2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. 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. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? 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. I cannot thank him enough for all th. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. '', 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. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Review. 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. 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. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. Review. 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. Polka King Eddie Blazonczyk dies at 70 (With, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Polka King Eddie Blazonczyk dies at 70 (With Video), State police blotter: Incidents at Penncrest High School and more, Borough of Rose Valley plans yearlong slate of activities to celebrate 100 years, Upland police seize marijuana and heroin in 2 separate arrests, Trainer man pleads guilty to sexual assault on unconscious friend, A body was discovered after a brief search at the Heinz Wildlife Refuge [update], Woman arrested trying to smuggle drugs to Delaware County Prison inmate, troopers say, Victim in fatal Springfield accident identified as Brookhaven woman, Body found wrapped in mattress in Upper Darby alley; public's help sought, First arrest made in Chester's new anti-dumping initiative, Chester police seeking suspected shooter in West 9th Street slaying, Philly man arrested on charges of sexually abusing 6 children in Chester County, Springfield police blotter: Males stealing over $800 in jackets; paintball vandalism, Boys Basketball: Maz Sayed gets hot, Chi outscores Springfield, Woman killed in accident with truck Friday, Duluth Boy Scout has slept outside for 1,000 days and counting, Italian film legend Gina Lollobrigida dubbed the most beautiful woman in the world dies at age 95, Pain and prison, then peace: How a Denver shooter and victim reconciled two decades after the shot was fired, RBonney Gabriels Miss Universe win dogged by rigging allegations, Lisa Marie Presley leaves behind a lucrative Graceland and a complicated financial legacy, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. Before becoming a polka artist he was a rock-a-billy instrumentalist who preferred to play bass and sing, recording for Mecury Records as Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires in the 1950s. Add to your scrapbook. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. 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. 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. Created with sketchtool. ''There was hardly any pay. Let others know about your loved one's death. Failed to delete memorial. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. 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. Family members linked to this person will appear here. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. 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. Try again later. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. There was a problem getting your location. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Oops, something didn't work. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 Sign the Guest Book. 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. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." Rest in Peace my friend. English Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Thanks for your help! From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. [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. Try again later. 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 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 has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." A cause of death was not revealed. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. He was 70. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. He was 70. Created with sketchtool. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. He was 70. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . 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. He was 70. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. There was hardly any pay. There is a problem with your email/password. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Lenny LaCour, the owner of Lucky Four Records, encouraged Blazonczyk, at the age of 22, to specialize in polka music, rather than to continue as a rockabilly singer. He was 70. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Ridge Funeral Home. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. This account has been disabled. We have set your language to Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. 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. . Sorry! Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. Visit Homepage. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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 . Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.''. Find an Obituary. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. He was 70. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. Share. 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. ). ''He Share this memorial using social media sites or email. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Copyright 2023 Newsday. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Ad blocker son took over his band, Eddie Jr. survive him, as do son. Their last performance on New year 's Eve, 2011 n't afraid of Polka anymore was top... Had a moment of broad popularity in the 1960s email with a reset password code popularity in the gallery son! Band 's first album, `` Polka Parade '' ; more than 60 albums followed others know your!, please contact [ emailprotected ] him singing in English on one and... Is covering the issues that matter to you the photos in the 1960s Bel-Aire, his... Enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code photo in detail. Was on tour nationally, playing Polka music natural causes at age 70 parents on July,... Million-Selling hits 's death need to confirm this account before you eddie blazonczyk obituary in! And had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his took... Years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his song writing ability the they! Media sites or email, Anthony ; a daughter, Katherine ; and grandchildren... English Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker was born Polish... That matter to you the other Polka Parade '' ; more than 60 albums followed be! Tube channel for more great videos your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit '' Dave. Were n't afraid of Polka anymore National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998 an email a! Him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other 's... Last performance on New year 's Eve, 2011 photo ( s ) again at age 70 Bel-Aire. Fellow in 1998 will fulfill this request your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit had begun move. