Irene: One for the Memories Book

NEWS & VIEWS > ASK THE GEATOR

By Jerry Blavat

Add Comment | Comments: 1 | Posted Aug. 31, 2011

Blavat dancing on 'Bandstand' in 1954

Once again, greetings and salutations. As I’ve always said, the only one that could interrupt the Geator would be a lady. And unfortunately, Irene did it. First time in 40 years that Memories had to close — not only Memories, but this lady took out the entire Jersey shore. So remember, it’s not nice to mess with the lady called Mother Nature. But we’ll make it up to you this weekend. It’s the big Labor Day celebration and, as you know, the official closing of the summer season for most. And we’re going to go nonstop Friday and Saturday, then I’ll see you Sunday at La Costa. Now, let’s ask the Geator. 

You were the youngest kid on Bandstand. How did you get to be the head of the dancers so fast? — Anonymous, Harrisburg, Pa. 

When I entered the first two dance contests in 1953, I won them, and because of that, Bob Horn and his producer, Tony Mammarella, came to me and said, “We would like you to not get into any more of the dance contests, because it seems that all the viewers are voting for you.” So in lieu of me getting in, they made me the head of the dance committee, selecting the dancers who would enter the contest and the ones who would rotate on the dance floor. 

I remember you playing a song that goes “What should I do, should I speak to him, tell me, tell me.” Definitely a ’60s song, as you played it at Wagner’s Ballroom.  — Pat Overend, Medford, N.J.  

The song you’re referring to is a great song, “What Shall I Do,” by Frankie and the Classicals, distributed by Roulette. It was a gigantic local hit but unfortunately never did anything nationally. The song was written and produced by Teddy Vann, who won a Grammy for the Luther Vandross hit “Power of Love.” 

I’m 68 years old, attending a convention in Philly on a Wednesday afternoon, scanned into The Geator while heading to airport. Parked in cell phone area just to listen and enjoy — ended up running to catch plane! Question: Is that afternoon’s segment available electronically — CD, tape, etc?  — Lee Townsend, Denver, Colo.  

Unfortunately not, Lee, but you can hear my shows every weekday from 5-7pm on wvlt.com and from 7-9pm on kool983.com. Not sure if you’re aware of my “Rock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues Express” show Saturdays from 6-7 p.m. on WXPN, but you will enjoy it — more history and background on the songs and artists, and there’s always a theme. This Saturday it will be dance music from the early days, with songs featured in my book, You Only Rock Once. Go to xpn.org — click on LISTEN LIVE — it also has my last three shows available for listening on line any time.  

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!

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1. namastelouise said... on Sep 16, 2011 at 02:32PM

“Jerry,
Danced with you on Bandstand and mostly Friday nights at the Avalon Pier, and also Bandstand Picnics. Also lived in Margate Mariner next door to you for a short time.

We are headed from CA to NJ for Wildwood Days. Would love to learn the Wagner Walk and Chez Vous in time to dance in Oct. Where can I get clear directions on these 2 dances. My tape dance insturctor cannot figure out the directions on your record.

Thanks,
Louise E. Stiles
louisestiles@sbcglobal.net
Carlsbad, CA”

Atlantic City Weekly

NEWS & VIEWS > ASK THE GEATOR