Obituaries
Share Your Memories of American Bandstand
Whether it's Bandstand or the "Corny Collins Show," dance shows marked an era of change. Where were you when poodle skirts gave way to bell bottom jeans?
Hearing of the death of Dick Clark probably brought up different memories for different people, depending on their generation.
Clark may have been best known as the host of New Years Eve festivities from Times Square but for Baby Boomers, Clark's name was synonymous with rock 'n roll music and the iconic television show American Bandstand.
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Clark was instrumental in the careers of hundreds of musicians, singers, rock groups and celebrities, and his death sparked an outpouring of sentiment from the Hollywood community.
Bandstand also had personal meaning for the generations who watched as America's musical backdrop turned from the Big Band era to a rich mix of genres -- from blues and soul to gospel and Motown, with Clark's cleancut image setting the tone.
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Broadcast from Philadelphia, American Bandstand was a competitor to hometown favorite The Buddy Deane Show, the racial integration of which served as inspiration for the "Corny Collins Show" in John Waters' Hairspray.
Clark, who was also a producer, game-show host and television mogul, died Wednesday of a massive heart attack at age 82, according to news reports.
Were you glued to the television during Bandstand or other teen dance shows? Did you ever appear on one? Share your memories in comments.
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