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Dick Clark Dead At Age 82

Updated: Wednesday, April 18 2012, 03:33 PM CDT
Dick Clark, TV personality and the man dubbed "American's Oldest Teenager", died Wednesday at age 82.

He
was not a musician, but Dick Clark was a rock and roll idol. He was
inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for spreading the gospel of
pop
music.

As the host of "American Bandstand," he brought music to millions of teenagers In the 1950s without alienating their parents.

In
its more than 30 years on television, "American Bandstand" featured the
greatest pop performers.  Artists like James Brown and Stevie Wonder
made their debuts on the show, thanks to Clark who ended the practice of
using only white performers on television.

He became an
entrepreneur in the process. He hosted several game shows and became a
commercial pitchman.  Dick Clark Productions created thousands of hours
of television, particularly awards shows including the Golden Globes,
the daytime Emmy Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Clark
appeared on many of the shows, most famously for years ringing in the
New Year, as host of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."

Clark
was unable to host in 2004 after suffering a stroke a few weeks before
the show.  But he made a highly-anticipated return to the program in
2005. It was his first television appearance since the stroke.

Clark
felt that Rock and Roll lasted so long because it has so many forms. He
himself survived by embracing each new wave, ensuring the enduring
affection of generations of Americans.Dick Clark Dead At Age 82