For now, Dick Clark...so long

 That is how Dick Clark signed off every broadcast, and of those he had done many. I heard someone once describe him as an UBER-MERV GRIFFIN. For those of you not old enough to know who he was, he fathered more television than there were channels back in the day. Dick Clark had that same drive and work ethic. He was a host, creator, producer, and innovator for much of what we watch on TV today. For as long as I can remember, Dick Clark has been there, somewhere in the backdrop of my life on the television. 

Some of you may not truly appreciate the role that Dick Clark played in the fabric of American Music. Before we had iTunes, before we had videos on MTV, (yes, it actually used to show just videos), we had American Bandstand. This show allowed millions of teenagers, over the span of thirty-seven years, to see the rock groups, pop groups, and the idols that they listened to over the radio, live. It was almost like having mini concerts, right there in the center of the family living rooms. I learned the bus stop, and the hustle watching American Bandstand in the 70's, got "To Have Fun" with Cyndi Lauper in the 80's, and watched the magic of Michael Jackson throughout the years, all while watching American Bandstand. Here was a show that integrated before it was law, because one man saw music, and music alone. American Bandstand gave a format for all of America to see R&B acts, propelling Mo-town into the stratosphere. During an interview with Anderson Cooper after the death of Dick Clark, Berry Gordy said; "Had it not been for Dick Clark, Mo-town records and our acts might not be what they became. This is because of his (Dick Clark) efforts." 

Music was not his only area of expertise, as it happened, television was. He had gone on to produce countless shows. Amongst them was the $25,000 Pyramid. This game show lasted for years, and brought back the days of celebrities participating in a game show, with an average person. Think of it as Password meets Jeopardy. He, and renowned side kick Ed McMahon, hosted Bloopers and Practical Jokes. On this show we were able to see the flubs that had occurred during a taping of a variety of shows, followed by a good old fashioned prank. Here is a sample of those two ideas meeting at once.

You would think that producing shows, and having millions still look up to him as the eternal teenager, would be enough, but not for Dick Clark. In 1973 he created the American Music Awards, a show that dared to compete with the Grammy's, and like Midas, he struck gold again. Today, the show has a larger audience than its rival. 

It would seem that Dick Clark knew just what we wanted to see, most of the time this was true. He had his failures too, but none of them seem to have stopped him. There were other game shows, a talk show, and an evening variety show. Yet, rather than allow these set backs slow him down, he pushed on, found a new recipe and we ate it up. 

A native son of New York, he returned home and began a holiday tradition with us. We all can recall the ball drops at Times Square on New Year's Eve, with Dick Clark at the helm. Even his stroke didn't stop him, he made a recovery, and although not back to form completely, we had our friend back on the air, to help us usher in another New Year. 

No, life will not be the same now that he has left us. The soundtrack of my childhood, teens and adulthood always had him, DJ'ing the events in my life. It is safe for me to say that I will miss his presence. Dick Clark was, and will forever be irreplaceable. He was a legend and left a legacy that will live on in music, forever.

Ryan Seacrest, the heir apparent to Dick Clark (quickly following his mentor's work ethic and mantra), tweeted this upon the news of his passing.
"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. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.'


America has lost a friend with the passing of this legendary television icon. May his family and friends find comfort in the love we had for him as we send him off to a new bandstand with a choir of angels.

RIP Dick Clark. November 30th 1929 - April 18th 2012

Quotes are how I end my blog entries, so let us take a few from the man himself;

"I don't set trends. I just find out what they are and exploit them."~Dick Clark

"If you want to stay young-looking, pick your parents carefully."~Dick Clark