We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. 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. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. 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. 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Grief Support. Verify and try again. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). You can always change this later in your Account settings. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. (Khue Bui/AP). Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. 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. Please try again later. This browser does not support getting your location. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". 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. Copyright 2023 Newsday. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. 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 . She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. . Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. 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. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." He was 70. His son led . There are no volunteers for this cemetery. We have set your language to In 1998, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Eddie Blazonczyk presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. 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. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Failed to report flower. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. There was hardly any pay. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. 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. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. A system error has occurred. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. He was 70. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. 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 . GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. He was 70. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Oops, something didn't work. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. But polka was growing. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. accordion. Add to your scrapbook. Review. The horn riffs in and out and around in intricate patterns that . To use this feature, use a newer browser. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. 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?. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. "[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. 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. 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. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). 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 70. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Obituary Read. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Visit Homepage. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. He was 70. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . Failed to delete memorial. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Learn more about managing a memorial . Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' 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. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, Dubbed the "Polka King", he was noted for revolutionizing the traditional polka style by infusing it with rock, Cajun, zydeco and country into his own polka music. A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. 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 . 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. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. Ridge Funeral Home. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Grief Support. ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". NOTE: Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos! Find an Obituary. Year should not be greater than current year. He was 70. ''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. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Try again later. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. 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 Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 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. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. 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. Resend Activation Email. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. 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. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. 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 . 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. 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 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. 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. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . Try again later. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. But polka was growing. 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