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. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Tyler Morning Telegraph. Verify and try again. 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 . Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. The Versatones played their last performance on New Year's Eve, 2011. But polka was growing. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. In 1963 he 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. 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 has said, "I took his advice, and never regretted it. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. NOTE: Special thanks to the Blazonczyk Family, and Polka fans everywhere for sharing your photos! He was 70. For a time, Blazonczyk performed pop music with Mercury Records as "Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires," when he appeared on "American Bandstand." ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." [5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. 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 the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. Rest in Peace my friend. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. He was 70. Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. ''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. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ASSOCIATED PRESS). Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. PHOTO: Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. When I got back to Chicago, I saw the crowds coming out for Marion Lush and Li'l Wally, I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. Learn more about merges. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' 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. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his fathers death. You can always change this later in your Account settings. He won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Review. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. He was 70. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Copyright 2023 Newsday. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. He was 70. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka . Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. 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. By the time Mr. Blazonczyk began his career, it was receding from the mainstream, but the music, and the social rituals surrounding At that time, he turned over responsibility for his band, The Versatones, to his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. Search above to list available cemeteries. Please try again later. Find an Obituary. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. ). 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. Listen to Hour 1; Listen to Hour 2; View Show Playlist 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. Drag images here or select from your computer for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. memorial. Failed to remove flower. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. accordion. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. 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. 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. 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). Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. 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. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Try again later. "That's why he was called the 'Polka King.' 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. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. 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. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 1941-2012. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. 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. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. Try again. 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 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. 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, 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. 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. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. 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 a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? He retired in 2001 after suffering health problems. Try again later. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago Time . He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. GREAT NEWS! 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. Try again later. 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. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Blazonczyk was a member of the association's Polka Music Hall of Fame. 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. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. 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 joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. Sympathy Ideas. 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. Ridge Funeral Home. But polka was growing. He was 70. Please reset your password. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. 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. Created with sketchtool. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Try again later. Year should not be greater than current year. Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. I cannot thank him enough for all th. Rest in Peace my friend. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. He was 70. 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. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Let others know about your loved one's death. During this period Blazonczyk toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Brenda Lee. [5], Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois to Polish immigrant parents[6] of Goral heritage. 1985 Member of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. We have set your language to Eddie Blazonczyk. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." He was 70. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Please omit flowers. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. 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. They knew it wasnt Shes Too Fat For Me or Roll Out the Barrel. They knew it was an evolution of the music.. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. 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. He was 70. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . 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. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. (The polka category was eliminated in 2009.). 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. 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 Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. GRAMMY-winning polka artist Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. died May 22. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. 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 retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. 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. Find an Obituary. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, Mr. Blazonczyk was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998, Mr. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. "He 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. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. 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. 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 . You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. "The Great Great Pumpkin", released on Lucky Four #1012, is probably the most noteworthy of these recordings. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. There was hardly any pay. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. Created with sketchtool. A system error has occurred. A cause of death was not revealed. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock 'n' roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. 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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 . A news release says Blazonczyk died Monday. "[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. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. 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. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. His record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, and his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., said yesterday that Blazonczyk died of natural causes Monday at a hospital in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Grief Support. Thats why he was called the Polka King. He was the top guy.. They knew it was an evolution of the music.". Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. 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. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Thanks for your help! If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. Share. Submit an Obit. [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. 0 cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. it, held a place in some Americans' ethnic identity. . Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. And in an instant, Blazonczyk's son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr., found himself the new frontman of the . Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. 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. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 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. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. His son led . Within two years of that decision, Eddie Jr. said, his father was on tour nationally, playing polka music. He was 70. Resend Activation Email. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? 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. This is a carousel with slides. There was an error deleting this problem. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). 1976 Member of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones. Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90601289/eddie-blazonczyk. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? 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. This account has been disabled. He was 70. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. 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. 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. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. . The cause was multiple organ failure, said his son Eddie Jr., who took over the operation of his fathers band, the Versatones, in 1997. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. 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. 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. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. He was 70. Oops, something didn't work. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. During these years Richie Tokarz was the recipient of numerous awards for his talents as a musician and for his song writing ability. cemeteries found in Justice, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. 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. Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. 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. started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the band's first album, ''Polka Parade''; more than 60 albums followed. Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA. 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 relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. English Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. 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. Gifs, photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments, five years last! Or deselecting below Me ' or 'Roll Out the Barrel. important figures in the city he... The early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock Europe. 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