[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO JERRY BLAVAT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, December 17, 2005

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the 
pioneers of rock and roll, my dear friend Jerry Blavat. Born and raised 
in my district, Jerry was attracted to the music business because of 
his love for the music, not for fame or wealth. Jerry is truly one of a 
kind. He is as much a part of Philadelphia as cheesesteaks, soft 
pretzels and the Liberty Bell. A great artist in his own right, Jerry 
was a dancer on the original Bandstand television program, hosted by 
Bob Horn. He became a favorite with the viewers and rose to the head of 
the coveted ``Committee'', the group of teens responsible for aiding 
Horn in the direction of the show.
  When he was just 16 years old, Jerry leapt into the music business by 
managing a national tour for Danny and the Juniors, pushing them into 
stardom. He got into radio in 1960 and soon was given the title ``The 
Geator With the Heator.'' He soon coupled his growing popularity on the 
air (which by 1963 resulted in regional syndication of his program on 
small stations throughout the Delaware Valley from Atlantic City to 
Allentown) with appearances off the air at dances, clubs and events. It 
was not unusual for Blavat to see 5,000 kids a week in person in the 
mid '60s, nor too much of a stretch to say he'd remember 3,000 of their 
names the following week. His appearances became so frequent that for a 
time he needed to use a helicopter just to make it on time from one gig 
to the next. Today the helicopter is gone, but the frantic schedule is 
still in place. Throughout the year, he can be found somewhere on 
virtually any night, and in the summer months he's in weekend residence 
at Memories At Margate, the New Jersey Shore's hottest night spot which 
he's owned and operated since 1972.
  Jerry Blavat is a true innovator. For instance, he introduced several 
national dance crazes, such as ``The Mashed Potato,'' ``The Stomp,'' 
``The Stroll'' and ``The Jerry Shake.''
  Mr. Speaker, Jerry Blavat is well known for his artistry, his 
business talents and his showmanship. But, not enough people know of 
Jerry's human side. Jerry's work on behalf of the less fortunate. He is 
extremely generous with his time and his resources, and has earned our 
City's love and respect because of that fact.
  Jerry Blavat keeps us young, keeps us together and most of all, he 
keeps us dancing. And so, I know that all my colleagues will join me in 
honoring the Boss with the Hot Sauce, Jerry Blavat.

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