How did Jerry Blavat die? Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and pioneering DJ dies at 82
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Legendary American disc jockey, Jerry Blavat, who had been a major influence in promoting oldies music on the radio died at the age of 82. Blavat, popularly known as "The Geator with the Heater" and "The Boss with the Hot Sauce" died at 3.45 am on Friday, January 20, at the hospice at Jefferson-Methodist Hospital from the effects of myasthenia gravis and related health issues. He leaves behind four daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his longtime partner Keely Stahl.
According to his website, Blavat was recently having medical issues related to a shoulder injury and had to cancel an upcoming show at the Kimmel Cultural Campus due to his health. He was born to a Jewish father and an Italian mother in South Philadelphia. "The Geator" is considered one of the pioneers in the early rock-and-roll DJs to popularize the profession and developed the "oldies" format. Blavat appeared on several television shows and films including 'The Monkees', 'Desperately Seeking Susan', 'Baby, It's You' and 'Cookie'.
READ MORE
Celebrity deaths in 2023: From Lisa Marie Presley to Jeff Beck and more
Blavat debuted on the original Bandstand at the age of 13 in 1953. He was allowed to stay to help pick records despite producers of the Channel 6 show in Philly discovered their popular dancer was below the age limit. He went on to host 'The Discophonic Scene' years later, which featured some of the biggest celebs of the era.
Blavat always had the natural talent and knack for knowing what would connect with the teens which even landed him a job in a syndicated radio show, then a TV show in the 1960s. He entertained crowds with shows across the Philadelphia region for decades,and spent his summers down at the shore where he owned the popular dance club Memories in Margate. His illustrious career led to many friendships with big entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr, Don Rickles and even Frank Sinatra.
"Everybody's been there. My mom cooked for (Frank) Sinatra there. She also cooked for Sammy Davis, Jr. there. Chuck Berry appeared there," Blavat said of night club Memories during a 2022 interview with the New Jersey Stage. "The Geator with the Heater" hosted countless dances and helped break many acts, including the Four Seasons and the Isley Brothers, also promoting Philadelphia artists like Bobby Rydell. He often appeared in the Italian American Parade in Philadelphia and was a guest for many years in 6abc's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Blavat was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance's Hall of Fame in 1993. He appears in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's Hall of Fame in 2002. "So my life has been about wonderful people. And if it ends tomorrow, I'll have no regrets because I made people happy, and by making people happy, it fulfilled my life," said Blavat when asked about his career as a disc jockey and rise to fame.
ncG1vNJzZmillZbEuHrCqKRoopWnv7p5waWYr5mkYrGqscNmmKadop6worqMnaFmp56aerCyjK2fnmWgnryvscSrqmahnmLBqbGMnpirpKliv7CvymaYp5xdp7ytuIydoQ%3D%3D