Quicksand Fans

A few days ago, we said so long to "America's Oldest Teenager," Dick Clark. The long-time host of American Bandstand was 82.

Clark became quite a figure in the American entertainment industry. He went about it in such a way that people are still trying to figure out what all he was involved in. His influence may have been a lot greater than was originally thought.

I heard an interesting story about one he called wrong. In 1958, he advised singer Bobby Darin not to record a song Louis Armstrong had recorded a couple of years earlier. The song originated in opera, and Clark wasn't sure that would go over with rock and rollers. Darin decided to record the song anyway.

That song was "Mack the Knife." It not only became a huge hit, it became Darin's signature song.

Clark good-naturedly admitted he was glad to see Darin disregarded his advice.

Big Bad John

Thanks for posting BBJohn. Folks of my generation will remember him for American Bandstand. Running home every day after school to watch it.

Rest well and Thanks Dick!

Sad news indeed. I recall watching Dick Clark's American Bandstand every Saturday. Also enjoyed watching him host the New Years celebration in Time Square on TV. He certainly contributed much to rock and roll.

Best wishes, Dick, on your new adventure, and best wishes to his family and friends. He will be missed.

He was never really the same after that stroke... but never gave up.

RIP Mr. Clark.

Robert wrote:Thanks for posting BBJohn. Folks of my generation will remember him for American Bandstand. Running home every day after school to watch it.

Rest well and Thanks Dick!

Robert, I find myself looking at the photo and wondering if the girl on the right strained her neck when she turned her head that way. LOL

Big Bad John

Dick Clark has passed away, thus we can no longer ring in the New Year.

Well played, Mayans. Well played.

I remember watching American Bandstand when I was 4 years old, on our old, round black-and-white TV - to see the dancing - one of my earliest memories. His career stretched out over a long period, and he always played it staight and introduced many deserving musicians. My favorite was when he talked about first hearing the Beatles play and saying: "These guys are just a bar band." He laughed about it later and admitted he was wrong. I will miss him more from the musical end than from New Year's Eve.