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Also naming South Broad Street between Lombard and South Streets as “Jerry Blavat Way”, to honor the life and legacy of South Philadelphia legendary entertainer and disc jockey, Jerry Blavat also known as “The Geator with the Heater” and “The Boss with the Hot Sauce”.
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WHEREAS, Jerry Blavat was born Gerald Joseph Blavat on July 3, 1940, in South Philadelphia, the youngest of two children of Louis and Lucille (Capuano) Blavat. As an avid dancer, he first joined the Philadelphia-based television show, Bandstand in 1953. Bandstand would later evolve into Dick Clarke’s American Bandstand. Although at 13, he was below the age limit to join the show, the producers allowed him to stay because his flashy moves and electric personality quickly established him as one of the shows stars; and
WHEREAS, While dancing on “Bandstand”, he also debuted on the radio 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. At a time when mainstream radio stations played covers of black artists, Blavat played the originals, bringing widespread attention to those musicians. This helped launch the careers of artists including the Four Seasons and Dionne Warwick; and
WHEREAS, 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. Throughout the 1960s, Mr. Blavat spun the latest singles by artists like Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Smokey Robinson. During these years, Blavat’s tireless promotion, specifically of black artists, shaped the pop music culture of the City; and
WHERAS, Blavat also appeared on several television and films including “The Monkees”, “Desperately Seeking Susan”, “Baby, It’s You”, and “Cookie”; and
WHEREAS, Blavat often spent his summers down at the shore where he owned the popular dance club "Memories in Margate”. This part of his career led to many friendships with prominent entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles and Frank Sinatra; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Blavat was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance’s Hall of Fame. Cementing his name into the Avenue of the Arts for eternity. He was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia’s Hall of Fame in 2002. He appeared regularly in the Italian American Parade in Philadelphia and was a guest for many years in 6abc's Thanksgiving Day Parade; and
WHEREAS, Into his 80s he was still heard regularly on his own Geator Gold Radio network, and on his weekly Saturday night show on WXPN-FM (88.5), “The Geator’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Rhythm & Blues Express”; and
WHEREAS, Blavat leaves behind four daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his longtime partner Keely Stahl; and
WHEREAS, Blavat’s insatiable energy and love for music shaped the culture of Philadelphia’s music and touched the lives of many. In 1993 his name was permanently engraved into the Avenue of the Arts and 30 years later in 2023 a block of the same street will be named in his honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby renames the 500 block of South Broad Street as Jerry Blavat Way to honor the life and legacy of South Philadelphia Legendary Disc Jockey and Entertainer Jerry Blavat known as "The Geator with the Heater" and "The Boss with the Hot Sauce”.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jerry Blavat, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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