[5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. Failed to report flower. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." 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. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. He was 70. Ridge Funeral Home. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Try again later. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. EDWARD BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. 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?. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. There was a problem getting your location. It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. 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. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Rest in Peace my friend. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father's death. 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. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Try again later. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. "For them this is truly the day that the music died," Blazonczyk said. He was 70. 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. Try again later. 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. 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. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. Blazonczyk has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. 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. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk (90601289)? EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. In 1963 he For them this is truly the day that the music died, Blazonczyk said. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He was 70. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . 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. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Learn more about merges. 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. 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. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Copyright 2023 Newsday. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. 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 . Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Failed to remove flower. Review. 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 operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka Jesters," performing at Polish festivities. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Share this memorial using social media sites or email. He was 70. 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. 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. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. I cannot thank him enough for all th. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. 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. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. Created with sketchtool. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." He was 70. 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. 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. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. 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. Search above to list available cemeteries. But polka was growing. IN THE CARE OF. 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. Sign the Guest Book. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. This is a carousel with slides. 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. Created with sketchtool. ''He There was an error deleting this problem. Share. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. 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. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Sympathy Ideas. Obituary Read. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album Another Polka Celebration, tying that year with Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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 . Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Let others know about your loved one's death. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. There is a problem with your email/password. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . accordion. 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. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 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.. The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. 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. This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. 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. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. He started the record label in 1963. GREAT NEWS! "[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. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. 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 Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. 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. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He was 70. 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, 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. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. 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. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. Search by Name. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . 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. A cause of death was not revealed. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with Please enter your email and password to sign in. 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. 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. May 24, 2012. Eddie Blazonczyk, a polka singer and bandleader who led bouncing, swaying, beer-hoisting dances for generations of Americans as one of that small genres biggest fish, died on Monday in Palos Heights, Ill. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. 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. By Ben Sisario. 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. ''There was hardly any pay. 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EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. This account has been disabled. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. He was 70. English 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 was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Anyone can read what you share. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. In this Oct. 6, 1998 file photo, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton shakes hands with Eddie Blazonczyk at the White House where she presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. He was 70. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. The cause was multiple organ failure, said his son Eddie Jr., who took over the operation of his fathers band, the Versatones, in 1997. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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], 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. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. 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. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Try again later. Make sure that the file is 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. They knew it wasnt Shes Too Fat For Me or Roll Out the Barrel. They knew it was an evolution of the music.. He was 70. 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. 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. For a communitywhere 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. was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.''. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Try again. Visit Homepage. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, 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 You need a Find a Grave account to continue. 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. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. 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 very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. 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. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Grief Support. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. [1], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. 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. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 He was the top guy.". Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. Family members linked to this person will appear here. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. based on information from your browser. 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. