movies/tv "America Bandstand" and "New Year's Eve" host Dick Clark passes away

[Dark Qiviut 22,447]

Host and TV producer Dick Clark has died. He was 82.

 

Spokesman Paul Shefrin said Clark had a heart attack Wednesday morning at Saint John's hospital in Santa Monica, a day after he was admitted for an outpatient procedure.

 

Pictures: Dick Clark

 

Long dubbed "the world's oldest teenager" because of his boyish appearance, Clark bridged the rebellious new music scene and traditional show business, and was equally comfortable whether chatting about music with Sam Cooke or bantering with Ed McMahon about TV bloopers. He thrived as the founder of Dick Clark Productions, supplying movies, game and music shows, beauty contests and more to TV. Among his credits: "The $25,000 Pyramid," "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" and the American Music Awards.

 

For a time in the 1980s, he had shows on all three networks and was listed among the Forbes 400 of wealthiest Americans. Clark also was part of radio as partner in the United Stations Radio Networks, which provided programs - including Clark's - to thousands of stations.

 

"There's hardly any segment of the population that doesn't see what I do," Clark told The Associated Press in a 1985 interview.

 

"It can be embarrassing. People come up to me and say, 'I love your show,' and I have no idea which one they're talking about."

 

The original "American Bandstand" was one of network TV's longest-running series as part of ABC's daytime lineup from 1957 to 1987. It later aired for a year in syndication and briefly on the USA Network. Over the years, it introduced stars ranging from Buddy Holly to Madonna. The show's status as an American cultural institution was solidified when Clark donated Bandstand's original podium and backdrop to the Smithsonian Institution.

 

Clark joined "Bandstand" in 1956 after Bob Horn, who'd been the host since its 1952 debut, was fired. Under Clark's guidance, it went from a local Philadelphia show to a national phenomenon.

 

"I played records, the kids danced, and America watched," was how Clark once described the series' simplicity. In his 1958 hit "Sweet Little Sixteen," Chuck Berry sang that "they'll be rocking on Bandstand, Philadelphia, P-A."

 

As a host, he had the smooth delivery of a seasoned radio announcer. As a producer, he had an ear for a hit record. He also knew how to make wary adults welcome this odd new breed of music in their homes.

 

The rest of the report here: http://www.cbsnews.c...ark-dead-at-82/

 

While I wasn't born when American Bandstand was on the air, I remembered watching him host various game shows, notably The $25,000 Pyramid and Scattergories. He was an all-time favorite because of his calm, witty demeanor and professional approach to his hosting. I remembered watching him struggle in his recovery from his stroke, and while it pained me to see him slur and mess up his lines at times, I know he wanted us to enjoy the spectacle along with him.

 

This is a sad day in the TV and Rock 'n' Roll industry. May his legacy live on. R.I.P., Dick Clark.

[Finesthour 7,287]

RIP.

May his soul find eternal rest.

[Strafe 594]

RIP

 

Ever since he had that stroke I knew his days were numbered, poor guy. Well, he's at peace now and there's nothing we can do about it.

[Skullbuster 1,906]

that sucks...

[ponyvangelist 732]

He had a good beat, and he was easy to dance to.

[Radiance64 7,053]

RIP Dick Clark...