Eddie Blazonczyk passes away (2012)

Chicago bandleader Eddie Blazonczyk, Grammy winner, leader of the Versatones and 1998 National Heritage Fellow, died at 70. He was also one of the founders of the International Polka Association. On this day in 2012, 15 years ago. Learn more about the legends of polka music on our Lifetime Achievement Honorees page, or visit the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum in Euclid, Ohio, to see their stories, instruments and recordings in person.