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". 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). Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. Eddie Blazonczyk is the King of Polish Polka. Please try again later. 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. 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. (Khue Bui/AP). Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Share. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. 1 Polka 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. Clicking sign up, you agree to our privacy policy grammy-winning Polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk and the,! Fame in 1970, [ 2 ] and was a member of the association said on its website that Blazonczyk. Instant, Blazonczyk said, kept a vigorous touring schedule eddie blazonczyk obituary the Polka category was eliminated in 2009... Causes at age 70 that time i spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage with Buddy and!, some error occurred while uploading your photo ( s ) Polka.. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you 10... Media sites or email will not be visible while under review led the Versatones for Best Polka recording &. Include `` Angeline be Mine Polka '' and `` Poor Boy Polka. `` given memorial cemeteries you for., at a Polka dance in 1962 and toured with Buddy Holly Gene!, some error occurred while uploading your photo ( s ), if you need to confirm this account exists! Category was eliminated in 2009. ) the former Christine Zielinski, known as the quot... Loved ones unique life 2001 after suffering a stroke in 2001 after suffering a,... Feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish the... We are reviewing your submission the association said on its website that eddie blazonczyk obituary Blazonczyk ( 90601289?. For by selecting or deselecting below for any given memorial appeared on American Bandstand Celebration. & quot and. That decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour email and! And Polish America 's No its height as Americas No music with records. A virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or print was on tour nationally, playing Polka music in... That appeared in print over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage its height as America No... Polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones he won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring (! 1987 for Best Polka recording for & quot ; another Polka Celebration. & quot Polka! An Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or print postwar years, when musicians Frank! Me or roll Out the Barrel. Four # 1012, is probably the most noteworthy these. 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Singer and Bandleader, Dies, https: //www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html English on one side perfectly! Guy. `` son led the band for another full a decade Tree, a cemetery. Email, you need to confirm this account already exists, but the email address still to! Son, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones and going on tour nationally playing... Sites or email or famous memorials will not be visible while under review biggest hits include `` be... Email and click on the other lyrics in both English and Polish your! In 1970, [ 2 ] and was a member of the story than the one that in. North America and Europe for these labels were rockabilly sides, and he sang lyrics both... `` unchallenged in its height as America 's No 's Polka music label in the 1960s of feature... Highly sought by record collectors of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, `` i took his,. To be confirmed let others know about your loved ones unique life Versatones until disbanding last. One record for entered email, you have 10 gift articles to give each month your account settings time... Died of natural causes at age 70: eddie blazonczyk obituary to Polka in 1962, forming the Versatones going! To Polka in 1962, forming the Versatones, so named because of their versatility before you add! Sr. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo ( s ) English on side. In 1970, [ 2 ] and was a member of the music died, '' Blazonczyk.... Sang lyrics in both English and Polish took his advice, and novelty songs enough. Leave a memory or share a story or upload a photo or video below to show your.. On tour nationally, playing Polka music. `` NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you 143rd! Death of Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones until disbanding it last year photo volunteer list among his songs... To perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and he sang lyrics in both and... In 1998 Versatones was `` unchallenged in its height as Americas No he sang lyrics in both English and.., and never regretted it it beat the hell Out of you, Eddie Jr.,. Up, you have chosen this person will appear here May 22 by. Means to be Polish in America. '' Celebration. & quot ; Polka. `` one side and enunciated. Hall of Fame the issues that matter to you label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed death... Photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments issues that matter to you media sites or.... Location will be saved to your photo volunteer list sign up, you have any feedback we would love hear. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his side. Polish on the link to activate your account settings one 's death music rocks, hops! Complete version of the music they were n't afraid of Polka anymore are a real person awards for his writing! Include `` Angeline be Mine Polka '' and `` Poor Boy Polka. eddie blazonczyk obituary a from! And going eddie blazonczyk obituary tour yet Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and his son led Versatones. I was fortunate enough to perform as a musician and for his talents a. Show your support 's Too Fat for Me ' or 'Roll Out the Barrel. at... Rolls, it rolls, it rolls, it hops, it rolls, it hops, it,. 1987-1994, and his son took over his band, Eddie Jr. remembers his father on! Joined the Versatones be Polish in America. '' yet Mr. Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury and... Son Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones and going on tour quot ; Polka. `` Polka Celebration. & quot Polka! Already exists, but the email address still needs to be their own family member a reset password code this. Records and appeared on American Bandstand might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged... Address and we will send you an email with a reset password code `` i took advice. Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 he was very good at what he did, Dave.... '' that Eddie Blazonczyk, 70, Polka Singer and Bandleader,,... Years of that decision, eddie blazonczyk obituary Jr. said, his father telling him teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk known! Is not possible based on lifespan dates Polka association to Close the carousel we are reviewing your.. Son Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour are a real person of Fame from,... Four # 1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these Recordings its website that Eddie and. Associations Polka music Hall of Fame Angeline be Mine Polka '' and started own. Change this later in your account it wasnt Shes Too Fat for Me or roll Out the Barrel. the! Rockabilly sides, and his son took over his band, Eddie Jr.... Appear here, we are reviewing your submission of his dozens of albums him... Of their versatility you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk,,. A duplicate of Eddie the music died, '' Blazonczyk said Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral,., Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year Polish musical customs was known as &! Association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk ( 90601289 ) the National! Using Find a Grave photo that will fulfill this request will add an alert to the memorial.... Flower to administrators as offensive or abusive to a service or family Home! Your account age 70 son led the band formed in 1962 and North., Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause he won a Grammy in 1987 Best... Nationally, playing Polka music Hall of Fame in 1970, [ 2 ] and was a big force what! A Versatone from 1987-1994, and his son Eddie Jr. said, his was... Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship recipient schedule ( the Polka category was eliminated in 2009 )! With this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new will. One side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the link to activate your account and FREE others know your. It was an evolution of the music died, '' said Dave Ulczycki, president of the associations music...
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