Classic Pop Icons

American music and television industry icon, Dick Clark, died this morning (Apr 18) aged 82.

Clark was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y. on November 30, 1929, and began working in the WRUN radio station run by his father and uncle while he was still in high school. This interest in radio was maintained during his time at Syracuse University, where he became a DJ for the University’s radio station. Upon graduation, he returned to WRUN, but was soon working at Philadelphia’s WFIL, hosting the “Dick Clark’s Caravan of Music” show. WFIL had an affiliated television station that began broadcasting the music show “Bandstand” in 1952. After several years as a regular replacement host, Clark became the main host for “Bandstand” in 1956. The following year it was picked up by ABC and renamed “American Bandstand”.

“American Bandstand” was a hugely influential show, which featured the top acts of the day performing their latest records in front of a teenage audience. If an act made a good showing on “American Bandstand,” the chances of having a hit were greatly increased.

Clark took “American Bandstand” to Hollywood in 1963, and began his career as an influential producer. Dick Clark Productions has been responsible for a wealth of hit series, movies, and television specials, including “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” which has been entertaining Americans as they bring in the New Year since 1972.

Over the course of his 60-year career, Dick Clark earned just about every entertainment accolade, including Grammys, Emmys, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and even induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“America’s Oldest Teenager” will be sorely missed by Americans of all ages.

CBS reports on Dick Clark’s death