Share Your Memories of American Bandstand
Whether it's Bandstand or the "Corny Collins Show," dance shows marked an era of change. Where were you when poodle skirts gave way to bell bottom jeans?
Hearing of the death of Dick Clark probably brought up different memories for different people, depending on their generation.
Clark may have been best known as the host of New Years Eve festivities from Times Square but for Baby Boomers, Clark's name was synonymous with rock 'n roll music and the iconic television show American Bandstand.
Clark was instrumental in the careers of hundreds of musicians, singers, rock groups and celebrities, and his death sparked an outpouring of sentiment from the Hollywood community.
Bandstand also had personal meaning for the generations who watched as America's musical backdrop turned from the Big Band era to a rich mix of genres -- from blues and soul to gospel and Motown, with Clark's cleancut image setting the tone.
Broadcast from Philadelphia, American Bandstand was a competitor to hometown favorite The Buddy Deane Show, the racial integration of which served as inspiration for the "Corny Collins Show" in John Waters' Hairspray.
Clark, who was also a producer, game-show host and television mogul, died Wednesday of a massive heart attack at age 82, according to news reports.
Were you glued to the television during Bandstand or other teen dance shows? Did you ever appear on one? Share your memories in comments.
Danna Walker
9:13 am on Thursday, April 19, 2012
These videos are awesome! I used to love to watch Bandstand, and I especially remember Chubby Checker being a prominent musical presence, introducing the new dance craze, the Twist. As kids, we would do the Twist in the den while the show was on. I can't believe I'm admitting this on the World Wide Web.
Bruce Goldfarb
9:17 am on Thursday, April 19, 2012
The number of bands given a break on AB is amazing. Around Baltimore, however, Buddy Deane was king. I didn't grow up here, but I still hear people talking about The Committee. It was a big deal then. Is it still a big deal?
James Marvell
10:35 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
It was 1969 and I was with the band Mercy. Dick Clark had me on the phone as his audience on American Bandstand was rating our song "Love Can Make You Happy". Dick Clark tells me, "the kids love your song!" The rest was history. Mercy went on to make the Top 10 second only to The Beatles' "Get Back."
James Marvell formerly of MERCY
See photo from the '60s - http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss41/ClassicNews/marvellandmercyforvideorodney_001.jpg
Danna Walker
4:25 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
That is an awesome story? Do you live in the Maryland area? How about an interview?
James Marvell
9:51 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
An interview?