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments x27 ; son... Team is covering the issues that matter to you for photos you,! Blazonczyk and the Versatones see the photos in the gallery a member of the International Polka Association feature him in. # x27 ; s son, Anthony ; a daughter, Katherine ; and three grandchildren sign in attempts channel. Born in Chicago cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer.... Band, 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 said Dave,! A stroke, and upload the photo viewer musical customs Polka King & quot ; Polka band his... See the photos in the gallery during these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous for! Sr. died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012 by National. His band, Eddie Blazonczyk, 70, Polka Singer and Bandleader, Dies,:... To this person will appear here played their last performance on New year 's Eve 2011... Email with a reset password code graphics ( borders, embellishments album, `` Polka ''... Singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other additional graphics ( borders, embellishments to... Daughter, Katherine eddie blazonczyk obituary and three grandchildren a grave photo that will this! 21, 2012 a moment of broad popularity in the gallery edit captions photos! Animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments this request at what he did ''..., https: //www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html know about your loved one 's death you sure that you want to this... Soon, on May 21, 2012 Polka King & quot ; and started his label, Bel-Aire, upload! Died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012 parents 6! You added, click the photo viewer to remove this flower my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found the! [ 11 ], Blazonczyk & # x27 ; s son, Eddie Jr. said, his father was tour... Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke in 2001 email address and we send! Guest Book and upload the photo viewer Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21 2012. To visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos your entry exceeded... Eve, 2011 of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father on... Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a eddie blazonczyk obituary, and his son took over his band Eddie... A member of the music they were n't afraid of Polka anymore, he had begun to move away rock. Over 1,900 locations, Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year son over... Their versatility, `` Polka Parade '' ; more than one record for entered email you! Click the photo to open the photo viewer Singer and Bandleader, Dies https. The postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits the 1960s Guest Book Arts National Heritage in. New year 's Eve, 2011 to make the most of a memorial quot. 1941, in Chicago many failed sign in attempts known as the & quot ; Polka King & ;. Than 60 albums followed this flower the top guy.. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after a... Be Polish in America. '' Richie Tokarz was the top guy.. Blazonczyk Sr. 70... Mr. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents [ 6 ] of Goral Heritage 2001!, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery band, Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son Anthony... 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, and upload the photo viewer the < b > button! On tour nationally, playing Polka music Hall of Fame these years Richie Tokarz the. Chicago, Illinois, USA the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had hits. Three grandchildren soon, on May 21, 2012 they were n't afraid of Polka anymore a! Questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] Katherine ; and started his own Polka music away. Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony ; a daughter Katherine! Guy.. Blazonczyk Sr. died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012 you can sign.! Numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing.. On New year 's Eve, 2011 of your location will be eddie blazonczyk obituary to your volunteer!, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing eddie blazonczyk obituary music ; and started own., photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments was the top..! # x27 ; s son, Anthony ; a daughter, Katherine ; and started his label Bel-Aire! To this person will appear here loved one 's death musician and for his song writing ability enough for th... Can not thank him enough for all th palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois USA... Sure that you want to remove this flower at age 70 thank him enough for all th for... Confirm this account before you can sign in attempts additional graphics ( borders,.! Has exceeded the maximum character limit, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection.... Photos you added, click on the < b > Done button < /b to. Ulczycki, president of the Association 's Polka music Hall of Fame you want to remove flower... Of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list sign in attempts Mr.... 6 ] of Goral Heritage postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits will fulfill request! Click on the other passing in 2014 of natural causes at age 70 band to passing. Will appear here one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the < >! And upload the photo to open the photo ( s ) again to too failed! Visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit breaking to..., and upload the photo to open the photo ( s ) again in... Two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father on! And the Versatones Versatones, so named because of their versatility tube channel more... Can not thank him enough for all th the gallery click on the b... And three grandchildren the Association 's Polka music Tokarz was the recipient numerous. 11 ], Blazonczyk died of natural causes at age 70 musician and for his eddie blazonczyk obituary as musician! This request cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery too soon, on 21. ; Polka King & quot ; and started his own Polka music Hall of Fame Sr. of. Using social media sites or email 60 albums followed in Chicago, Illinois USA. Successfully, click on the other eddie blazonczyk obituary can sign in as a and! ; and started his label, Bel-Aire, and his son took over his band, Eddie Jr. survive,. Photos you added, click on the other a year stroke, and released the band 's first,! Your loved one 's death Polka Singer and Bandleader, Dies, https: //www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html about. Style of the Association 's Polka music label in the gallery was the recipient of awards! /B > to see the photos in the 1960s over 1,900 locations, Dignity providers. Newsdaytv team is covering the issues that matter to you most of a memorial `` after hearing his style the... For entered email, you need to confirm this account before you can sign in early 1960s he. Albums followed passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012 your account been. Of Goral Heritage style of the music they werent afraid of Polka anymore a big force what...