Jerry Blavat was a Philadelphia DJ who became iconic as a radio and TV fixture for decades.
- Died: January 20, 2023 (Who else died on January 20?)
- Details of death: Died at a Philadelphia hospital of myasthenia gravis at the age of 82.
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The Geator with the Heater
Blavat got his start dancing on “Bandstand,” the rock and roll TV show that was then local to Philadelphia but would become nationwide, renamed “American Bandstand.” While dancing on “Bandstand,” he debuted on the radio in nearby Camden, New Jersey. Calling himself “The Geator with the Heater,” Blavat perfected a hip patter that he used to introduce songs from Black and white artists alike. In an era when wild songs by Black artists were often covered in a more pop-oriented style for mainstream radio, Blavat played the originals, bringing widespread attention to those musicians. He helped launch the careers of artists including the Four Seasons and Dionne Warwick by playing their songs before any other DJs. In 1965, Blavat began his own “Bandstand”-like TV show, “The Discophonic Scene.” As his profile grew, Blavat’s radio show was syndicated more widely, and he was seen by national audiences in TV shows including “The Monkees” and “The Mod Squad.” He continued to DJ throughout his life, becoming an elder statesman of oldies radio, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a broadcaster.
Notable quote
“Keep on rockin’, because you only rock once!” —Blavat’s catchphrase
Tributes to Jerry Blavat
Full obituary: The Philadelphia Inquirer
