Dick Corn
Dick Clark
Dick Clark was an American television host, disc jockey, and producer who is best known as the host of the long-running music and dance program "American Bandstand." His career spanned over five decades, during which he became a household name and a cultural icon.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Richard Augustus Wagstaff Zanuck Clark
Commonly known as Dick Clark
Birth and Death Dates
Born: November 30, 1929, in Bronxville, New York, USA
Died: April 18, 2012, in Santa Monica, California, USA (age 82)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Professions: Television host, disc jockey, producer
Early Life and Background
Dick Clark was born to Julia and Clarance Zanuck Clark. His family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's work as a sales representative for an electrical company. This nomadic lifestyle instilled in him the ability to adapt quickly and navigate new environments.
Clark began his career in the entertainment industry at the age of 14, hosting local dance parties on Philadelphia television station WFIL-TV (now WPVI-TV). He attended New York University but dropped out to pursue a career as a musician. Clark's early endeavors included singing with a local band and hosting his own radio show.
Major Accomplishments
Clark's big break came in 1957 when he became the host of "Bandstand," a Philadelphia-based dance party program that featured live music performances, dance routines, and interviews with popular artists. The show's success led to its national syndication in 1963, and Clark rebranded it as "American Bandstand." Over the next several decades, Clark interviewed countless musicians, including icons like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson.
Clark expanded his influence beyond television with his production company, Dick Clark Productions (DCP). DCP produced numerous music-based programs, including "New Year's Rockin' Eve" and "American Dreams." Clark also launched the successful dance competition show "So You Think You Can Dance."
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Clark was recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and won multiple Emmy Awards for his work on "American Bandstand." Clark also wrote two books: "Dick Clark's American Bandstand" (1978) and "Rock, Roll & Remember" (1987).
Impact and Legacy
Clark's impact on popular culture extends far beyond his own shows. As a pioneer of music television, he provided a platform for emerging artists to reach a wider audience. His influence can be seen in the development of future music-based programs like "MTV" and "TRL."
Dick Clark's charisma and infectious personality endeared him to generations of audiences. He remained relevant well into his 70s, hosting "American Bandstand" until 1989 and continuing to produce music-related content.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Clark's influence on the entertainment industry is undeniable. As a cultural icon, he transcended his role as a television host to become an ambassador of popular culture. His legacy extends beyond his own shows to inspire future generations of artists and entertainers. Dick Clark's impact on music television remains unparalleled, ensuring that his name continues to be synonymous with the world of entertainment.
Quotes by Dick Corn
The first thing we told the kids when we went in was that we hadn't played very well at all and only trailed by two points. We felt like we could take better care of the basketball and felt like we could guard better. ... We felt like we were in pretty good shape.
This is a heck of a win for these kids. They executed everything that they needed to do, nearly to perfection.
Their length and their size bothered us. We were too impatient and settled for too many outside shots.
I didn't realize it was that big of a run. We got some buckets in transition and I think we wore them down a little bit.
I didn't think we played well in any phase of the game. Offensively, we didn't have the ball movement that we usually have.
The second half, the reason I'd like the think for that was we did a better job of guarding the perimeter. The second half I thought we got to the perimeter guys a little better.
It looked like we were going to take care of business. We just never could make that one big shot to get us over the hump.
The best player is the point guard. He can shoot the 3 and can beat people off the dribble. Inside, the big kid does a very good job around the basket. And, they have a couple of other kids that look like pretty good athletes. They aren't real deep, but those six or seven kids are solid players.
I told the kids you will not find a better environment to play in than the one they're going to play in (Friday) night. It will be electric.