Jerry Blavat
Born Gerald Joseph Blavat on July 3, 1940, to a Jewish father and an Italian mother in South Philadelphia, Jerry Blavat found his life's love and local fame at the ripe old age of 13. As a teenager Blavat got into the business on the original American Bandstand with DJ Bob Horn. And the rest is history. Blavat went on to become one of the nation's most famous DJs and cultivator of classic rock 'n roll, bebop, R'nB and doo-wop. Blavat's show was syndicated throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. It was there, on the radio, that he was able to make others happy. He once said "I play music from the heart, not a research chart."
Blavat was proud of both his Italian American and Jewish heritage and, in many ways, his life remains an enduring testament to the special relationship between Italians and Jews.
Blavat was known to many as "the Geator with the Heater" and to others as "the Boss with the Hot Sauce" and he took pride in those monikers. He hosted live dances and helped pioneer the "oldies" format on the radio. He is credited with getting many acts (such as the Four Seasons, Dionne Warwick and the Isely Brothers) their big break.
Blavat's heart was always with the Italian-American community of South Philadelphia where he was beloved. He once explained that he was “raised by the nuns and the Italian side" of his family. In his book, Your Only Rock Once, Blavat discussed his relationships with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Dick Clark even those from the old neighborhood such as Angelo Bruno, a local mob leader leader. Blavat had a coveted spot on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame and was a familiar figure at his popular shore music venue, Memories in Margate, NJ.
Almost up until the time of his death earlier this year Jerry Blavat was still rockin', rollin', entertaining and spreading joy. His funeral service at Philly's cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, was open to the public and attended by thousands. Dionne Warwick delivered the eulogy, citing Jerry as a major influence in launching her career. Jerry Blavat was both indefatigable and inimitable.
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