Grammy-winning polka star Eddie Blazonczyk has died at the age of 70.
The musician, who retired in 2001 after suffering a stroke, died of natural causes at a hospital in Chicago, Illinois on Monday (21May12).
Blazonczyk earned the nickname Polka King during his longrunning music career, which started in the 1960s when he recorded solo albums under the name Eddy Bell. He later formed his band Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones and founded his own record label, Bel-Aire Records.
The group won a Grammy Award in 1987 and after Blazonczyk retired, his son Eddie Blazonczyk, Jr. took over the lead role. The band played its last gig in 2011.