His death was confirmed by his close friend A.J.
Mattia and Keely Stahl, the latter his companion of more than 30 years.
The cause of death was from complications due to myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disease.
Jerry BlavatPhoto by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images
He was 82 and worked up until recently, when he canceled several long-running live events.
And when I am happy, I want the world to be happy.
… His love for Philadelphia only superseded his love of music.
Blavats memoir,You Only Rock Once, was published in 2011.
Gordys praise was earned.
Blavat worked tirelessly promoting the authentic versions of hits that were often whitewashed by cover versions from white artists.
People ask me, what does that mean?
I tell them it comes down to one thing: I grew up listening to the Geator.
And thats why so many white kids in Philly grew up wanting to sing R&B.
No memorial plans have been announced.
