Jerry Blavat dead at 82: Beloved radio host dies on ‘national DJ day’ after battle with myasthenia gravis

Legendary Philadelphia DJ Jerry Blavat has died at the age of 82 from myasthenia gravis.

Blavat, who rose to fame in Philly by hosting live dances in the area, died Friday morning at the Jefferson-Methodist Hospital hospice.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, myasthenia gravis is rapid weakness and fatigue of a person’s voluntary control muscles.

The disease causes a breakdown in normal communication between nerves and muscles.

Nicknamed The Geator with the Heater and The Boss with the Hot Sauce, Blavat pioneered the oldie format on the airwaves, performing religiously classic hits from the 1950s through the 1980s.

His work on the mixers earned him many appearances, including at the Four Seasons Hotel and with the group Isley Brothers.

Blavat has also appeared in television shows and films including The Monkees, Desperately Seeking Susan, Baby, I Love You and Cookie.

The South Philly native hosted The Discophonic Scene on ABC6, a dance show featuring some of the biggest stars of the era.

For decades he entertained crowds with shows throughout the Philadelphia area and spent his summers down in Marget, New Jersey, where he owned the well-known Memories dance club.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and had a spot on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame on Broad Street.

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