"America's Oldest Teenager" has died.
Dick Clark, the iconic host of "American Bandstand", "New Year's Rockin' Eve", and various game shows, has passed away at the age of 82. His cause of death is listed as a massive heart attack.
According to reports, Clark had gone into the hospital for outpatient surgery Monday evening, and while there, suffered the heart attack. Those reading this may remember that Clark had suffered a severe stroke in 2004, which left him partially paralyzed.
Dick Clark first gained national recognition as the host of the teen dance show "American Bandstand", first in Philidelphia, then moving the show to Los Angeles. The show ran on the ABC network from 1957 to 1989, and spawned such phrases as "nice beat, easy to dance to, I give it a 75", which was often what teenagers who were rating the music on "Bandstand" would say.
The Pacific Northwest has a connection with Clark as well. In 1965 Clark was looking for a "house band" for a show he was putting together called "Where the Action Is". Paul Revere and the Raiders had moved to the Portland, Oregon area in 1962, and hired manager, Roger Hart. Hart contacted Clark to audition the Raiders, for the show, and the band got the part. They appeared on "Where the Action Is" five days a week for two years, helping to catapult them to national fame.
The Pacific Northwest has a connection with Clark as well. In 1965 Clark was looking for a "house band" for a show he was putting together called "Where the Action Is". Paul Revere and the Raiders had moved to the Portland, Oregon area in 1962, and hired manager, Roger Hart. Hart contacted Clark to audition the Raiders, for the show, and the band got the part. They appeared on "Where the Action Is" five days a week for two years, helping to catapult them to national fame.
In 1972, Clark started "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve", also on ABC. Clark hosted the show each New Year's Eve, until his stroke in 2004. At that time Regis Philbin hosted, with Ryan Seacrest taking over the main duties since 2005. Clark would appear in segments of these shows, but never fully hosted the program after 2004.
Clark also hosted a series of game shows during his heyday, most notably "$10,000 Pyramid". If this weren't enough, Clark, along with Ed McMahon hosted a series of "Bloopers" TV shows. The programs would show outtakes from various TV shows and commercials from around the world.
Dick Clark Productions also created the "Academy of Country Music Awards", (ACM's), which are held every April in Las Vegas.
There are so many other things that Dick Clark had a hand in during his long, illustrious career, there's not enough time, or room, to mention everything here.
For those who grew up in the "Bandstand" era, Dick Clark will always be an icon of the music industry. So, so long for now Dick Clark, and may you rest in peace.
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