On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Dick Clark, the perpetual teenager, passed away at the age of 82 years. Dick Clark was always a part of my life. My earliest memories are of watching Band Stand on Saturday mornings to find out what records were most popular & trying to copy the dance moves of the in studio dancers. I think this program was my first introduction to white & black people interacting with each other, dancing with each other & generally having a good time together.
Later on, I would watch Dick Clark on one of my favorite game shows – $25,000 & $100,000 Pyramids. I loved the premise of the show & how hard the celebrities worked to win the money for the contestants. You got to see a whole other side of these celebrities.
I am old enough to remember the New Year’s Eve shows with Guy Lombardo where everyone was dressed to the nines in long gowns with dazzling jewellery & tuxedos & danced to more sedate music. When Dick Clark offered Dick Clark’s Rocking New Year’s Eve, it was a breath of fresh air. You got to see ordinary people partying to good music & ringing in the new year. This was especially important to me because my first husband was a “music man” which meant he had a gig to play every New Year’s Eve. I would be at home alone with my daughter. I didn’t get to ring in the new year with people I loved or with dancing & drinking. I got to ring in the new year with Dick Clark for many, many, many years.
The Hobbler
Apr 19, 2012 @ 14:18:37
He will be missed.
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writerwannabe763
Apr 19, 2012 @ 15:56:09
I loved Dick Clark and ‘American Bandstand’. I was very shy and introverted but when I watched his show..I was right into it. In fact as silly as it sounds I taught myself to dance by holding on to a door knob or the door jamb. I watched the regulars on the show..can’t remember their names but one was blonde and danced with another blonde guy, and the other girl had dark brunette hair often put up….ahhhh brings back memories…
I’ll have to read some more of your blogs..might be a few days as we’re headed home from a week’s holiday …tomorrow and will be traveling for 3 days to get home to Canada……Diane
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benzeknees
Apr 20, 2012 @ 00:38:10
Thanks for commenting Diane, have a safe trip home – where in Canada?
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writerwannabe763
Apr 20, 2012 @ 18:53:42
Hi again…we live in a small town about 1 hour east of Toronto Ontario….Diane
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Cdn Stormlover
Apr 19, 2012 @ 19:00:51
I didn’t realize he had passed on. So sad. He will be terribly missed. Watching TV on New Year’s Eve just won’t be the same…. 😦
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benzeknees
Apr 20, 2012 @ 00:56:04
UR right Stormlover!
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El Guapo
Apr 19, 2012 @ 19:57:41
Even though he’d been in failing health for years, it will still a shock,and very saddening too.
Right there with you, benzeknees…
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benzeknees
Apr 20, 2012 @ 00:58:35
Do you think Ryan Seacrest is a fit replacement?
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El Guapo
Apr 20, 2012 @ 07:56:16
Now, not at all. But if he does it for a long time, maybe a new generation will grow up with him as their icon. Poor kids… 😉
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benzeknees
Apr 20, 2012 @ 12:45:24
Can you think of someone else who might be a better replacement? Personally, I don’t think there is anyone right now with the charisma to pull this off.
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El Guapo
Apr 20, 2012 @ 12:55:55
I have no idea who the current icons are that could appeal to a wide enough group.
I think anyone that did try to take the mantle would be seen as a shill for the man.
Also, Dick managed to become an icon because there were very few viewing choices at the time – only a handful of channels. Now, You can ask 500 people that watched tv on New Years Eve what they were watching, and get 500 answers…
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benzeknees
Apr 20, 2012 @ 23:15:43
You’re probably right Guapo, although I have seen one of the Wayans brothers doing some interesting things. He used to be on a show about finishing the lyrics in a song?
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