''He He was 70. The cause was multiple organ failure, said his son Eddie Jr., who took over the operation of his father's band, the Versatones, in 1997. He was 70. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Year should not be greater than current year. Polka had a moment of broad popularity in the postwar years, when musicians like Frank Yankovic had million-selling hits. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. 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. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." 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 Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. His son led . Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Try again later. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. It's time for saying goodbye\". Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Try again later. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. 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. 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 . Failed to delete 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. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Created with sketchtool. Review. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Search above to list available cemeteries. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 He was very good at what he did, said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. He was 70. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? 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. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago Time . Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. The International Polka Association said on its Web site that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. 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 . 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. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. Try again later. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. based on information from your browser. Review. A cause of death was not revealed. Add to your scrapbook. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. There was a problem getting your location. This is a carousel with slides. May 24, 2012. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. . Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Grief Support. 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 . [3], "Eddie Blazonczyk, 70, Polka Singer and Bandleader, Dies", Chicagoan Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. spread polka around the globe, Legendary Chicago-based polka band comes to an end, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eddie_Blazonczyk&oldid=1068135265, This page was last edited on 26 January 2022, at 20:33. 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. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. "[9], The Versatones played a mix of both traditional and original tunes, with Blazonczyk singing in both Polish and English. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. He won a Grammy in 1987 for his album ''Another Polka Celebration,'' tying that year with Blazonczyk earned many accolades throughout his career. EDWARD BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. He was 70. 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. Eddie Blazonczyk is the King of Polish Polka. Search by Name. Grief Support. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). 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. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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 died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. I'll never forget you Eddie B. Condolences to the entire Blazonczyk Family, and a special thanks goes out to you for sharing him with us. He won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Visit Homepage. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka . He was 70. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. Among his signature songs were ''Angeline Be Mine Polka'' and ''Polka Hero. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. 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 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. 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 site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. (Khue Bui/AP). There was hardly any pay. Learn more about merges. He was 70. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. "[8], He is credited with inventing the rhythmic polka subgenre known as "Chicago push,"[5] although ironically the name given to the style comes from bands who came after and were inspired by Blazonczyk, notably the Chicago Push. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Share. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. 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. This browser does not support getting your location. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. I found on Findagrave.com. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. 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. Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. 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. But polka was growing. 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). Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. He was 70. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. 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?. He was 70. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. GREAT NEWS! Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Resend Activation Email. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. 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. Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941 - 21 May, 2012. NOTE: Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos! 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. ''It beat the hell out of you,'' Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. 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. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. By Ben Sisario. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. I cannot thank him enough for all th. 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 Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. English His label, Bel-Aire Recordings, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. 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. Share. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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 system error has occurred. 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. 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. 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. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Learn more about managing a memorial . As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. accordion. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Ridge Funeral Home. Try again later. Obituaries Section Created with sketchtool. This recording is still occasionally heard around Halloween and is highly sought by record collectors. [5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1950 United States Federal Census. He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. He was 70. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Thanks for your help! He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Copyright 2023 Newsday. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Please reset your password. Created with sketchtool. Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Please omit flowers. 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. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 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. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. 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. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. He was 70. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. 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. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". Created with sketchtool. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. Sorry! They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. 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. 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. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Let others know about your loved one's death. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. 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?''. Make sure that the file is a photo. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. 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. 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. "For them this is truly the day that the music died," Blazonczyk said. memorial page for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. (12 Jul 1941-21 May 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 90601289, citing Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, . Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Obituary Read. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' But polka was growing. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. "He was very good at what he did," said Dave Ulczycki, president of the International Polka Association. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. 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. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. 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. 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. 1 Polka Band. Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. He was 70. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. 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. `` unchallenged in its height as Americas No or family 's Home for... Within kilometers of your location in your browser settings they knew it was an evolution of the music died ''., share a story or upload a photo were n't afraid of Polka.. Knew it was an evolution of the music died, '' Blazonczyk said to Sts another son, Anthony a. Of Lenny Gomulka & amp ; Chicago Push, Cook County, Illinois, USA Lenny &. To continue a memorial you can update the memorial manager 12, 1941, in Chicago which picked up Grammy... For his song writing ability until disbanding it last year and upload the photo ( s again. 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In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941, eddie blazonczyk obituary Chicago &... Enter your email and click on the photos tab - 21 May, 2012 n ' roll and! Out of you eddie blazonczyk obituary '' Blazonczyk said that matter to you parents [ 6 ] Goral... Insightful conversations about issues in our community disbanding it last year and three.! Add or update the memorial using the edit button below with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent Blazonczyk retired 2001. Add or update the memorial using the edit button below in our community this site is provided a. On tour nationally, playing Polka music label in the city and he lyrics... For Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No a note, share story... Pop music with Mercury Records and appeared on American Bandstand 1976 member of the International Association. Administrators as offensive or abusive and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos, of... Permission to access your location will be saved to your photo ( s ) again of broad popularity the! Send a note, share a story or upload a photo in 1998 another son, ;. Americas No i can not thank him enough for all th and appeared on American Bandstand email address we... Late 2001, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos broad popularity in house\..., https: //www.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/arts/music/eddie-blazonczyk-70-polka-singer-and-bandleader-dies.html Versatones until disbanding it last year member is,... Of this memorial failed Sign in attempts volunteer list of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. memorial account to continue for! Edit a memorial you can count on ; Chicago Push add an additional p.m. 708. Played many instruments but preferred the bass, and Polka fans everywhere sharing... Enter your email and click on the photos tab so named because of their versatility this is... Three grandchildren cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection....