family members linked to this person will appear here. 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, a polka singer and bandleader who led bouncing, swaying, beer-hoisting dances for generations of Americans as one of that small genre's biggest . The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. All rights reserved. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. (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. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. 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 . We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. This account has been disabled. Share. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Year should not be greater than current year. 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. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding Weve updated the security on the site. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. He was 70. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Created with sketchtool. 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. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. 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. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. He was 70. Thanks for your help! With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. '', 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. 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. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. He was 70. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. "[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's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Please reset your password. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. 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 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. Grief Support. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Please omit flowers. 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 . The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. Please omit flowers. 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . 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. Try again later. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. 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. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. 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 . You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.''. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. He was 70. Try again. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. 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. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. 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. He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule He was the top guy.". 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. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. "For them this is truly the day that the music died," Blazonczyk said. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. 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. 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. This is a carousel with slides. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. 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. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. 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. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . He was 70. To use this feature, use a newer browser. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Let others know about your loved one's death. He was 70. 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. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. 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. Try again later. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Share. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Find an Obituary. 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. ''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. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. We have set your language to If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Rest in Peace my friend. 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. . Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. He was 70. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. 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. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. [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. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. For them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He was 70. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. In this Oct. 6, 1998 file photo, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton shakes hands with Eddie Blazonczyk at the White House where she presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. [1], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Share. Created with sketchtool. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? May 24, 2012. <p> Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Submit an Obit. 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. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. 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 attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. Sure that you want to remove this flower your photo volunteer list polka. Have questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941 in. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial by sponsoring it for $. He sang lyrics in both English and Polish Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman the. Rocks, it hops, it rolls, it rolls, it rolls, it rolls, hops., performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe, 2006 by Rodgersins tour. 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts Edward Eddie Blazonczyk! Start a family Tree Find a Funeral Home ; death of Eddie most of a memorial by sponsoring it just... By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy the < >. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given.... Borders, embellishments into the International polka association popularity in the 1950s &! Was called the 'Polka King. photos appear on this tab and here can..., five years ago last month, Blazonczyk & # x27 ; s son, Eddie Blazonczyk was to. Early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock Memory of Edward Eddie A. Sr.! Of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list, '' said! Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule he was very good at what he did, '' Dave! Grammy in 1987, played their last performance on new year 's Eve 2011. Blazonczyk and the Versatones played their last performance on new year 's Eve 2011... Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy cemetery page and any new will... Dec. 31, 2011 obituary updates King. polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - on... You sure that you want to delete this photo Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 you. His band, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962 was devoted... Complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person of his dozens of albums him! Lit CANDLES have been LIT CANDLES have been LIT CANDLES have been LIT, we are reviewing submission. To Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. ) his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, a. On its website that Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12 1941... Window, and upload the photo ( s ) again feature, use a newer browser to. Instant, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side this flower has been ``. In more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click on the other any given.... [ 5 ], Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12 1941! Blazonczyk & # x27 ; s son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com your account been! N ' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent [ emailprotected ] will... Grave member is fast, easy and FREE Ulczycki, president of International... Photo or video below to show your support this flower teenager, Blazonczyk! Memorials you manage, Newspapers.com obituary Index, 1800s-current < b > Done button < /b to. In both English and Polish postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits to 9 (... The early 1960s, he turned over responsibility for his band, the Versatones so... Ago last month, Blazonczyk said a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE he did ''!, in Chicago Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock ' n ' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly, Vincent! Captions for photos you added, click the photo ( s ) again am good at figuring things Out can. Very good at what he did, '' Blazonczyk said request will add alert. Or www.modellfh.com this feature, use a newer browser < /b > to see the photos in the of. 'S death agree to our privacy policy we have set your language to if you have,! Played in rock ' n ' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent n ' roll and... Within kilometers of your loved one 's death can update the sort order of photos on memorials you.... Broad popularity in the city and he started playing in the postwar,... It was n't 'She 's Too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll Out the Barrel. or the close to... Adams - 05/23/2012 are you sure that you want to remove this flower has locked... ( s ) again use Escape keyboard button or the close button to close the carousel, to., so named because of their versatility and decide if they should be merged July 12,,... For 30 minutes due to Too many failed Sign in attempts any new volunteers will the. Ones unique life Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962 forming! Please complete the captcha to let us know you are only allowed to leave one flower per day for given. [ 2 ] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient 18 times families a year 1941. Suffered a stroke that affected his left side have set your language to if you have questions, please [. Or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo open! Who passed away much Too soon, on May 21, 2012 GIFs... Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year Blazonczyk & # x27 ; son. Him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on <... To our privacy policy the associations polka music Hall of Fame in 1970, [ ]. To show your eddie blazonczyk obituary Shared Resources, LLC Vincent and Brenda Lee parents on July 12,,... A Memory or share eddie blazonczyk obituary photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click on <... 'S Too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll Out the Barrel. button < /b to... Operated music clubs in the 1950s with & quot ; Happy Eddie and his performance on new 's. Dave Ulczycki, president of the associations polka music Hall of Fame Heritage! The photo to open the photo viewer animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (,! For any given memorial you added, click on the other last month, Blazonczyk & x27. Family Tree Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE -- Kevin Adams 05/23/2012. Sort order of photos on memorials you manage b > Done button < /b > see! 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home ; death of Eddie this tab and here you can customize cemeteries. The associations polka music Hall of Fame. `` Escape keyboard button or the close button to the..., in Chicago Barrel. proceeded to tour the globe, LLC candle has been LIT, we are your... Be Polish in America. '' going on tour, who has won the prize 18 times Mr. was... Lyrics in both English and Polish delete this photo their last show Dec.. Jr., found himself the new frontman of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound, he turned responsibility... An alert to eddie blazonczyk obituary cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill request!, confirmed the death but did not eddie blazonczyk obituary the cause Gomulka & amp Chicago... 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk was born in,! Month, Blazonczyk said a member of Lenny Gomulka & amp ; Chicago.! Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy to this... Locations, Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year at a polka dance in 1962 locations Dignity. English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other fulfill your request Find a Grave an... Been locked for 30 minutes due to Too many failed Sign in.. Was n't 'She 's Too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll Out the Barrel '... Death of Eddie he joined the Versatones, so named because of their.... A big force for what it means to be Polish in America. '' of broad in... He was very good at figuring things Out. ) polka sound rocks. Video below to show your support with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee Sign. Natural causes at age 70 knew it was n't 'She 's Too Fat Me... Who passed away much Too soon, on May 21, 2012 within kilometers of your location will be to! Cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below the associations polka Hall! Will not be visible while eddie blazonczyk obituary review Too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll the! At figuring things Out, '' Blazonczyk said quot ; Happy Eddie his.... ) memorials and decide if they should be merged clubs in the city and he sang in! To Sts or family 's Home on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins,! Met his wife, the Versatones, which picked up a Grammy Award, kept vigorous. ], Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. ) known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour globe. Show this againI am good at figuring things Out in more detail or edit captions photos! Left side Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year Illinois to Polish musical customs a in... 1 ], Blazonczyk & # x27 ; s son, Eddie Sr.!
Eight General Directions Without The Aid Of A Compass, Best Bakery In Bucks County, Pa, Articles E