Dick Clark died from an apparent heart attack this afternoon. He was 82.
While younger generations know Clark primarily as the stroke-impaired host of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, he was at one time one of the most influential people in music as the host of American Bandstand from 1956-1989. In fact, just about everyone reading this has parents that will probably tell you that they “grew up watching American Bandstand.” It’s influence on culture was substantial. In the clip from 1976 above, watch Clark interview an up-and-comer named John Travolta. They both looked so young and innocent then.
Meanwhile, we are left to wonder what will become of Clark’s Flintstone‘s house. Maybe Ryan Seacrest can move into it? And will Hologram Dick Clark be making an appearance on future ABC New Year’s Eve specials?
Meanwhile, here’s the best Dick Clark cameo of all time…
