Remembering The Long Time DJ Jerry Blavat

Remembering The Long Time DJ Jerry Blavat

It's been a week since Jerry Blavat took his last breath. He is remembered by so many who loved him and his work.

Blavat was beloved and known by several nicknames; "The Geator with the Heater" and "The Big Boss with the Hot Sauce," to name a couple.

His long career made the most impact while playing and promoting oldies music.

Blavat is a Philadelphia icon. He gained a lot of his fame by hosting live dances in the area. He introduced a lot of acts in the 60s such as the Four Seasons and The Isley Brothers.

While noting their successful careers, Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren both cited Blavat as a pivotal person.

Since his passing, there have been several outlets commemorating his career and influence.

So many people have their own personal memories of meeting him.

Our very own Eric Johnson, remembers a time when his family met Jerry Blavat.

" One time in a conversation with him, I made reference to “the radio business”. He said back to me “it’s NOT the radio business—It’s SHOW BUSINESS!” , EJ wrote.

Many may also remember the controversial story being covered in the early 90s. Blavat was reportedly mixed up with the Bruno-Scarfo crime family and admittedly, Blavat had been paying the family a "street tax".

That scuffle aside, it is no doubt he made a permanent impression on the community and the world of radio.

After a battle, he died in hospice at Methodist Hospital in Lower Moyamensing following complications from myasthenia gravis.

He was 82 years old.

It's safe to say that his memory will live on through the people. Everyone who knew him loved him, and everyone else at least knew who he was.

To leave such a mark in the community is not something many people accomplish. But Blavat did.

Remembering The Long Time DJ Jerry Blavat

January 20 is National DJ Day at WJBR

According to NationalToday, "The first-ever disc jockey was actually the result of an experiment on live radio. A 16-year-old boy named Ray Newby played some records on air, catalyzing a movement that started in California and spread to the entire world. At this time, the term ‘disc jockey’ did not exist. It only appeared about 25 years later when the term was used by radio commentator Walter Winchell to describe music broadcasters on-air. This was also when the primary source of music were records, and not CDs or digital playlists.”

What better way to celebrate National DJ Day at WJBR than with a photo gallery of our amazing DJs here at Mix 99.5 WJBR!

Take a look at these photos of Deanna, Justin and EJ over their years in radio!