R.I.P Dick Clark

[Dobe]

Time just keeps flyin' by, doesn't it?

[Pete Summers]

Indeed it does. I grew up with American Bandstand.

[Pipeous]

oh man, I just made a joke about Dick Clark today. Now I feel stupid.

[Mandolin Mick]

For my generation, the one that was never going to get old, we've just lost another one.

[Pete Summers]

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old time is still a-flying.
And this same flower that smiles today,
Tomorrow will be dying. --- Robt. Herrick.

Dick Clark looked like he couldn't get old -- forever young.
RIP to a true force in American pop music and culture.

[journeybear]

Man! It is getting tougher and tougher. The last few weeks have been brutal for those of us who lived a long time with these members of the music community in our lives. The impact these people had on so many people's lives is immense. Even if this comes as no surprise, it is sad nonetheless. I watched American Bandstand a lot - not regularly or consistently, but pretty often, and into the 80s. In fact, I have to credit AB with introducing me to Big Country, one of my favorite bands to come up in the 80s. I had no idea, when I tuned in one Saturday in 1983, that something that marvelous was going to explode out of the TV and blow my mind. But Dick Clark followed his instincts, and if he liked someone's music, he put it on his show. Thank you, Dick Clark, for all you did for the music so many of us love. Rest in peace.

[Bill Clements]

A prolific icon in pop music, television, and radio. My wife and I always looked forward to New Years Eve as did millions of Americans when Dick counted down the last seconds of the year from NYC.
My condolences to his friends and family.

[Tim Pike]

Dick Clark and Johnny Carson were both favorites of mine-especially on New Years Eve as a kid and Bandstand. I have good memories!

[journeybear]

You're right about the New Year's Eve broadcasts. A decent stay-at-home alternative. Even if I were out I would tape the broadcast for later. Now it's been joined by two or three other networks, but Dick Clark usually had the best selection of performers. I seriously doubt Ryan Seacrest, his heir apparent, will do anywhere near as good a job. He left some very big shoes to fill.

[Geordie]

I seriously doubt Ryan Seacrest, his heir apparent, will do anywhere near as good a job. He left some very big shoes to fill.

Especially because Seacrest has such tiny feet.

Seriously, though, I was saddened while watching the New Years' Eve broadcast last year with a teenager. When Dick Clark came on she said, "Who's the old drunk guy?" I explained that he'd had a stroke, but she was entirely uninterested in his place in musical history.
That said, he will be missed by many of us who realize and appreciate his huge role in the history of rock and roll.

[gregjones]

Someone said "America's oldest teenager just turned twenty".

[journeybear]

Just announced the lineup for today's edition of CBS Sunday Morning. They will air a segment commemorating Levon Helm and Dick Clark. If I had to guess it'll run between 9:30-10:15.

[JeffD]

You're right about the New Year's Eve broadcasts. A decent stay-at-home alternative. .

I saw somewhere: "Dick Clark has died. We can no longer ring in the New Year. Well played Mayans. Well Played."

[journeybear]

I was reminded of that "fact" the other night, after coming in second in a conch shell blowing contest - yet again. I was told there was always next year. I realized there was not.

Dick Clark's devotion to rock 'n' roll was nothing short of inspirational. His enthusiasm for it and tireless campaigning on behalf of it and its performers helped it achieve widespread acceptance across generational and cultural lines, probably more than anyone else. He really was in the right place at the right time with the right idea in mind.

[cammtb]

I grew up with American Bandstand. Dick Clark and music just went hand in hand; New Years eve won't be the same without him.

My condolences to his family.

R.I.P. Dick Clark. We will miss you dearly.