Dick Clark dead at 82 from a massive heart attack.

 

I just heard it on CNN. He was never the same after the massive stroke he suffered a few years ago. What a legend. I grew up watching American Bandstand as he introduced the greatest Rock & Roll stars of all time. I'm sure those stars that predeceased him will be welcoming him into heaven today as he was a good and decent man who touched the lives of so many. May the oldest teenager ever RIP.

 

I remember watching Bandstand as a youngster with my mother. I know she liked it as much as I did! RIP DC.

 

A sad day for sure, when America's oldest teenager died. It makes me want to listen to "American Pie" in his honor now that we have another day when the music died.

RIP Dick Clark. Thanks for the memories.

 

RIP -- when I was in 6th grade, Dick Clark lived across the street from my elementary school. We hoped to see him leave for work during our recess.

 

Dick Clark was a giant. Not only did he help to move rock and roll into the mainstream of American music, he and his show gave rise to the concept that young people were a fertile market with lots of money to spend. More importantly, by showcasing black musicians he helped to change the entire notion of "race" music. Prior to Bandstand, rhythm & blues and blues (the so called race music) were isolated to black audiences and purified cover versions (Pat Boone, etc.) were played for white audiences. Dick Clark insisted upon featuring black artists and insisted upon an integrated dance floor. Thanks largely to him, white audiences were able to hear and buy the great music being produced by black musicians.

Without doubt some of his award shows and game shows were trivial and almost silly, but his contributions to music and popular culture were very great.

Dick Clark, thank you for making it possible for all of us to hear and enjoy great music. Rest in peace.

 

That is a perfect summation of a great and visionary entertainer.