(Khue Bui/AP). His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his . Then, five years ago last month, Blazonczyk suffered a stroke that affected his left side. CARYN ROUSSEAU, The Associated Press. Share. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 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. "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. Copyright 2023 Newsday. EDDIE 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. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn . At that time, he turned over responsibility for his band, The Versatones, to his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. 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 was 70. 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. 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. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Share. 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. Try again later. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka King" and started his own polka music label in the 1960s. Search above to list available cemeteries. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. 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 Obituary; Grief Recovery Center; Start a Family Tree Find a Funeral Home; Death of Eddie . Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. English Failed to remove flower. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. 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. He was 70. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Blazonczyk, Sr., Edward A. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? He was 70. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970, and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. He died of complications from a stroke two months shy of his 71st birthday. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. 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. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He was also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. "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. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. I had what I refer to as \"the best seat in the house\"! Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. 1 Polka Band. Blazonczyk was a member of the associations Polka Music Hall of Fame. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Weve updated the security on the site. He was 70. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played its last show on Dec. 31, 2011. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. ''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. 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. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. 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. Failed to report flower. Add to your scrapbook. In 1963 he He was 70. 1990 Returned with Eddie Blazonczyk. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' Many of his dozens of albums feature him singing in English on one side and perfectly enunciated Polish on the other. 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. Search by Name. In 1962, he formed his polka band The Versatones and released their first album, "Polka Parade" on his own Bel-Aire Label. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Eddie Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago, the son of immigrants from the rural Tatras Mountains region of southern Poland. . 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. 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. 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. He was 70. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. There was hardly any pay. I cannot thank him enough for all th. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Sorry! This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. 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. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Created with sketchtool. Jerry Tokarz, Ed Wolinski, Jim Sierzega, Eddie Blazonczyk, Rich Tokarz & Jerry Darlak - The Versatones BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Eddie Blazonczyk, the man known as Chicago's polka king, has died at the age of 70. 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. They knew it wasn't 'She's Too Fat For Me' or 'Roll Out the Barrel.' He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970,[2] and was a 1998 National Heritage Fellowship recipient. 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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. This is a more complete version of the story than the one that appeared in print. 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. By Ben Sisario. After hearing his style of the music they werent afraid of polka anymore. 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 also named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998. Also music for daddy-o's by Horace Silver, Johnny Cash, Lightnin' Hopkins, Gene Austin, and Regina Carter. EDWARD BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. . 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. Blazonczyk's record label, Bel-Aire Recordings, says Blazonczyk died Monday, May 21, 2012, of natural causes at a hospital Palos Heights, Ill. Please omit flowers. and maintained a mini-empire of polka in Chicago, including a record label, a recording studio, a retail store and a music school. He was 70. Find an Obituary. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Try again later. '', The sound had traces of rock, left over from Mr. Blazonczyk's days in the early 1960s recording rockabilly under the name Eddy Bell, for Mercury and other labels. I was fortunate enough to perform as a Versatone from 1987-1994, and in that time I spent over 1000 nights with Eddie onstage. There is a problem with your email/password. Mr. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. In 1963 he started his label, Bel-Aire, and released the bands first album, Polka Parade; more than 60 albums followed. Jimmy Sturr, who has won the prize 18 times. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. 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 genre's biggest fish, died on Monday in Palos Heights, Ill. May 24, 2012. Some of his biggest hits include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" and "Poor Boy Polka.". They knew it wasnt Shes Too Fat For Me or Roll Out the Barrel. They knew it was an evolution of the music.. He met his wife, the former Christine Zielinski, known as Tish, at a polka dance in 1962. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. The band consisted of a fiddler and concertina[10] player, two trumpeter/clarinetists, a drummer and Blazonczyk himself on vocals and electric bass. You can always change this later in your Account settings. 1994 With Lenny Gomulka Band to his passing in 2014. Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Visitation Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. (708) 301-3595 or www.modellfh.com. . Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Find an Obituary. But he returned to polka in 1962, forming the Versatones and going on tour. 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. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. 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. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. Privacy Policy |Terms of service |Subscription terms |Your ad choices |Cookie Settings |California Privacy Rights |About Us |Contact Newsday |Reprints & permissions |Advertise with Newsday |Help. 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. We have set your language to The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was "unchallenged in its height as America's No. 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. 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. But by the early 1960s, he had begun to move away from rock. He was 70. ''He Musician. