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Jerry Blavat Died: A Philadelphia Radio Advocate For Early R&B Artists

Alex J.
Jerry Blavat Died at 82

Jerry Blavat Died at 82

Known as “The Geator with the Heater” and “The Big Boss with the Hot Sauce,” Gerald Joseph Blavat (July 3, 1940 – January 20, 2023) was a popular American disc jockey and performer who did much to popularise oldies music on the radio.

After becoming well-known in Philadelphia through his hosting of live dances, he launched his own radio programme, where he gave national exposure to groups like the Four Seasons and the Isley Brothers in the 1960s. (Citation required) Blavat’s parents, a Jew and an Italian gave birth to him in the South Philadelphia neighbourhood of the city.

Jerry Blavat Died at 82

Jerry Blavat Died at 82

Gerald Joseph Blavat, better known as radio legend Jerry Blavat, was born in South Philadelphia and began his entertainment career at the age of 13 as a dancer on a bandstand. As early as the age of 20, Blavat began presenting his own radio show, where his vivacious and charismatic personality could be heard by all.

Blavat was known by many other monikers, the most common of which were “The Boss with the Hot Sauce” and “The Geator with the Heater.” The Museum of Radio and Records in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, honoured Blavat with induction into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Hall of Fame in 1993.

Keep on rockin’ because you only rock once was a tagline he came up with and used to promote his 2011 autobiography, You Only Rock Once: My Life in Music. The Geator Gold Radio Network and Blavat’s “Memories” both aired in Margate, Florida. Philadelphia Magazine readers chose him as the city’s best icon in 2018.

The Geator Gold Radio Network and “Memories” in Margate were both under his direction while he stayed engaged in radio. And he shared a mural with other South Philadelphia music greats including ‘Wildwood Days‘ vocalist Bobby Rydell.

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A Philadelphia Radio Advocate For Early R&B Artists

On Friday, in Philadelphia’s Jefferson-Methodist Hospital, Jerry Blavat, a witty DJ who championed R&B at an era when “race records” were marginalised, passed away. A.J. Mattia, a close friend, and Keely Stahl, his longtime companion of more than 30 years, both confirmed his death.

Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular illness, caused death due to its consequences. His recent cancellation of numerous extended live engagements was the culmination of a career that lasted until he was 82. The Geator’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Rhythm & Blues Express on WXPN-FM (88.5) and his own Geator Gold Radio network kept him in the public eye.

As stated in a statement sent by the family on Friday: “Jerry boldly proclaimed, ‘Life is precious, and I am pleased. When I am content, I wish the same for everyone else. Even more than music, his passion for his hometown of Philadelphia was unrivalled. As a native Philadelphian, he took tremendous pride in the city’s musical legacy.

Blavat had an effect before the period corporate radio took over the airways. He was a radio DJ, dance promoter, television show, record label owner, and all-around business mogul who earned the nicknames “The Geator with the Heater” and “The Boss with the Hot Sauce” in his home region.

Jerry Blavat On Sinatra The Mob And The Music That Connects Us

An entertaining but taxing conversation with the iconic DJ as he nears the end of his eightieth year and celebrates six decades in radio. Jerry Blavat, also known as the Geator with the Heater and the Big Boss with the Hot Sauce, is about to turn 80 years old, but he shows no signs of slowing down as he celebrates 60 years in radio.

The Philly classic can still be heard several times a week (on a variety of stations) snapping his fingers and, during the summer, he can be heard spinning records at the Shore, including four or five times a week at his Margate club, Memories. In this interview, the Geator discusses his time in South Philadelphia which no longer exists, his relationships with famous people and mobsters, and the lasting impact of hip hop.

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