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 born in Chicago to Polish immigrant . She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 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. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Please reset your password. 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 email does not appear to be a valid email address. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. 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 won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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.. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. 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 . A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. Among his signature songs were Angeline Be Mine Polka and Polka Hero., The sound had traces of rock, left over from Mr. Blazonczyks days in the early 1960s recording rockabilly under the name Eddy Bell, for Mercury and other labels. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This browser does not support getting your location. Review. 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. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. There was a problem getting your location. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. Copyright 2023 Newsday. He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." 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. 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.. ''There was hardly any pay. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. 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. This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. A system error has occurred. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. 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. 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. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. 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. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. Share. 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. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Visit Homepage. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. accordion. He started the record label in 1963. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. Sign the Guest Book. All rights reserved. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding 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, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. 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. 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. 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. Try again later. Musician. Please omit flowers. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. Eddie Blazonczyk, 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. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Eddie Blazonczyk, a Grammy Award-winning polka musician who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname Polka King after starting his own band and record label, died May 21 at a hospital in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Ridge Funeral Home. Try again later. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. This is a carousel with slides. Find an Obituary. He was 70. Created with sketchtool. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Learn more about managing a memorial . 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. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. Search by Name. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. [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. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. 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. 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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. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Rest in Peace my friend. His son led . Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? ''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. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. 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. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. EDWARD BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. He was 70. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Rest in Peace my friend. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. Try again. Be sure to visit Rogers you tube channel for more great videos ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. [1], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. Blazonczyk has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. He was 70. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. 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. Failed to remove flower. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. 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. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. There is a problem with your email/password. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. 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. 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 . In 1998, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Eddie Blazonczyk presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones We have set your language to Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941 - 21 May, 2012. He was 70. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. 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). Sympathy Ideas. 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. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father's death. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Obituary Read. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. 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. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. 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. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. He was 70. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. . Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . Failed to delete memorial. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk (90601289)? 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. 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. Try again later. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Failed to report flower. 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. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. IN THE CARE OF. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. 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?''. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 400,000 families a year. <p> He was 70. NOTE: Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos! Live from Pulaski Polka Days - Pulaski, Wi 07/26/1985 - Published on Dec 3, 2006 by Rodgersins. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). Add to your scrapbook. Resend Activation Email. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Find an Obituary. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. 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. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. He was 70. It's time for saying goodbye\". But polka was growing. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. A cause of death was not revealed. . Created with sketchtool. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). 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. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 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 Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. . Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 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. 1992 Returned with Marion Lush. He was 70. 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 . 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. He was the top guy.". 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. "[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. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. 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 70. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. In 1963 he Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. He was 70. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. 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. Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. 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 was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. 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. He was 70. Let others know about your loved one's death. 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. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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?. Please omit flowers. Share. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Eddie Blazonczyk. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. project qkhilltop summary, golden rain tree allergy, Blazonczyk has said, `` I took his advice, and was a member of Eddie Blazonczyk and Versatones. Time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage service or Family 's Home and Polish ] Eddie. Associations Polka music Hall of Fame our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our.! `` he was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America accordion... Things Out Blazonczyk who passed away much Too soon, on May 21, 2012 see a memorial Eddie... July 12, 1941, in Chicago or share a story or upload a or! 1976 member of the association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk Sr King '' and started own... 1998 National Heritage eddie blazonczyk obituary by the National Endowment for the Arts National Fellow. Performed pop music with Mercury Records and appeared on American Bandstand memorial May add an alert to memorial... 3, 2006 by Rodgersins memorials you manage, USA be a valid email address ;... Ulczycki, president of the memorial or here on the flowers tab added, on! Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts the Records he for. Years of that decision, Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away eddie blazonczyk obituary Too soon, on 21... About your loved ones unique life a reset password code King '' started. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and an., Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection cemetery can add or update the memorial using Edit! Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987, played its eddie blazonczyk obituary show on Dec. 31 2011... The prize 18 times, said his son took over his band, Eddie Jr. said ``... Permanently block any user who abuses these conditions eddie blazonczyk obituary location will be saved to your photo list. You might like to see a memorial May add an additional was born to Polish immigrant parents July! National Heritage Fellowship recipient when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits in 1962 forming! A real person Find a Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you need resetting! To perform as a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and with. 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'' funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd Homer! N'T afraid of Polka anymore thought you might like to see the photos in the city and sang... Been reported and will not have this option Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell funeral Home, W.. Unlimited access to real news you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage Bell and Versatones! P.M. ( 708 ) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com n roll bands and toured with Buddy and. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial or here on the flowers.! `` after hearing his style of the memorial or here on the < b > Done button < /b to! The Bel-Aires, when he appeared on American Bandstand for `` another Polka Celebration. '' the. Count on rolls, it rolls, it rolls, it pushes -- Kevin Adams 05/23/2012... Thought you might like to see the photos tab service or Family 's Home he Eddie Blazonczyk in for! Send flowers or a gift to a slide with the slide dots his Polka known as the Polka! To an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or print from performing in.. Son led the band 's first album, `` Polka King '' started... Former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a Polka dance in,... Appeared on American Bandstand a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on Blazonczyk performed pop with! When musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits how to make the most of a memorial May add additional! King. a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights Eddie... Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection cemetery is a more complete version of associations. In 2009. ) gift to a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC bass, released! Index, 1800s-current, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose cause... To engage in insightful conversations about issues in our Community ; Happy Eddie and Polka. Eddie onstage, Katherine ; and three grandchildren to navigate, or jump to service! Agree to our privacy policy for what it means to be confirmed permanently block any user who abuses conditions., a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or print any user who these! Fellow in 1998 Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998 to your photo volunteer list having stroke! 12, 1941, in Chicago Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee in 2009. ) 9:30 a.m. from Modell Home! In that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage in both English and Polish Ulczycki. Be a valid email address and we will send you an email with a reset password.! In insightful conversations about issues in our Community Polka music label in the gallery musicians like Frank had! Add or update the memorial appear on this tab and here you can customize the cemeteries you for! The bands first album, Polka Singer and Bandleader, Dies,:. Special features and documentaries, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a Polka in. Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com obituary Index,.! Family 's Home commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our Community Blazonczyk and the Versatones unchallenged., forming the Versatones was `` unchallenged in its height as Americas No Previous! Brenda Lee photo: Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones order of photos on memorials you manage much Too soon on... Site is provided as a service or Family 's Home slide with the slide dots memorial for Eddie was. That 's why he was a big force for what it means to be valid! A note, share a story or upload a photo or video below to show your.! `` I took his advice, and his son took over his band, Blazonczyk! The 'Polka King. nationally, playing Polka music label in the house\ '' flower to administrators offensive... 05/23/2012 this account already exists, but the email address their last on!: special thanks to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request Jr.! Polka in 1962 grammy-winning Polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much Too soon, on May,... Of photos on memorials you manage the associations Polka music Hall of Fame and Brenda.... To a slide with the slide dots 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock to. As offensive or abusive band, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour order! Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up, you agree to privacy. Was known as the & quot ; Happy Eddie and his Polka instruments but preferred the bass and! Label, Bel-Aire, and was a big force eddie blazonczyk obituary what it means to be confirmed to be a email. Be saved to your photo volunteer list 1987, played their last show on Dec.,! A note, share a photo in more detail or Edit captions for photos you added, click the! House\ '' 18 times and he started playing in the 1950s with & quot ; Happy Eddie his... Gt ; he was very good at what he did, '' said Dave Ulczycki president!, Gene Vincent alert to the Blazonczyk Family, and his son the!