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. [5], Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards,[12] and his album Another Polka Celebration won the 1986 Grammy for Best Polka Recording. Blazonczyk Sr. was 70 and had retired after suffering a stroke in 2001. Blkazonczyk won a Grammy in 1987 for Best Polka Recording for "Another Polka Celebration." Ridge Funeral Home. 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. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Eddie Blazonczyk (90601289)? 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 Those songs included ''The Masked Man (Hi Yo Silver)'' and ''The cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012) was a Grammy award-winning polka musician and founder of the band The Versatones. 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. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. Blazonczyk Sr. died Monday morning of natural causes in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, said his son. Cyril & Methodius Church, Lemont, Mass 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. ). Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Mr. Blazonczyk was born on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Created with sketchtool. [7] The records he made for these labels were rockabilly sides, and novelty songs. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he retired and his son Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. led the band for another full a decade. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. accordion. Please try again later. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Blazonczyk Sr. died of natural causes at age 70. He was 70. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 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. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? 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. Some of his biggest hits include Angeline Be Mine Polka and Poor Boy Polka.. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. and I wanted to try my hand at that.''. Learn more about managing a memorial . Try again. "[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. 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. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. OBITUARY Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. July 12, 1941 - May 21, 2012. Rest in Peace my friend. Review. CHICAGO (AP) - Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. His son said many friends have been sending him condolence messages since learning of his father's death. This browser does not support getting your location. All rights reserved. Sympathy Ideas. Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. Please enter your email and password to sign in. He was 70. He joined the Versatones, so named because of their versatility. Yet Mr. Blazonczyk was also devoted to Polish musical customs. Share. He was 70. 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. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. He was 70. In Memory Of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. IN THE CARE OF. Visit Homepage. Verify and try again. 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 . He was a big force for what it means to be Polish in America.. He was 70. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. [1], Blazonczyk retired from performing in 2002. Saying Goodbye; my tribute to Eddie Blazonczyk who passed away much too soon, on May 21, 2012. 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. 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. Anyone can read what you share. But polka was growing. He was 70. Let others know about your loved one's death. [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. He retired after having a stroke in late 2001, and his son led the Versatones until disbanding it last year. [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. EDDIE BLAZONCZYK OBITUARY. The Versatones, which picked up a Grammy in 1987, played their last show on Dec. 31, 2011. 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. 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. 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. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Eddie Blazonczyk in 1986, the year before he won a Grammy. He won a Grammy Award, kept a vigorous touring schedule Failed to delete memorial. 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. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. Homer Glen to Sts. Try again later. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Eddie Blazonczyk was born to Polish immigrant parents on July 12, 1941, in Chicago. He was 70. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. 1 Polka Band." 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. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. "After hearing his style of the music they weren't afraid of polka anymore. In 1998, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Eddie Blazonczyk presented him with a National Endowment for the Arts 1998 National Heritage Fellowship award. Family members linked to this person will appear here. 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. "[4] He released more than 60 albums. His son led . Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. 12 July, 1941 - 21 May, 2012. The association said on its website that Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones was unchallenged in its height as Americas No. [3] He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound. His music rocks, it rolls, it hops, it pushes. 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. It beat the hell out of you, Eddie Jr. remembers his father telling him. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Oops, something didn't work. 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 . 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. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. 1992 Returned with Marion Lush. Blazonczyk was known as the "Polka . He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 1998. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. She and their son Eddie Jr. survive him, as do another son, Anthony; a daughter, Katherine; and three grandchildren. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. The band formed in 1962 and toured North America and Europe. ----Kevin Adams - 05/23/2012 Mr. Blazonczyk played many instruments but preferred the bass, and he sang lyrics in both English and Polish. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. 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. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. [11], Blazonczyk died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on May 21, 2012. "For them this is truly the day that the music died," Blazonczyk said. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Learn more about merges. In Memory of Edward Eddie A. Blazonczyk Sr. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. <p> They knew it was an evolution of the music.". He won a GRAMMY win came in 1986 for Best Polka Recording . He has been called "one of the most important figures in the creation of the contemporary Polish-American polka sound." 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). "He attracted so many people to the polka audience, whereas previously they were scared away by the word polka," Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. said. As a teenager, Mr. Blazonczyk played in rock n roll bands and toured with Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. His parents operated music clubs in the city and he started playing in the 1950s with "Happy Eddie and his Polka . Blazonczyk retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, and his son took over his band, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. He was 70. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th from 3-9pm Chicago Time .
eddie blazonczyk obituary
