Dick Clark Dead at 82
Story by Anne Erickson
‘American Bandstand’ entertainer Dick Clark has passed away
Radio and TV legend Dick Clark has passed away. He was 82. Clark, who originated the legendary “American Bandstand” TV show, died following a heart attack. He had been taken to the hospital Tuesday night (April 17) for an outpatient procedure and passed away shortly thereafter.
Clark’s story began in Mount Vernon, N.Y., where he started his career in the entertainment world while still attending high school. He got a job in the mailroom of WRUN, a radio station in upstate New York owned by his dad and uncle. Pretty soon, Clark was on the air, and it was obvious from the get-go that he had talent.
Clark continued in radio while at Syracuse University and served as a disc jockey at the student-operated radio station. He graduated in 1951 with a business degree and went back home to work at his dad and uncle’s radio station. In just a year, he scored a big gig as a DJ at WFIL in Philadelphia and spearheaded a new show, “Dick Clark’s Caravan of Music.” From there, he began hosting “Bandstand,” an afternoon TV dance and music show for teenagers. “Bandstand” eventually went national, and “American Bandstand” was created and became a nationwide hit.
Throughout his career, Clark, often called “America’s Oldest Teenager,” earned a lengthy list of honors and awards, including Grammys, Emmys, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and even induction in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Kari and his three children, RAC, Cindy and Duane. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Clark’s family and friends during this difficult time.
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