American Bandstand host and rock music promoter Dick Clark passed away this morning of a heart attack at age 82. Later known as the host of New Years Rockin’ Eve, he was the World’s Oldest Teenager and will be missed by all.
Clark’s peak influence period was from the mid 1950s to early 1960s. In Eisenhower-era America Dick Click helped launch early rock music including Elvis, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis which had a slightly racy and raunchy vibe. The affable host softened the music to middle-class Americans by making it seem safe and unthreatening.
