Gerald Joseph Blavat (July 3, 1940 – January 20, 2023), also known as “The Geator with the Heater” and “The Big Boss with the Hot Sauce,” was an American disc jockey and performer who played a major role in promoting oldies music on the radio. A Philadelphia icon, he gained local fame by hosting live dances, which led to his own independent radio show.
In the 1960s, he introduced acts such as the Four Seasons and The Isley Brothers to a wide audience. Musicians from the Philadelphia suburbs, including Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren, cited Blavat as an inspiration for their musical careers.
RELATED: Who is Elle Key (Elisa Pugliese)? All About Keegan-Michael Key’s Wife
Table of Contents
Jerry Blavat Net Worth
Jerry Blavat has a net worth of $1.5 million. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in July 1940. In the early 1990s, a New Jersey State Commission of Investigation into organized crime’s influence in the liquor business revealed Blavat’s association with the Bruno-Scarfo crime family.
During the investigation, Thomas A. DelGiorno, a former Scarfo family capo, testified that Blavat had regularly paid a “street tax” to the crime family, purchased a $40,000 yacht for crime boss Nicodemo Scarfo, and was among those who bought a condominium in Florida for Scarfo.
Early Life
Jerry Blavat was born in South Philadelphia to a Jewish father and an Italian mother. His sister, Roberta, was born two years earlier. His father worked as a bookmaker, and his mother was employed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard during World War II.
Career
In 1953, Jerry Blavat debuted on the original Bandstand on WFIL-TV with Bob Horn and Lee Stewart. In 1956, he managed a national tour for Danny and the Juniors, and in 1958–59, he worked as Don Rickles’ valet. He began his radio career on January 15, 1961, at WCAM in Camden, New Jersey.
By 1963, his show was syndicated in Atlantic City, Trenton, Pottstown, Wilmington, and Allentown. Blavat said he refused to follow a playlist, choosing to “play music from the heart, not a research chart.”
Personal Life
Jerry Blavat had four daughters: Kathi Furia, Geraldine Blavat, Stacy Braglia, and Deserie Downey, along with five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He had been separated from his wife Patricia Blavat since 1972 and was in a long-term relationship with Rosalie (Keely) Stahl since 1989.
Blavat died in hospice at Methodist Hospital in Lower Moyamensing due to complications from myasthenia gravis on January 20, 2023, at the age of 82.
Is Jerry Blavat in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Jerry Blavat was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, a recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry and his role in promoting rock and roll music.
Conclusion
Jerry Blavat’s life and career have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His passion for oldies music, combined with his charisma and dedication, has earned him a place in the hearts of countless fans and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
RELATED: Who is Overtime Megan? What happened to her?
FAQs about Jerry Blavat
- What made Jerry Blavat famous?
- Jerry Blavat gained fame as a disc jockey promoting oldies music, his dynamic radio personality, and his contributions to the entertainment industry.
- How did Jerry Blavat earn his net worth?
- Blavat earned his net worth through his successful career as a radio personality, and nightclub owner, and his ventures in television and movies.
- What was Jerry Blavat’s impact on the music industry?
- Blavat had a profound impact on the music industry by promoting rock and roll and oldies music, influencing music tastes and trends.
- How did fans react to Jerry Blavat’s passing?
- Fans mourned the loss of Jerry Blavat, remembering him as a source of joy, happiness, and a bridge to the golden era of music.
- What is Jerry Blavat’s legacy?
- Jerry Blavat’s legacy is that of a pioneering disc jockey who championed the music he loved, leaving behind a treasure trove of musical memories and a model for future generations in the music and entertainment industry.
