Dick Clark "America's oldest teenager."
My memories of Dick Clark is probably what most of us remember, "American Bandstand." It changed the way we listened to pop music and introduced us to new dance moves.
I loved how in between performances Dick Clark would chat with the teens, who helped "rate-a-record," turning songs into sensations.I think most of us as teens watching longed to be a part of it all.
Everyone showed up on "American Bandstand," from Elvis Presley to Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry to Chubby Checker, Ike and Tina Turner, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, and Simon & Garfunkel to name a few. His shows were among the first where blacks and whites performed on the same stage and the live audience seating was desegregated.
Clark's eternally youthful look earned him the nickname "America's Oldest Teenager." He credited his appearance to good genes, saying "if you want to stay young looking, pick your parents very carefully."
"For now, Dick Clark so long," he would say with a salute. So long Dick Clark - you will be missed.
My memories of Dick Clark is probably what most of us remember, "American Bandstand." It changed the way we listened to pop music and introduced us to new dance moves.
I loved how in between performances Dick Clark would chat with the teens, who helped "rate-a-record," turning songs into sensations.I think most of us as teens watching longed to be a part of it all.
Everyone showed up on "American Bandstand," from Elvis Presley to Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry to Chubby Checker, Ike and Tina Turner, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, and Simon & Garfunkel to name a few. His shows were among the first where blacks and whites performed on the same stage and the live audience seating was desegregated.
Clark's eternally youthful look earned him the nickname "America's Oldest Teenager." He credited his appearance to good genes, saying "if you want to stay young looking, pick your parents very carefully."
To say that I loved American Bandstand would be a huge understatement! I always watched Saturday mornings while doing chores. Music is such a gift! Funny you mentioned the teens, I used to know their names & the only one I can remember is Peaches. She was a classy, sassy black girl who could really dance;)
ReplyDeleteRIP Music man:(
Oh, forgot that my sister was on there a couple of times, too! Not as a featured dancer, but went on a couple of dates there. My sister is 13 years older than me, so it would have been sometime in the 60's...I'll have to ask her about it!
ReplyDeleteWow! that's awesome... cool your sister got to experience being there. I always wanted to go on American Bandstand and Soul Train. Two great men that introduced us to the beauty of music gone.
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