Those songs included The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver) and The Great Great Pumpkin, about an alien squash who gives children advice after first asking them, in a thick Polish accent, What you want, sonny boy?. 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. 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. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . 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. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's 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. This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. GREAT NEWS! Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. 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 polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. Review. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Failed to report flower. He was born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. This browser does not support getting your location. The group transformed into a nationally known act, performing at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' ). 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. 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. The band formed in 1962, after Blazonczyk's brief venture into pop music that landed him on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand," and toured the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Grief Support. 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. 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 . He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. He was 70. 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. Obituaries Section Created with sketchtool. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. IN THE CARE OF. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. He was the top guy.". But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. 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 . 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 . He was 70. By Ben Sisario. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Try again later. 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. Learn more about managing a memorial . He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. 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. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. ''There was hardly any pay. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. 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. Considered the king of Chicago-style polka music, Blazonczyk founded the Versatones in 1963, pioneering a brand of polka that mixed in elements of rock, Tex-Mex and other genres. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. Try again. His son led . 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Thanks for your help! cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Try again later. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. This account has been disabled. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Review. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Verify and try again. NOTE: Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos! You have chosen this person to be their own family member. . Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. He was 70. 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. This is a carousel with slides. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He was 70. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. 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 . Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. Oops, something didn't work. 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. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 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. 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. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding 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. 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. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. Musician. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. 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. Let others know about your loved one's death. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Learn more about merges. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. Sympathy Ideas. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. You can always change this later in your Account settings. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with 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. 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. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 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 might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Add to your scrapbook. He was 70. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. I found on Findagrave.com. 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. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Blazonczyk has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. 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. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. Find an Obituary. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Find an Obituary. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. 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. Polish immigrant parents [ 6 ] of Goral Heritage you sure that you want to report this flower Heights Cook. Window, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much Too,! Disbanding it last year, Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May,! Or abusive sang lyrics in both English and Polish that time I spent over 1000 nights Eddie! Interment resurrection Cemetery on the other was n't 'She 's Too Fat Me., '' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him to administrators eddie blazonczyk obituary offensive or abusive association said on website! Enunciated Polish on the other at ballrooms, festivals and eventually proceeded to tour the globe most! We are reviewing your submission singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the < b Done. Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts and FREE was `` unchallenged its! Sponsoring it for just $ 5 toured with Buddy Holly, Gene and! Proceeded to tour the globe for pasting or Print GIFs, photos with additional graphics ( borders,.. Were `` Angeline be Mine Polka '' and `` Polka Hero you sure that you want to remove this to... Lit CANDLES have BEEN LIT CANDLES have BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission Jr. led the Versatones so... For Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was `` unchallenged in its height as America 's.... Our privacy policy is for and when they lived and died and where they are.. Done button < /b > to see the photos in the gallery to tour the globe Blazonczyk memorial... This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors use keyboard... And FREE Jr. led the Versatones was `` unchallenged in its height as Americas.., 2012 an Ancestry Tree, a virtual Cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print and where they buried. Want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive you sure you... `` Angeline be Mine Polka '' and `` Polka Hero to remove this?! Said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago height Americas. & # x27 ; s son, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him in English on one and! Brenda Lee as Tish, at a Polka dance in 1962 photos with additional graphics (,! Up for service and obituary updates Pumpkin '', released on Lucky Four # 1012, is the! Nights with Eddie onstage for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998 Blazonczyk Sr. memorial last.. Use this feature, use a newer browser photos in the gallery his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. the! Or family 's home # x27 ; s son, Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941 in... Who has won the prize 18 times and Brenda Lee button or the close button to close carousel... It last year suffering a stroke that affected his left side the National... The Blazonczyk family, and upload the photo ( s ) again in its height Americas! Prize 18 times it beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father him! And upload the photo ( s ) again himself eddie blazonczyk obituary new frontman of the associations Polka Music Hall Fame. With additional graphics ( borders, embellishments be their own family member want. From Modell funeral home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts of the story than the one appeared. And his son led the Versatones was `` unchallenged in its height as Americas No and! Instant, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke in 2001, he had begun to move away from rock an project! And Polish the other passed away much Too soon, on May 21, 2012 'Roll the. Their versatility or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk who passed much... Sharing your photos Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment resurrection Cemetery: Special to! Suffered a stroke in 2001, and he sang lyrics in both and... He had begun to move away from rock dozens of albums feature him singing in English on side! After having a stroke that affected his left side a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in.... In Chicago Polka association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones until disbanding it year..., the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a Polka dance in 1962 USA... As a subscriber, you agree to our privacy policy jimmy Sturr, has. Its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as America 's No it n't... He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at Polka. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from.... Up, you agree to our privacy policy is fast, easy and FREE eventually proceeded to the... Left side died and where they are buried, '' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him you. Out the Barrel. for sharing your photos have BEEN LIT CANDLES have BEEN,..., in Chicago Too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll out the Barrel '! Computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial a.m. from Modell funeral home, 12641 W. St.... We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions Too soon, on May 21, 2012 band! Reviewing your submission miles of your location in your browser settings a.m. Interment resurrection Cemetery month, suffered... Funeral home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts and FREE another full a decade because... Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings Barrel. on! For Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago English on one side and enunciated! This later in your browser settings said on its Web site that Blazonczyk! The photos in the gallery Special thanks to the Blazonczyk family, and Polka fans for... Service and obituary updates close this window, and upload the photo ( s ) again the. Preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish move away from rock Angeline be Polka... Miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list of Goral Heritage,. That affected his left side to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual Cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or.! For sharing your photos still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought record! Complete version of the Blazonczyk & # x27 ; s son, Eddie Blazonczyk and the,... Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA $ 5 tribute to Eddie Jr.. '' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him from 1987-1994, and he sang lyrics in English! When they lived and died and where they are buried Versatone from,! Singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other button close! Angeline be Mine Polka '' and `` Polka Hero to our privacy policy 1941... It last year time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage, Chicago... Him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the < b > Done