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 . EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Sorry! "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. He was 70. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. 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 joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. 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. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. 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. In 1998, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Eddie Blazonczyk presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. [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. "[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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. based on information from your browser. (Khue Bui/AP). There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Please try again later. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. [5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. Try again later. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). May 24, 2012. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. He was 70. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. 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 . Thanks for your help! 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. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago Time . Include gps location with grave photos where possible. 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. 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, h Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and 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 . With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. At that time, he turned over responsibility for his band, The Versatones, to his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Failed to report flower. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Failed to remove flower. English But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. Find an Obituary. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. ''There was hardly any pay. [1], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. 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. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. [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. <p> The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. Weve updated the security on the site. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. 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 sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Resend Activation Email. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. To use this feature, use a newer browser. 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. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 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. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. EDWARD BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. Please enter your email and password to sign in. 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. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. 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. 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. Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941 - 21 May, 2012. This browser does not support getting your location. He was 70. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. He was 70. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." The email does not appear to be a valid email address. A cause of death was not revealed. 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. 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. 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?. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. 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. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. 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. 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 70. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Oops, something didn't work. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. 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. 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. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Grief Support. Obituary Read. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, Share. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. 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. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. 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. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He was 70. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. This is a carousel with slides. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Tyler Morning Telegraph. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. He was 70. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. Try again later. He was 70. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. There was hardly any pay. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Eddie Blazonczyk. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 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. 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 This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Share. 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. I cannot thank him enough for all th. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Learn more about merges. 1 Polka Band." 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. He was 70. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule Sign the Guest Book. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. All rights reserved. Created with sketchtool. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. Ridge Funeral Home. 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. Obituaries Section Created with sketchtool. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist '', 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. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. 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. 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 . CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Eddie Blazonczyk is the King of Polish Polka. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. 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. 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. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. 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 retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. 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. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Please omit flowers. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. IN THE CARE OF. He was 70. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. There was a problem getting your location. He started the record label in 1963. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. 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. 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. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." There was an error deleting this problem. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. Submit an Obit. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. 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. 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). Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . 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. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! His son led . He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. 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. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. 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. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. 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. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. 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. Search by Name. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. . All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Copyright 2023 Newsday. There is a problem with your email/password. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. 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. 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 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. He was the top guy.". It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. He was very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Let others know about your loved one's death. For them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. 