Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. 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. 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. Created with sketchtool. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. 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?''. 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. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. ''He [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. 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. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. 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 . He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. Learn more about merges. Tyler Morning Telegraph. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. He was very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. It's time for saying goodbye\". He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . . During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." Add to your scrapbook. He was 70. 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 Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941 - 21 May, 2012. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. Try again later. 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. Search above to list available cemeteries. Failed to report flower. 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 was 70. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. I found on Findagrave.com. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. 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. 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. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). The horn riffs in and out and around in intricate patterns that . He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. Try again later. 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. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. There was an error deleting this problem. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. 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.". IN THE CARE OF. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Sign the Guest Book. Share. He was 70. 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. By Ben Sisario. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. 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. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Failed to delete memorial. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Blazonczyk has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. 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. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. Let others know about your loved one's death. He was 70. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Let others know about your loved one's death. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. They knew it wasnt Shes Too Fat For Me or Roll Out the Barrel. They knew it was an evolution of the music.. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. . 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 met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. A cause of death was not revealed. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. 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. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. GREAT NEWS! The cause was multiple organ failure, said his son Eddie Jr., who took over the operation of his fathers band, the Versatones, in 1997. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires, when he appeared on American Bandstand. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. He 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. This is a carousel with slides. 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 . Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. 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 . It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 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. 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. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. 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 . You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. He was 70. Grief Support. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. Rest in Peace my friend. 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. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. 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. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . 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. Sorry! Thats why he was called the Polka King. 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eddie blazonczyk obituary