Denis Plehn/ABCDick Clark, promoting his New Year’s Eve show in 1980.5:05 p.m. | Updated
The death of Dick Clark on Wednesday prompted an outpouring of memories from generations of viewers and fans, reflecting his 60-year career that mirrored the growth of television.
Some recalled him in grainy black and white — dating back to the days of “American Bandstand” in the 1950s — and others remembered him in high-definition, presiding over the New Year’s Eve ball drop telecast on ABC last December.
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was among the first to pay tribute to Mr. Clark, 82, who died Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack. (Read The Times obituary here.)
“Times Square is considered the crossroads of the world in no small part because Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve celebrations there were beamed across the globe,” Mr. Bloomberg said in a statement. He added, “Generations of Americans grew up with Dick, and yet he seemed forever young.”
Nicknamed “America’s oldest teenager,” Mr. Clark prided himself on still picking some of the musical acts for “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” His co-host on the program for most of the past decade, Ryan Seacrest, said in a Twitter message, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life.”
For older generations of Americans, Mr. Clark was best known as the host of “American Bandstand,” a groundbreaking music performance program.
“It meant everything to do Dick’s show. This was a time when there was no youth culture – he created it. And the impact of the show on people was enormous. You knew what once you went down to Philadelphia to see Dick and you went on the show, your song went from nowhere to the Top 10.”
— Paul Anka
Paul Anka, one of the teen idols who found fame in the early days of “Bandstand,” said in a telephone interview: “It meant everything to do Dick’s show. This was a time when there was no youth culture – he created it. And the impact of the show on people was enormous. You knew what once you went down to Philadelphia to see Dick and you went on the show, your song went from nowhere to the Top 10.”
Fred Silverman, the most celebrated television programmer of the 1970’s and 80’s, who worked at all three networks — CBS, ABC and NBC — said Mr. Clark’s most important legacy was how his perception of the importance of a youth market changed the ABC television network.
“He was the first person in terms of national broadcast who recognized the value of teenage viewers,” Mr. Silverman said. “That turned out to be crucial in the development of ABC.”
In the 1960’s, ABC became the first of the broadcast network to advance the idea that certain advertisers should target younger viewers, a move that set in motion television’s later commitment to selling by demographic groups. “At the time ‘Bandstand’ was doing so well attracting that teenage audience in the afternoons,” Mr. Silverman said. “It was really all they had at one time.”
Following the lead set by “American Bandstand,” the network tried to translate that appeal to its prime-time shows, Mr. Silverman said.
Beyond his well-known stints as host of “Bandstand” and the New Year’s Eve specials, Mr. Clark was also among the busiest producers in television history. He specialized in live events, producing numerous television awards shows, including the Emmys, the Golden Globes and the American Music Awards.
His company, Dick Clark Productions, became one of the most successful independent production companies in Hollywood, known not just for award shows but also from some series, like “TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes,” which became a success for NBC in the 1980’s, and television movies, highlighted by a highly celebrated miniseries biography of Elvis Presley, starring Kurt Russell, in 1979.
He became a prolific television producer, responsible for game shows like $25,000 “Pyramid” and for award shows like the “American Music Awards.” According to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, Mr. Clark’s production company has made more than 7,500 hours of television programming.
Mr. Clark’s role on “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” was scaled back after he suffered a stroke in 2004, but he was back last December to count down to midnight and kiss his wife, Kari. In an interview via e-mail last December, Mr. Clark said he presumed that for many viewers, it’s “comforting to see a familiar face who has been there for the past 40 years.”
He added that for viewers who have a physical disability, his appearances “may serve as a source of inspiration.”
On Twitter, Mr. Clark’s name and the phrase New Year’s Eve became trending topics as the news of his death spread.
Dick Clark brought music into our homes and impacted pop music in ways that are still felt today. He will be missed.
So saddened by Dick Clark’s passing- an innovator, a legend, a man who believed in the greatness of humans. #ThankYou
Dick Clark was one of a kind … he built an empire in the TV glory day. He was an amazing producer and host..and he was immensely creative.
RT @AP: Photos of Dick Clark through the years; the ‘American Bandstand’ host died today at 82: http://t.co/u9swnmKk -CC
“If you want to stay young looking, pick your parents very carefully.” – Dick Clark #RIP
Brian Stelter writes about television and digital media. Follow @brianstelter on Twitter and facebook.com/brianstelter on Facebook.
Bill Carter writes about the television industry. Follow @wjcarter on Twitter.
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