You Only Rock Once: My Life in Music

If you grew up listening to WFIL or other Philly TV and radio stations you will enjoy the Geeter's bio. He drops alot of names and a ton of great stories. We grew up outside Philly in the 60's and Jerry was just as much of a hero to us as Sally Starr, Pix Anne, Chief Halftown, Gene London and Captain Noah.

I live in CA now but I grew up in NJ where Jerry Blavat was well known to teenagers. I had no idea what a man he was. His book is honest and full of names from show business, politics, and even the Mafia. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read.

If you are into old music and even if you are not, definitely read this book. He has touched so many lives in his life, even mine. He was a very gracious good man

Surprisingly frank overview of a fascinating life in the rock & roll industry. Best stories are about growing up in Philly and getting started in the music business at the age of 13. Would like to have read more about some of the more obscure artists Blavat championed, but I understand this will be the focus of his next book. Philadelphia-area folks will take to this as if it's their own story and will enjoy recognizing names & places. Those who aren't from the Philly area like myself will be exposed to his attitude about how he made it on his own in an industry set on keeping everything as white bread and bland as possible, and how he introduced to the airwaves artists such as the Isley Brothers and the Four Seasons who might have struggled for years more before gaining recognition. Mature readers will relate to his attitude about a way of life that is disappearing. He also provides reasoned and logical explanations for his purported mob associations and why he has never once in his entire 55-year career accepted payola or even payment from radio stations for airing his own shows. The story of how Freddy DeMann - who later managed Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Shakira to the height of their careers - came to him as a young record promoter about to lose his gig was priceless. Some of the anecdotes about meeting famous folks, such as his run-in with Patricia Neal, could have stood more embellishment, and sections about his daughters, people he has worked with, and his companion of 20+ years are sketchy or glossed over to say the least. But this is more the fault of the editors, who seem to be absent in other places in the book as well. Nevertheless the book is hard to put down, a great book to keep around & pick up at any random spot. There's a lot to learn and enjoy reading this account of the world of show business from someone with such strength of character and determination. Fun photos, too.

I grew up in the generation where he was the one who got us up dancing !! Saw him many times at the Italian festival in south Philly last time we bumped into him in the Phil airport 2019

What a great book I read it three times ,a truly good man and he love life we will miss you Jerry you bought happiness to our family.

Must read for all PHILLY Rock and Roll fans! Brings back memories just like hearing some of your favorite oldies you loved growing up as a kid!!!

Jerry Blavat is a legendary DJ from Phila. who is still going strong at age 71. He considers himself a performer, not just a DJ, as he has done radio, TV, hundreds of dances and shows, and has done productions for many others industry leaders. He even did some acting in Hollywood films.He gets credit for keeping the music of the 50's and 60's alive and well, even during the periods when it was out of style. The music has always been foremost. Blavat helped introduce many of the hits of that era that he plays and in turn helped make many acts famous, both in Philly and across the country.The book is written in his inimitable rapid-fire style as he recounts one experience after another. He not only knew and mentions his experiences and contacts in the music world but in politics and all manner of show business. One of his best friends was Sammy Davis, Jr. and his display of loyalty and friendship to Davis and many others is remarkable. That even extended to his friendship with Angelo Bruno, a Phila. mob boss assassinated in 1980.Blavat tells his stories with warts and all, detailing many of the problems in his personal life. He doesn't hold back on telling which big name performers were not honest or likeable either.Interestingly, in his musical experience, he shunned such periods as the British Invasion, which he dismisses in a few paragraphs as not his style.This book will appeal to fans of the music of the era, anyone interested in Phila. and of course, Blavat fans in particular.I've been a fan of Blavat for many years and continue to listen to him on the radio because his show is still all about the music and telling the background of the performers and the songs they sang.

There Are Few Legends In Radio Broadcasting That Can Even Match Jerry Blavat...Known Mainly On The East Coast ( Philadelphia And New York City )The Really Great Thing About His Story Is That It Is Written In His Own Words, With Honesty And Feeling And His Early Days Are Full Of Hope And Mischief, While All The Long He KNEW What He Wanted To Do !The Chapter Regarding His Days As Road Manager For Danny And The Juniors Is A Classic In Itself !" They Spent Money Like It Was Water - They Each Bought A Brand-New Impala -Three Were Repossessed "Even If You've Never Heard Of Jerry Blavat, It's Worth The Read !

A very good story of the legendary Dance promoter, disc jockey and Rhythm and Blues , pioneer.... Jerry speaks from his heart which is what Jerry has always been the best at doing, and the story starts and finishes with what he loves the most , good rock and roll and the people who also loved the sound he has turned us on to.

The Geator tells it how it is in this no holds barred story of his life. You can tell he loves the music and knows a hit when he hears it. Still rockin the big tick tock.........................