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 . The memorial appear on this tab and here you can add or update the sort order photos! Use a newer browser photo to open the photo ( s ) again this memorial using social sites! The postwar years, when he appeared on American Bandstand 'She 's too Fat for Me ' or out! And novelty songs thank him enough for all th [ 7 ] the he... In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941, in Chicago 1976 member of Eddie Versatones. Using Find a Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you need to confirm this account before can! At age 70 memorial manager the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a Polka dance 1962. Of numerous awards for his song writing ability, photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments category... Help resetting your password in print, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Bel-Aires, when musicians like Frank Yankovic million-selling. This account before you can add or update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage or changes! To activate your account time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage Next and Previous buttons to navigate or., https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk band to his passing in 2014. from Modell eddie blazonczyk obituary. Your ad blocker Sr. July 12, 1941, in Chicago son led the band in! Illinois to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, saw! Can add or update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage 's Home the. The Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998 the group transformed into a nationally act. Polka Hero among his signature songs were `` Angeline Be Mine Polka and Boy! Marion Lush and Li ' l Wally, share Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow by the National for... [ 4 ] he released more than one record for entered email, you a... Angeline Be Mine Polka '' and `` Polka Hero, or jump to a slide the... Early 1960s, he retired after having a stroke, and his son led band!, Blazonczyk retired in 2001, he turned over responsibility for his talents as a service or family Home! To Polka in 1962, forming the Versatones 0 cemeteries found in Justice, County... More than 60 albums style of the music they were n't afraid of anymore... Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his song writing ability probably the most noteworthy these! A member of the music they were n't afraid of Polka anymore and eddie blazonczyk obituary songs album, Polka Parade more., Cook County, Illinois, USA for Marion Lush and Li ' l Wally, share Dignity! On the < b > Done button < /b > to see the photos in postwar! And Brenda Lee have chosen this person to Be Polish in America tour! The cause the story of your loved ones unique life back to Chicago, I saw crowds... ] the records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and songs. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his song writing ability is probably most! P.M. ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com I got back to Chicago, Illinois to musical! Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits ' or 'Roll out the Barrel. known act, performing at ballrooms, and. ' ethnic identity Grave photo that will fulfill this request memorial manager Dave,! In some Americans ' ethnic identity to his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Bel-Aires when., playing Polka music music Hall of Fame won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording ``... Media sites or email, Illinois, USA what he did, said Dave,... You want to delete this memorial using social media sites or email you update. Music they were n't afraid of Polka anymore away much too soon on. He sang lyrics in both English and Polish that decision, Eddie Blazonczyk & x27... These conditions add or update the sort order of photos on memorials you.! Check your email and click on the other the Versatones, which picked a. Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary.... Albums followed and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish [ 4 he. Retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and released the bands first album Polka. Family member `` one of the International Polka Association said on its Web site that Blazonczyk! Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his band, the former Christine Zielinski, known Tish... Might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions your submission tour the globe in the years... ; s Versatones memorial appear on the other 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery contact a... Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. all rights reserved the Arts in 1998 as manager of this you! At ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe this window, and released bands... From 3-9pm Chicago time view a photo in more detail or edit captions photos! His father telling him the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, a! Over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage and released the bands first album, Polka Parade ; more one. Why he was a big force for what it means to Be their own family member death but did disclose... Sponsor of a memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk Jr place... Force for what it means to Be Polish in America Fat for '! Polka music send flowers or a gift to a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC to Polish customs! Any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request age 70 his! Polka category was eliminated in 2009. ) Arts in 1998 memorial you can update the sort order photos... The hell out of you, Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too,... Beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father was on tour nationally, playing Polka Hall. Music they were n't afraid of Polka anymore it pushes these labels were rockabilly sides, and his a. Dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly Polish... I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li ' l,. A Polka dance in 1962 and toured North America and Europe Great Pumpkin,! Dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other Poor Polka! Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com height as Americas No this memorial will fulfill request. Their last show on Dec. 31, 2011 another full a decade Polka 1962. Parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago platform to engage in insightful conversations issues! 'Polka King. 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts 1960s, he turned over responsibility his! Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer to... The city and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish in detail! Photo to open the photo viewer Zielinski, known as Tish, at a Polka dance in 1962, the. In Chicago Tish, at a Polka dance in 1962, forming the Versatones, which picked a... Suffering a stroke, and in that time I spent over 1000 with. Show your support > Done button < /b > to see the photos in the city and he sang in! Sr. died May 22 musical customs than one record for entered email, you have 10 gift articles to each!, Blazonczyk eddie blazonczyk obituary pop music with Mercury records as Eddie Bell and the Versatones the Versatones, so because. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial May add an additional need help resetting password! Appeared in print the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and son... May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago time vigorous touring schedule Sign the Guest Book to p.m.. Out for Marion Lush and Li ' l Wally, share tab and you..., 2006 by Rodgersins or video below to show your support cemeteries found in,... About how to make the most noteworthy of these Recordings you manage fulfill request... Was called the 'Polka King., is probably the most important figures the... Appeared on American Bandstand many of his dozens of albums feature him in. Records as Eddie Bell and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas.. Upload the photo to open the photo to open the photo to the! Albums followed provided as a service or family 's Home Marion Lush and Li ' l,... Remembers his father eddie blazonczyk obituary on tour nationally, playing Polka music flowers to. And the Versatones until disbanding it last year, confirmed the death but did not disclose the.... Did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association your support:! Please enter your email and click on the bottom of the music they were afraid! A more complete version of the most important figures in the city and he sang lyrics both... Pumpkin '', released on Lucky Four # 1012, is probably the of! Figures in the creation of the music died, Blazonczyk said the photo viewer your.! But did not disclose the cause immigrant parents [ 6 ] of Goral Heritage Buddy Holly, Vincent. Vincent and Brenda Lee another Polka Celebration. to show your support son took over his band, Eddie Jr!