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Forever young.  Dick Clark died today of a massive heart attack.  Dick Clark can’t be dead.

Dick Clark is who pulled us out of the Eisenhower years  despite our parents kicking and screaming.  Dick Clark is who made the jitterbug, the twist, and a number of other teen dances acceptable to America.  He brought us our early rock legends like Fabian,  Dion, the Diamonds, Bobby Darin, Connie Francis.  They appeared right in our living rooms and real live kids from Philly, not Hollywood, danced to the tunes.

Clark stayed with us baby boomers, even though he was there for those a little older.  He produced many music shows and he remained vigil through New Years Eve on Times Square for more years than I am willing to admit.  The past few years were a struggle for Clark. He had suffered a stroke.  What brought him back?  Every year he worked harder and harder with his speech skills so he could host the annual New Years Eve celebration. 

Probably a little part of all of us who have childhood roots in the 50’s  died today along with Dick Clark.  Dick Clark was forever young.  Dick Clark rescued us from the 50’s.  Dick Clark made rock n roll  acceptable.  Dick Clark was just like us, only grown up.  Sorta. 

For now, Dick Clark. [salute]  So long.

 This is your life, Dick Clark.

RIP Dick.

10 Thoughts to “American music icon Dick Clark dead at age 82”

  1. Emma

    If he hadn’t suffered a stroke, he would never have shown his age. RIP Dick Clark. American Bandstand, followed by Soul Train, was the Saturday morning staple!

  2. punchak

    Was he only 82?

  3. Performers who have been on Bandstand. Its easier to see who hasn’t been on it.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_acts_who_appeared_on_American_Bandstand

  4. Lafayette

    I’m with Emma those were Saturday morning staples. Then of course every New Year’s Eve, we watched ABC’s Rockin’ New Years Eve with Dick Clark. It’s a sad day, knowing the oldiest teenager is no longer on this earth. 🙁
    RIP Dick Clark.

  5. Now I am wondering how much botox and cosmetic surgery he had. I just saw him on TV at what must have been age 60 and he barely looked 30.

  6. Rough week for boomers. Dick Clark and Mike Wallace.

  7. The angels are dancing on the Bandstand. RIP Mr. Clark.

  8. Some of those dancers on bandstand are pretty old themselves!!

    Does anyone here remember a Baltimore group named the Lafayettes?

  9. Does anyone know anything about funeral arrangements? I hope he is given a huge send off. He deserves one.

    Two stories have captured my interest. He saved Connie Francis’s life with his friendship. He also had a wonderful interview with a young Michael Jackson. Even back then, Michael liked animals. He had a pet boa and told Dick all about it.

  10. Levon Helm, singer and drummer for The Band dead at age 71.

    Link to The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQYj2ltJKe8&feature=fvst

    “Virgil, quick, come see, there goes Robert E. Lee!”
    Now I don’t mind choppin’ wood, and I don’t care if the money’s no good.
    Ya take what ya need and ya leave the rest,
    But they should never have taken the very best.

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