Bel-Aire

1960s-2000s label from Chicago, Illinois, started in 1963 by Eddie Blazonczyk. Blazonczyk was recording on Mercury Records at the time as “Eddy Bell,” and opted to cross over from rock ‘n roll to the more traditional polka music of his ethnic heritage. Chicago was considered a center for polka in the 1960s and 70s, and the nationwide prominence of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones was a key factor attracting some of the best polka artists from around the country to the label. Since 1963, Bel-Aire Records has released over 300 recordings by more than 75 artists, and has produced a number of award-winning recordings including more than a dozen Grammy-nominated and one Grammy Award-winning recording since the Polka Category’s addition to the Grammys by NARAS in 1985.