Eddie Blazonczyk facts for kids

Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr. (born July 12, 1941 – died May 21, 2012) was a famous American polka musician. He started his own band called The Versatones. Many people consider him a very important person in creating the modern sound of Polish-American polka music. He released over 60 albums during his career. He was also honored in the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1970. In 1998, he received the National Heritage Fellowship, a top award for folk artists in the United States.

The Story of Eddie Blazonczyk

Eddie Blazonczyk was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were immigrants from Poland. They came from a mountain region called Goral.

From Rockabilly to Polka King

Before he became known for polka music, Eddie was a rockabilly singer. He recorded songs under the name Eddy Bell. He worked with labels like Mercury Records. During this time, he even toured with famous musicians like Buddy Holly and Brenda Lee. He made rockabilly songs and fun, silly songs. One of his most famous early songs was "The Great Great Pumpkin." People still listen to it around Halloween.

When Eddie was 22, a record label owner named Lenny LaCour gave him advice. He told Eddie to focus on polka music instead of rockabilly. Eddie took his advice and never regretted it. In 1963, he started his own record company, Chicago-based Bel-Aire Records.

Inventing the "Chicago Push" Style

Eddie Blazonczyk is known for creating a special kind of polka music. It's called "Chicago push." This style has a unique rhythm. Other bands were inspired by Eddie's music and later used this name.

Eddie and his band, The Versatones, were like ambassadors for Polish-American polka. They traveled all the time. They played over 200 shows every year.

The Versatones Band

The Versatones played a mix of old traditional songs and new songs written by Eddie. Eddie sang in both Polish and English. The band had a fiddler and a concertina player. They also had two trumpet/clarinet players and a drummer. Eddie himself sang and played the electric bass.

Even though polka was his main focus, Eddie loved other types of music. He enjoyed rock, country, bluegrass, and Cajun music. He liked to add parts of these styles into his polka music when it felt right.

Eddie stopped performing in 2002. He gave his band, The Versatones, to his son, Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. The Versatones played their very last show on New Year's Eve in 2011.

His Passing

Eddie Blazonczyk passed away on May 21, 2012. He died from multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Awards and Special Honors

Eddie Blazonczyk was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards. This is a very big honor in music. His album Another Polka Celebration won a Grammy in 1986. It won for Best Polka Recording.

In 1998, he received the National Heritage Fellowship. This award is given by the National Endowment for the Arts. It is the highest honor for folk and traditional artists in the United States.

Discography