Legendary broadcaster passes away
Legendary American broadcaster Dick Clark has passed away at the age of 82 following a heart attack.
Dick Clark is a name almost synonymous with the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Spotting the emerging teenage market and their love of new sounds, the charismatic hustler quickly launched ‘American Bandstand’ – a showcase for rising acts.
Quickly catching on, the show went national in 1957 swiftly turning Dick Clark into an icon. Helping to introduce black American acts such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard into the mainstream, ‘American Bandstand’ would become a fixture on Stateside television schedules for decades.
Helping to enshrine the rock ‘n’ roll era, the show’s musical choices would become safer over time. Bypassing the British Invasion as a passing fad, Dick Clark instead focussed on much softer, pop led sounds.
Continuing to diversify, the presenter later launched a number of successful game shows as well as hosting his annual ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ celebration for almost forty years.
Suffering a stroke in 2004, Dick Clark began missing public appearances and was forced to withdraw from his New Year commitments later that year. Always maintaining a busy schedule, the broadcaster eventually returned to host ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ although his slurred speech and slowed movements were noticeable.
Earlier today (April 18th) it was announced that Dick Clark had suffered a heart attack – he was 82.
Dick Clark is a name almost synonymous with the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Spotting the emerging teenage market and their love of new sounds, the charismatic hustler quickly launched ‘American Bandstand’ – a showcase for rising acts.
Quickly catching on, the show went national in 1957 swiftly turning Dick Clark into an icon. Helping to introduce black American acts such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard into the mainstream, ‘American Bandstand’ would become a fixture on Stateside television schedules for decades.
Helping to enshrine the rock ‘n’ roll era, the show’s musical choices would become safer over time. Bypassing the British Invasion as a passing fad, Dick Clark instead focussed on much softer, pop led sounds.
Continuing to diversify, the presenter later launched a number of successful game shows as well as hosting his annual ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ celebration for almost forty years.
Suffering a stroke in 2004, Dick Clark began missing public appearances and was forced to withdraw from his New Year commitments later that year. Always maintaining a busy schedule, the broadcaster eventually returned to host ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ although his slurred speech and slowed movements were noticeable.
Earlier today (April 18th) it was announced that Dick Clark had suffered a heart attack – he was 82.
