Blavat was born and raised in South Philly, bursting onto the teen music scene as a dancer on the original, pre-Dick Clark "Bandstand" with Bob Horn in 1954 and then as the road manager for Danny and the Juniors. In the '60s Blavat became a DJ at Camden-based radio station WCAM. He grew to be so popular as the "Geator with the Heator" and "the Boss with the Hot Sauce" that he began hosting a televised music show similar to "Bandstand" called "The Discophonic Scene."
In the years since, Blavat helped popularize R&B around Philadelphia, opened a dance club down the shore called Memories and has become a living legend. Twice a year he graces the Kimmel Center stage with longtime pals for a night of performances. This time, he'll host Mel Carter, Jimmy Clanton, Gene Chandler, Lloyd Price, Maxine Brown and Chuck Jackson with a 30-piece orchestra.
These stars helped originate the Motown sound with songs like "Duke of Earl," "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," and "Stagger Lee." Seeing these legends on stage is a can't-miss event for fans of old-school tunes and Blavat, as well as music history enthusiasts. Until then, hear the Geator every Saturday night from 6 to 7 p.m. on WXPN.
Jerry Blavat: Early Days of Rock & Roll
Saturday, January 248 p.m.| $41-100
The Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
(215) 893-1999