REMEMBERING DICK CLARK

He was affectionately known as the “World’s Oldest Teenager.”  Now, the world has lost a legend.

Dick Clark passed away yesterday after suffering a massive heart attack in Los Angeles.  The man who began his career as a disc jockey in Philadelphia and went on to become one of the music industry’s most respected and brightest icons, was remembered as a true difference maker.

As host of “American Bandstand,” Clark provided a stage for such artists as Little Richard, Big Mama Thornton, Chuck Berry and others, who were virtually invisible to music lovers during a time when radio stations refused to play music from black artists.  He was also credited for presenting somewhat of a Saturday afternoon “sock-hop” where black and white kids danced together on television, something that had previously been taboo and never would have been allowed.

Clark’s success as host of “American Bandstand” allowed him to elevate his career to that of producer, where he created, produced and even hosted such shows as “The $25,000 Pyramid,” “TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes,” “The American Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Even,” and more. Clark became so successful as a producer during the 1980s, that he had shows on all 3 networks and was listed among the Forbes 400 of wealthiest Americans.  His success earned him an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

In 2004, Clark suffered a debilitating stroke, forcing him to miss his famed New Year’s countdown from Times Square for the first and only time. But he gallantly fought back from the stroke and returned to work the following year. Although his speech was slurred and difficult to understand, Dick Clark was still very much in charge and gained the respect from other stroke victims who valued his bravery to return to television.

To assist him with his New Year’s duties, Clark hired “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest to co-host with him and lighten some of the work load. Yesterday, an understandably emotional Seacrest issued the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel. When I joined his show in 2006 , it was a dream come true to work with him every New Year’s Eve for the last 6 years. He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. I learned a great deal from him, and I’ll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me. He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him.”

Dick Clark was 82.