I don't know about most of you, but for me American Bandstand
was as much a part of my life as was Soul Train. Dick Clark, the perpetual
teenager, seemed as though he would live forever. Unfortunately, as of
Wednesday, the fountain of youth has gone dry.
Mr. Clark hosted AB from 1957 to 1989, revolutionizing the
worlds of television and music. He brought live musicians to the show,
including African American performers who previously were not seen on the small
screen. He was responsible for integrating the audiences, as well.
Mr. Clark hosted a number of game shows throughout his career,
including several versions of the $25,000 Pyramid. He won three Emmy awards for
best game show host.
Mr. Clark suffered a stroke in 2004, and from that point on, his
reputation as a modern-day Dorian Gray came to an end. He died of a massive
heart attack on April 18, 2012 at the age of 82.
My most enduring memory of Bandstand is the participant's
inevitable response on the rate-a-record segment, "It's got a good beat
and it's easy to dance to." Dance on, Dick! Dance on!
Dick “American Bandstand” Clark [1929 – 2012]© 04/18/2012
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