Broadcasting legend and "America's Oldest Living Teenager" Dick Clark has passed away at age 82. You can read about Dick's phenomenal career and contributions to television here.
Dick Clark met Gloria Stavers very early in both of their careers. In his autobiography "Rock, Roll & Remember," he says "The teen idol era was remarkable. My favorite memories of that era are the headlines Gloria Stavers used in 16 Magazine ... Gloria was the first to discover the teen idol magazine market. I worked with her as much as the stars did." It's hard to remember a time when Dick Clark was not famous, but in 1957-1958, American Bandstand had just gone national with the ABC network and Dick was eager to promote himself and the show. His press agent in New York was famed publicist Connie DeNave, a friend of Gloria's. Thus, Dick was featured in stories such as "Dick Clark - Top Tune Spotter."
American Bandstand instantly became a fixture in 16, first in a monthly "Bandstand Newsletter" followed a couple of years later by "Bandstand Beat" which ran until July, 1964. Both columns featured photos and the inside scoop on the hugely popular "Regulars," the teens who danced on the show every week. Dick Clark was savvy enough to realize that teens were interested in other teens, and he made them the stars of Bandstand. Dick and Gloria often consulted with each other on the latest potential hit records and recording stars.
In May of 1965, Gloria excitedly announced in "GeeGee's Gossip" the arrival of a new Dick Clark "pop, rock-and-roll variety show." Clark's "Where The Action Is" premiered on ABC in June of 1965, and 16 had a new favorite show to cover. WTAI was after school appointment television, and it was another symbiotic relationship between Dick and Gloria. Show regulars Paul Revere & The Raiders, Keith Allison, Steve Alaimo, Tina Mason, The Robbs and the Action Kids were featured prominently in 16. Raiders Mark Lindsay and Phil Volk became two of the most popular faves in 16's history. After the show ended in March of '67 (16 said "Farewell to Action" in the May '67 issue,) Mark Lindsay and Paul Revere went on to host Dick Clark shows "Happening '68" and "It's Happening" and 16 featured those shows as well. Dick Clark's flagship show "American Bandstand" continued on ABC until the spring of 1987, and was one of the longest running shows in television history.
Dick Clark and Gloria Stavers were both pioneers in the youth market, Dick in television and Gloria in journalism. Both ignored the racial barriers of the era and showcased performers based on talent alone. They created their respective genres and became part of popular culture history. Dick Clark will always be remembered for the music, the dancing, and the fun that was such an important part of our lives.
My point of course being "Where The Action Is" was the introduction to Rock and Roll for those of us who were to young to really get into "America Band Stand".
Posted by: Margie | Apr 19, 2012 at 05:41 PM
It would be fantastic if when they put together specials remembering "Dick Clark" they would also remember to show clips from "Where The Action Is"!
Posted by: Margie | Apr 19, 2012 at 05:37 PM