RIP Dick Clark: The Legacy He Leaves Behind

(Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect)

Most generations alive today remember Dick Clark in some form. Whether it was as the young host of American Bandstand, or as the energetic face of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square every year, people of all ages are and were familiar with his big white smile and his friendliness and ease in front of the camera.
Clark was a legendary TV personality who appeared on the tube from 1956 to the present day, and many bands and artists owe him and his program American Bandstand for their very first 15 minutes of fame.
While he was host, Clark debuted many later-successful acts on the air of Bandstand. Some of the notable people who got their start on the show were acts like Frankie Avalon, Simon & Garfunkel, and Prince. Here’s a great video of Prince’s national TV debut, including Clark’s interview with the shy singer: