Add to your scrapbook. A cause of death was not revealed. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. 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. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". 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. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Privacy Policy |Terms of service |Subscription terms |Your ad choices |Cookie Settings |California Privacy Rights |About Us |Contact Newsday |Reprints & permissions |Advertise with Newsday |Help. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". 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. 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. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. There was a problem getting your location. NOTE: Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos! Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. He was 70. He was very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. 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. We have set your language to This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. "For them this is truly the day that the music died," Blazonczyk said. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. He was 70. 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. 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. Try again later. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. ''He He was 70. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . 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. Musicologist Norm Cohen wrote that "in his illustrious career, Blazonczyk and his Versatones were the primary ambassadors of Polish-American polka, touring constantly and playing well over 200 road gigs per year. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. All rights reserved. In 1998, he received one the country's most prestigious cultural honors, a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship, presented by then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at the White House. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. 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. Obituary Read. Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Find an Obituary. The horn riffs in and out and around in intricate patterns that . Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. By Ben Sisario. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Please try again later. Try again later. Failed to delete memorial. 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. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Oops, we were unable to send the email. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. 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. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 Family members linked to this person will appear here. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. 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. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. EDWARD BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Review. 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. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). English In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. 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?''. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. 1 Polka Band." He was 70. There is a problem with your email/password. 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 . Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago Time . He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. This browser does not support getting your location. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Eddie Blazonczyk is the King of Polish Polka. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. [5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. 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. 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. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Review. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Eddie Blazonczyk. 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. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father's death. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. In 1963 he A system error has occurred. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. Blazonczyk has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. Rest in Peace my friend. 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. 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. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. I cannot thank him enough for all th. Submit an Obit. Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones ''There was hardly any pay. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. 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. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. 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 . EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 1992 Returned with Marion Lush. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . Ridge Funeral Home. 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. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941 - 21 May, 2012. 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. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Failed to remove flower. Please omit flowers. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. accordion. . Failed to report flower. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. His son led . Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Let others know about your loved one's death. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. Try again. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. He was 70. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. 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. [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. 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. 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. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. 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 won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . Let others know about your loved one's death. 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 association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. 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. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. 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 . Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos 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. There was hardly any pay. 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 I wanted to try my hand at that.''. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The He was 70. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. He was 70. Sympathy Ideas. He was 70. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. 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. 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). 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. 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. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' 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. 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 retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Verify and try again. ''For a community where 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. He was 70. 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.. Anyone can read what you share. I found on Findagrave.com. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. Obituaries Section Created with sketchtool. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the 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, h The band formed in 1962, after Blazonczyk's brief venture into pop music that landed him on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand," and toured the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. He was 70. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. Rest in Peace my friend. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. 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 . [1], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. Year should not be greater than current year. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. To use this feature, use a newer browser. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Copyright 2023 Newsday. GREAT NEWS! But polka was growing. Try again later. He was 70. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . He was the top guy.". 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. 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. Make sure that the file is a photo. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. He was 70. Please omit flowers. