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Famed television producer and beloved host of "American Bandstand" Dick Clark died Wednesday at the age of 82. The original "American Bandstand" was one of network TV's longest-running series as part of ABC's daytime lineup between 1957 to 1987. It introduced America to some of music's most legendary names including Buddy Holly, Madonna and Michael Jackson. Let's take a look back at his life.![DickNYE]()
Long dubbed "the world's oldest teenager" because of his boyish appearance, Clark also was a successful businessman. He hosted an annual New Year's Eve special and supplied a variety of game shows and music specials to TV, including and the American Music Awards.![DickAMBandstant]()
Clark joined "Bandstand" in 1956 after Bob Horn, who'd been the host since its 1952 debut, was fired. Under Clark's guidance, it went from a local Philadelphia show to a national phenomenon. He is seen here in a 1959 file photo.![DickClark1]()
"I played records, the kids danced, and America watched," was how Clark once described the series' simplicity. In his 1958 hit "Sweet Little Sixteen," Chuck Berry sang that "they'll be rocking on Bandstand, Philadelphia, P-A." As a host, he had the smooth delivery of a seasoned radio announcer. As a producer, he had an ear for a hit record. He also knew how to make wary adults welcome this odd new breed of music in their homes. Here he is seen in 1959.![DickClark2]()
Clark became a staple of Hollywood. Here he is at the 2000 presentation of Miss Golden Globe by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.![DickBSB]()
Producer Dick Clark (C) hams it up with the Backstreet Boys in an undated publicity photo from the set of "Dick Clark's New Years's Rockin' Eve '99" in Las Vegas, Nevada. From left are Kevin Richardson, Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Clark, Howie Dorough and Brian Littrell.![DickClark4]()
In 2004, Clark suffered a stroke and was unable to carry on his duties on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve." He returned the following year, speaking with difficulty, but continuing to appear on the show in a diminished role. Ryan Seacrest eventually took over as his replacement.![DickClark6]()
FILE - In this Dec. 1980 file photo released by ABC, Dick Clark is shown. Clark, the television host who helped bring rock `n' roll into the mainstream on "American Bandstand," has died. He was 82. Spokesman Paul Shefrin says Clark died but did not provide further details. Clark had continued performing even after he suffered a stroke in 2004 that affected his ability to speak and walk.![DickClark7]()
In this 1973 file photo released by ABC, Dick Clark presents the Rock and Roll Year_ a musical portrait of the 1950s and 1960s on the ABC television network in a series of five specials. Clark, the television host who helped bring rock `n' roll into the mainstream on "American Bandstand," died Wednesday, April 18, 2012 of a heart attack. He was 82.![DickClarkMJ]()
In this Jan. 24, 1993 file photo, singer Michael Jackson and American Music Awards executive producer Dick Clark go over the script during rehearsals for The American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Clark, the television host who helped bring rock `n' roll into the mainstream on "American Bandstand," died Wednesday, April 18, 2012 of a heart attack. He was 82.Dick Clark: 1929-2012
Dick Clark, the television host who helped bring rock `n' roll into the mainstream on "American Bandstand," has died. He was 82. (AP)
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- Dick Clark: 1929-2012
