Condolences: Philly Icon Jerry Blavat
• Legendary Philadelphia disc jockey Jerry Blavat, also known as “The Geator with the Heater” and “The Boss with the Hot Sauce” died early Friday morning, Jan. 20 at the age of 82. Local ABC affiliate WPVI-TV (Action News) reports Blavat passed away in hospice at Jefferson-Methodist Hospital from the effects of myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, and related health issues.
A family statement issued on Friday, reads, in part, “Jerry proudly said, ‘Life is precious, and I am happy. And when I am happy, I want the world to be happy.’ … His love for Philadelphia only superseded his love of music. He was proud of this great city, and nothing made him prouder than the impact the music from Philadelphia made on the world.”
Blavat’s introduction to the world of music happened at the tender age of 13, when he debuted as a dancer on Philly’s original Bandstand show. As the story goes, producers of the Channel 6 show soon discovered their popular dancer was below the age limit, but let him stay to help pick records. Years later, Blavat went on to host The Discophonic Scene, a dance show that featured some of the biggest stars of the era. His enthusiasm, talent and natural knack for knowing what would hit with teens led first to a syndicated radio show, then a TV show in the ’60s. For decades, Blavat entertained crowds with shows across the Philadelphia region and spent his summers down at the shore where he owned the popular dance club, Memories in Margate. He also helped break many national acts, including The Four Seasons and The Isley Brothers, while also boosting local Philadelphia artists like Bobby Rydell.
As the Philadelphia Inquirer reports, at the time of his death, Blavat was still heard regularly on his own Geator Gold Radio network, as well as on his weekly Saturday night show, The Geator’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Rhythm & Blues Express on University of Pennsylvania-owned non-comm 88.5 WXPN/Philadelphia. In recent months Blavat had curtailed his busy schedule, canceling appearances at his Margate, NJ, club, Memories, due to painful shoulder injuries. He had also postponed his annual Oldies all-star concert at the Kimmel Center, scheduled for Jan. 28.
“Radio’s Best Friend” Art Vuolo tells RAMP, “Jerry Blavat’s first break was on WCAM-AM across the river in Camden, NJ, later at WHAT-AM 1340 in Philadelphia, and three stations in South Jersey, where he had his club outside Atlantic City: WVLT-FM, WTKU-FM and WOND-AM 1400. Lastly, he was on WXPN/Philadelphia.” And, as he always does, Art has generously assembled a lovely video tribute to The Geater.
Blavat leaves behind four daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his longtime partner Keely Stahl. Blavat’s family statement added, “Jerry wished for a big celebration of life. A big one is planned, and all are welcome… ‘The Boss with the Hot Sauce’ is with the Big Boss Now.” Blavat’s funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 1723 Race Street in Philadelphia. A viewing will begin at 9am, with mass scheduled for 11:30am.
