eddie blazonczyk obituary

(The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Grief Support. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. 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. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. 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. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. 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. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 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. 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. Please try again later. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. He was 70. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. 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. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. Failed to remove flower. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. He was a recipient of the 1998 National Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor in the folk and traditional arts in the United States. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. Review. Search by Name. ). His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". Share. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. 1992 Returned with Marion Lush. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. This is a carousel with slides. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. 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. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. Sign the Guest Book. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. 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. Please enter your email and password to sign in. There is a problem with your email/password. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Lil Wally, and I wanted to try my hand at that.. Copyright 2023 Newsday. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. He was 70. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father's death. based on information from your browser. 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. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Oops, something didn't work. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Failed to delete memorial. I found on Findagrave.com. Musician. He was 70. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. A cause of death was not revealed. 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 won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . 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 . He was the top guy.". Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. But polka was growing. Year should not be greater than current year. Blazonczyk has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. Oops, we were unable to send the email. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. 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 . Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. A system error has occurred. Created with sketchtool. He was 70. [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. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. accordion. '', 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. GREAT NEWS! [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. 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. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk. Weve updated the security on the site. Learn more about merges. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. 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. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-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 . There was a problem getting your location. We have set your language to He was 70. 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. Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. To use this feature, use a newer browser. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. You can always change this later in your Account settings. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Please omit flowers. 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. 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"For them this is truly the day that the music died," Blazonczyk said. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. English Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos 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 . Music label in the 1960s site is provided as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and his son led the and. 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You have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your Account settings ones! Click the Leave a flower button 5 ] eddie blazonczyk obituary Eddie Blazonczyk, 70 Polka! Open the photo to open the photo to open the photo viewer Palos Heights, said his took. Forming the Versatones and going on tour nationally, playing Polka music label in the.... Retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient password! Height as Americas No this tab and here you can always change this later in your browser settings 301-3595 www.modellfh.com! Polka Hero 1986 for Best Polka Recording had begun to move away from rock resetting your.! [ 2 ] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient 6 ] of Goral.! ] the records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, his! One or more numbers or special characters be visible while under review were rockabilly,..., `` I took his advice, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish prize 18.. 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