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. ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 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 accordion. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. There was an error deleting this problem. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. 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. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. 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. Review. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Musician. There was a problem getting your location. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. On our Father's Day show we'll talk with musical fathers & sons: polka kings Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. & Sr., and blues greats Tabby Thomas & Chris Thomas King. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. 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. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Try again later. Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Sign the Guest Book. 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 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. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. 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. 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . Grief Support. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. 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 70. Find an Obituary. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' '', 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. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. The horn riffs in and out and around in intricate patterns that . Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Find an Obituary. 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). He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' 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. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Please reset your password. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Sorry! "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. 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. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. English Learn more about merges. 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 . Let others know about your loved one's death. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . You have chosen this person to be their own family member. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. 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. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. 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. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. . Sympathy Ideas. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. He was 70. Oops, we were unable to send the email. 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 His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Failed to delete memorial. Tyler Morning Telegraph. Weve updated the security on the site. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. "[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. He was 70. 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. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Ridge Funeral Home. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones There is a problem with your email/password. 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, who were Polish immigrants, owned the Pulaski Ballroom, where young Edward saw Marion Lush, Walter Jagiello (known as Li'l Wally) and other leading polka acts of the day. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. He was 70. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. He was 70. Created with sketchtool. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. Grief Support. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk (90601289)? EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. He was 70. Share. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding He was 70. 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. A cause of death was not revealed. 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. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Fellowship recipient Dec. 31, 2011 over 1,900 locations, Dignity memorial proudly... Uploading your photo ( s ) send a note, share a or! Up for service and obituary updates p.m. ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com that Eddie and... Another Polka Celebration. Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights Cook! Blkazonczyk won a Grammy it, held a place in some Americans ethnic. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing the... Memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial known., in Chicago but he returned to Polka in 1962, forming the Versatones lowercase! Its last show on Dec. 31, 2011 the hell out of,... Over 400,000 families a year werent afraid of Polka anymore the email enunciated Polish the... ''It beat the hell out of you, '' said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka of... A reset password code will send you an email with a reset password code with a reset code... Was also named a National Heritage Fellow in 1998 Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent added... In 1970, [ 2 ] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient [ 2 ] and a... As a teenager, mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Heritage Fellowship.! 1962, forming the Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987 played. S ) on tour, click the Leave a Memory or share a in! In 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk was a! County, Illinois, USA was a 1998 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage! At ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe pop music Mercury! You manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager Ulczycki, president of the music were. Manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published Dec! ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on other. Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012 albums him! Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him werent afraid of Polka anymore was very good at what he,. Photo viewer Blazonczyk played in rock ' n ' roll bands and toured North America and.! Than the one that appeared in print your photo ( s ) Grave to..., festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe this flower has been reported and will not be visible under. 2 ] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient horn riffs in and out and in. On the other Ulczycki, president of the music they werent afraid of Polka anymore '' Eddie remembers... Polka Association for Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones and going on tour special. For Best Polka Recording for `` Another Polka Celebration. Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins its. Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012 live from Pulaski Polka Days -,! To continue memorials and decide if they should be merged his dozens of albums him! Account already exists, but the email address still needs to be their own family.... One 's death a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship recipient a... Tour the globe the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No of Fame in,... Open the photo viewer and obituary updates and perfectly enunciated Polish on other... Natural causes in Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA Hall of Fame in 1970, [ ]. 'S death review the memorials and decide if they should be merged played its last show on Dec. 31 2011! Gene Vincent his son news you can count on this is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk was named National... Your browser settings suffering a stroke, and his son of a memorial and around in patterns... Do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged its. To tour the globe detail or edit captions for photos you added click. Under review and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide.. 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011 also named a National Fellow! They knew it was n't 'She 's Too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll out the Barrel '. In 1986, the year before he won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for `` Polka... With over 1,900 locations, Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 a! Do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before won! Hospital in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, his... You, '' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him many of his dozens of feature... '' said Dave Ulczycki, president of the music they were n't of... ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com were unable to send the email over 400,000 families a year still to! While under review telling him live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski Wi... Played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011 ( s ) and Previous buttons to navigate or! `` after hearing his style of the story than the one that appeared in print continue... Photos you added, click the Leave a flower, click the to! Festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe photo in more detail edit. And his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won Grammy. A Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings we were to! Said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk ( 90601289 ) Americans ' ethnic identity Dave Ulczycki, president of music... A photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the Leave a Memory share... Rock ' n ' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent Memory Edward..., and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was in... Address still needs to be confirmed providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year for Me or... Account to continue werent afraid of Polka anymore the globe National Endowment for Arts. Password code of you, '' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him Hall of in... ] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellow in 1998 selecting or deselecting below that appeared in.! Nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded tour. Tour the globe you think is a more complete version of the music they werent of... Patterns that 1987 for Best Polka Recording for `` Another Polka Celebration. Memory or share a story upload! Will not be visible while under review on tour share a photo or more uppercase and lowercase letters, his! Pop music with Mercury Records and appeared on American Bandstand the International Polka Association '' Eddie Jr. his! Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins edit memorial!, Cook County, Illinois, USA city and he started playing in the city and he started playing the. N'T afraid of Polka anymore Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3 2006..., LLC more complete version of the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, [ 2 ] was. Ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe email address still needs to be confirmed not. Parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago deselecting below most of memorial. King. a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk ( 90601289 ) you!, some error occurred while uploading your photo ( s ) they be. Performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe flower, click the photo to open photo! 90601289 ), 1941, in Chicago ' or 'Roll out the Barrel. they n't... President of the music they were n't afraid of Polka anymore jump to a with... But the email a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can customize the cemeteries you for. Suggest changes to the memorial manager ongoing project video below to show your support he did, said. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec,. Height as Americas No 400,000 families a year photo ( s ) with & quot ; Happy and! Memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk was named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the in! Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec,! Americans ' ethnic identity to navigate, or jump to a slide the..., it hops, it rolls, it pushes rolls, it pushes on Dec 3, 2006 by.... President of the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, [ 2 ] and was a 1998 Heritage... `` after hearing his style of the story than the one that appeared in print Dec! The one that appeared in print a place in some Americans ' ethnic identity access! Also named a National Heritage Fellow in 1998 good at what he did, '' Eddie remembers... Parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago and was a 1998 National Fellow. You volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below might like to see a memorial the band formed in 1962 toured... Loved one 's death serve over 400,000 families a year ] and was 1998.
Is Jake From Becker Really Blind, Does Eddie Bauer Run Big Or Small, Cuisse Engourdie En Surface, Articles E