Dick Clark the host of “New Year’s Rocking Eve”, “American Bandstand” and the $25,000 Pyramid has died, he was 82.
Spokesman Paul Shefrin said Clark suffered a heart attack Wednesday morning a day after being admitted to Saint John’s hospital in Santa Monica, CA for an outpatient procedure.
Even though he suffered a massive stroke in 2004 which affected his ability to speak, Clark continued to preform his duties as host of “New Year’s Rocking Eve. Struggling with his speech he turned over the reins to Ryan Seacrest as the main host.
In 1956, Clark took over American Bandstand and guided this show to become one of TV’s longest running daytime shows. “Bandstand” provided a platform for America’s new love of Rock and Roll. He helped bridge the gap between teenagers and adults as this new genre of music invaded the homes of America.
Such notables as Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and even Madonna, performed live on the show.
Clark was a great defender of pop artist and artistic freedom; he was a pioneer in playing the original R&B recordings instead of the popular trend of white performers doing a cover version.
“I play the records, the kids dance, and America watched”, was how Clark described the simple format of “Bandstand”.
Clark, who began his career in 1945, worked in the mail room of a Utica, N.Y. radio station. From those humble beginnings he created a media empire that helped make him one of the most influential and wealthiest men in America.
Dick Clark productions credits include, Academy of Country Music, the Golden Globe Awards, TV movies, game shows and many other programs. His holding also included partial ownership of Swan Records which released the U.S. version of the Beatles smash hit “She loves you.”
Clark struggle with type 2 Diabetes and served as the spokesman for the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
“The world’s oldest teenage” will be remembered and missed this coming New Year’s Eve.
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