Frankie’s Tricks

NEWS & VIEWS > ASK THE GEATOR

By Jerry Blavat

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jun. 27, 2012

Once again, greetings and salutations. And here it comes, another bombastic Fourth of July celebration, not only for Uncle Sam but for yours truly, the Geator. I don’t know if Mama Geator planned it, but I come right before our Uncle, and what a party we’ll throw to lead into that famous gent. We’re going to celebrate Tuesday, my actual birthday, July 3, at Memories in Margate and segue right into the Fourth. Old friends, new friends, and fans will be giving a cheer to the Geator and Sam for our new year. And don’t eat – doors will open at 8 and you’ll have food like you’ve never tasted before — Tony Luke’s, Joey Vento’s Geno’s Steaks, Modo Mio, the Aramingo Diner, Rita’s Water Ice, Barrels, Chickie’s & Pete’s, and Primo Hoagies. And of course many surprise guests will come and share the Fourth with us. Mark it down: Tuesday, July 3 at Memories in Margate, and Wednesday, July 4, at the SugarHouse Casino from 5-7pm.  

And if you were listening to our live broadcast on Kool 98.3 this past weekend, it was a blast. Nothing but stars. Sean celebrated, Freddie celebrated, along with Mark, Adrian, Bernadette, and crew. And yes, John and Lauren, Anthony, Justin and his lady, the ever popular Jeff Orleans with a new squeeze, dancing along with Fred & Irene Shabel. The list of stars goes on every weekend. Even Mark Maggi celebrated his birthday with the Geator as did our favorite DJ, Joel Stephens. And our Sunday jam sessions are in full swing at La Costa in Sea Isle starting at 4, and as you read this column we officially are back at Lighthouse Pointe in Wildwood every Thursday. See you tonight – now, let’s ask the Geator. 

On your show today(6/12) you said that Frankie Lymon & Paul Anka were always fighting. Why? — Liz A., Galloway Township 

There was always competitiveness between them, partly from being two of the youngest kids to appear on Alan Freed’s show. On tour, they both were practical jokers. Also, Frankie recorded a great cover of “Diana,” which got a lot of play in New York, but Paul had the national hit, and Frankie was always playing tricks on him to get even. 

Jerry, any tapes left from the TV 29 It’s Here days? We had a blast back then. — Martin Morley, Southampton, Pa.  

Unfortunately, those shows, like the Discophonic Scene shows that we did on CBS, were taped and erased. To my knowledge none of them were ever saved. 

Here is a blast from the past. Do you recall Cabana Steak Shop? Great pizza steak! We also got great hoagies at Red’s Hoagies at 9th and Mifflin across from Bok. Ah! They were the days. Gone but not forgotten. Last but not least we saw Lee Andrews and the Hearts at the Passyunk Drive. Great harmony. — Gaten Maffei, Detective Retired P.P.D., Warminster, Pa. 

Those were great days when you had great spots like that, and in my book, You Only Rock Once, I relive those great memories that you just spoke about. The book is available locally at Hoy’s Five and Ten in Ocean City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor. Great reading when you’re on the beach. By the way, Lee Andrews’ son, Questlove, is carrying on the great tradition of his dad with his own band, the Roots.

Got a question for Jerry? Send it to AskTheGeator@acweekly.com or Geator Gold Radio, 626 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. For more info on Jerry’s appearances, go to www.geator.net — and keep on rocking, ’cause you only rock once!