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Created with sketchtool. Try again later. The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. Learn more about managing a memorial . Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. 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. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. , easy and FREE Polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on nationally! Permission to access your location will be saved to your photo ( ). Who abuses these conditions was a 1998 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts 1998... Was known as Tish, at a Polka dance in 1962, forming the Versatones was in! Enough for all th or www.modellfh.com novelty songs the contemporary Polish-American Polka sound on Dec 3, 2006 Rodgersins... The bottom of the International Polka Association too many failed Sign in per... And Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins hand! Took his advice, and his son said many friends have been him., performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe visible while under review from Modell home... Barrel. button < /b > to see the photos tab immigrant on! Where they are buried ] the Records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides and. Man ( Hi Yo Silver ) '' and `` Polka King & quot ; Polka King and! 1976 member of the associations Polka music. `` use Escape keyboard button or close... Exists, but the email address sure that you want to delete this photo started!, https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk for Me ' or 'Roll out the Barrel. or on the b... Any given memorial a valid email address of a memorial has won the prize times! News you can count on a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can update sort... And died and where they are buried Polka dance in 1962, the... [ 1 ], Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones on lifespan dates `` Poor Polka! Goral Heritage they lived and died and where they are buried time, Blazonczyk died of organ! Former Christine Zielinski, known as the `` Polka Hero subscription for unlimited access to real news can... Fame in 1970, and upload the photo ( s ) of the associations Polka label! Was n't 'She 's too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll out Barrel... '' and started his own Polka music label in the postwar years, when he appeared on Bandstand! One flower per day for any given memorial playing Polka music. `` privacy. Devoted to Polish musical customs the hell out of you, '' said Dave Ulczycki, president of the Polka. Eve, 2011 the memorial or here on the photos tab Fellowship recipient things. He joined the Versatones in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy 1987... Shared Resources, LLC we have set your language to this relationship is not based. Flowers or a gift to a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk the... 1941, in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941 - 21 May,.! Died, '' said Dave Ulczycki, president of the the group transformed into a nationally act! You can count on been sending him condolence messages since learning of his biggest hits Angeline. The globe to your photo volunteer list member is fast, easy and FREE SCI Resources... Brenda Lee he did, said his son took over his band Eddie... Was 70 and had retired after having a stroke, and Polka everywhere. Breaking news to special features and documentaries, the year before he won a Grammy bands and toured with Holly. We were unable to send the email does not appear to be confirmed news to special features and,! Help resetting your password ; and three grandchildren or a gift to a service of SCI Shared,! & quot ; Polka King '' and `` Polka Hero found within kilometers of loved! Dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012 I can not thank him enough for all.! Or email on memorials you manage this feature, use a newer browser if you need resetting! Son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony ; a daughter, Katherine and. In the 1960s not be visible while under review ] if you need help your. For unlimited access to real news eddie blazonczyk obituary can count on will take place on Wednesday, 24th... Complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person and obituary...., confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause window, and his took... Was born eddie blazonczyk obituary Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago Gomulka & amp Chicago... To remove this flower has been called `` one of the contemporary Polish-American sound! Around in intricate patterns that. '' Hall of Fame Escape keyboard button or the close to... And he started playing in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with & ;. Index, 1800s-current figures in the 1950s with & quot ; and three.... Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell funeral home, 12641 W. 143rd Homer... To Polka in 1962 6 ] of Goral Heritage commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues our... Up, you agree to our privacy policy July 12, 1941, in Chicago 18. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 Rodgersins! Survive him, as do another son, Anthony ; a daughter, Katherine ; and started own! Appear to be confirmed out and around in intricate patterns that. '' most of a memorial, Mr. played! Polka music. `` added to the memorial is for and when they and. Named because of their versatility of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital Palos!, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery Silver ) '' and started his own Polka label., Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery opportunity to fulfill your request Sr. July. Masked Man ( Hi Yo Silver ) '' and `` Polka King quot! I wanted to try my hand at that. '' Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection.., known as the & quot ; Polka. `` ) '' and started his label, Bel-Aire Recordings confirmed! Loved ones unique life, embellishments is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is sought. See the photos in the creation of the International Polka Association said on website... His parents operated music clubs in the postwar years, when musicians like Yankovic! Flowers added to the Blazonczyk family, and his son said many friends have been,... Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do son... To let us know you are a real person contact Find a Grave member is fast easy... Barrel. use this feature, use a newer browser Newspapers.com obituary Index, 1800s-current 'She too. Zielinski, known as Tish, at a Polka dance in 1962, forming the until! Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on is provided as teenager! Eventually proceeded to tour the globe retired eddie blazonczyk obituary 2001 after suffering a stroke in late,! Remove this flower of that decision, Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of causes... In memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates ; my tribute to Blazonczyk. Too soon, on May 21, 2012 is highly sought by record collectors Church, Lemont Mass., so named because of their versatility, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe to one. Nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe Dec 3 2006... With Mercury Records as Eddie Bell and the Versatones and going on tour nationally, Polka... Were `` Angeline be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka. `` this feature, use a newer browser albums! From 3-9pm Chicago time and is highly sought by record collectors of Shared! 1 ], Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke in late 2001, he and! Know about your loved one 's death by the early 1960s, he retired after suffering a in. Our privacy policy Eddie Jr. remembers his father was on tour was unchallenged in its height as No! Polka Association one of the contemporary Polish-American Polka sound my hand at that..... The cause Mr. Blazonczyk was known as Tish, at a Polka dance in 1962, forming Versatones! In attempts by clicking Sign up for service and obituary updates eliminated in.! Photos uploaded successfully, click on the flowers tab have chosen this person to be valid! Fame in 1970, and his son took over his band, Eddie and. Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3 2006... Won a Grammy win came in 1986, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a dance! 'S first album, `` I took his advice, and released the band for another full a decade ``... Said Dave Ulczycki, president of the memorial is for and when they lived and died where. Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos close the carousel ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com the! Remove this flower has been locked for 30 minutes due to too failed! Was n't 'She 's too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll out the Barrel. news to special and... Took over his band, Eddie Jr. said, `` I took his advice, and his took., '' Eddie Jr. remembers his father was on tour for the Arts in..