A Look Back On Dick Clark’s ‘American Bandstand’ Television Program [VIDEO]

Another Broadcast Legend will now be looking down upon us. Dick Clark passed away today at the age of 82. Dick Clark made a name for himself in the broadcast industry by hosting the very popular program, American Bandstand, a show that aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989 and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark.The show was one of kind for its time. Dick Clark would introduce Top-40 musical hits and teenagers would dance along to them all while on broadcast television.

In essence, the program was like having radio and the club all-in-one, while on TELEVISION!! So many artist were introduced to pop culture via American Bandstand from Run DMC to Jerry Lewis and the list could go on for miles!!

I can vaguely recall seeing the program on television while as a kid, but I always remember seeing the host, Dick Clark, ask the audience to rate the record after he debuted it. Perhaps it was back then that I decided to get into radio and didn't even realize it at the time. I also remember people dancing and disco lights going non-stop. I was highly intrigued by this program as kid. If I had to guess, I probably caught the last two years of the program, but as I look back on it now, with the help of YouTube, I quickly realize that Dick Clark and American Bandstand were the "social media" of it's time. Dick Clark was the avenue for pop culture and pop music. A true broadcast legend has come and gone, but his legacy will live on through moments like these. Today, Dick Clark gave us all his final signature salute.