[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1343-E1344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF EDDIE BLAZONCZYK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Eddie Blazonczyk, whose 
name is synonymous with polka music.
  Eddie Blazonczyk is an innovator, composer, band leader, and 
virtuoso. Eddie's innovation has been in combining his Polish polka 
roots with `50's rock'n roll, Cajun flavor, and country flair. The 
sound, known as Chicago hop or hop style, has reached new audiences 
around the country.
  Eddie has recorded 47 albums since he got his start in 1963. In 1986, 
Eddie won a Grammy award for his album, ``Another Polka Celebration.'' 
Ten other albums have been nominated for Grammy awards.
  Eddie and his band, the Versatones, have played all over the country. 
The founding Versatones were: Chet Kowalski and Jerry Chocholek on 
trumpet, Bob Sendra on drums, Ricj Sendra on accordion, and Jim 
Bagrowski on clarinet and sax.
  Mr. Speaker, Eddie Blazonczyk is a giant among musicians and an 
ambassador to the

[[Page E1344]]

world. As Eddie says, ``you don't have to be Polish-American, 
Slovenian-American, Ukranian-American, or German-American. All you've 
gotta do is have ears!''

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