Music industry impresario Dick Clark died of a heart attack Wednesday. He was 82. Known for many decades for his youthful appearance, he wore the nickname of “America’s oldest teenager,” well until he suffered a serious stroke in 2004. Despite the setback, he continued to play a part on the annual televised New Year’s Eve celebration he began hosting in 1972. “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” was just one of the many TV shows he hosted, including the “Pyramid” game shows, “TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes” and most famously, “American Bandstand,” which he hosted from 1952 through 1989.
Dick Clark on the set of “American Bandstand” in 1957, the year it first aired nationally.
Teenagers on set of “American Bandstand,” dancing to top 40 popular music including the No. 1 single at the time “Love Is Strange” by Mickey & Sylvia in 1957 in Philadelphia.
Clark took over as host of the hit game show (and its many incarnations over the following decades) “The $10,000 Pyramid” in 1973.
Michael Jackson, a long time friend of Clark’s, performed onstage on the TV show “The Music Thing” hosted by Clark in Los Angeles in 1975.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS with Dick Clark on stage at the taping of the “American Bandstand’s 50th … A Celebration!” in 2002.
Dick Clark with co-host Ryan Seacrest during his annual “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” show from Times Square in New York City on January 1, 2006. This marked Clark’s first television appearance in one year after having suffered a stroke in 2004.
Dick Clark, honoree Lifetime Achievement Award, and Barry Manilow in August 2006.
TV personality Dick Clark attends the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards held at the Las Vegas Hilton on June 27, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dick Clark, celebrating 40 years of ringing in the New Year on the ABC Television Network, is back along with Ryan Seacrest to count down to 2012 .
Dick Clark and his wife Kari, celebrate 40 years of ringing in the New Year on the ABC Television Network, is back along with Ryan Seacrest to count down to 2012.
