Dick Clark Has Died (+ Download Video)

Dick Clark, the well-known American radio and television personality, passed away yesterday at the age of 82 due to a heart-related illness at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California.

Clark is best known for his music TV show, American Bandstand. He hosted Michael Jackson on this program in 2002.

From the time it was launched in 1952 until 1964, American Bandstand was produced by a Philadelphia television station. Dick Clark took over hosting the show in 1956, and in 1964 the production of the show was handed over to the company “Dick Clark Productions.” Clark continued as host and producer until the final year the show aired—1989.

On April 20, 2002, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his successful TV show, and Michael Jackson was one of his guests. At this celebration, Michael performed “Dangerous” onstage “twice.” The second performance happened because he was unhappy with the first one.

You can download the video file of Michael’s performance here: Download.

One month before Michael’s death in 2009, Clark had shared a memory of him:

At that time, a sequined glove from Michael was sold on eBay for $99,100. (Read more)

Michael Jackson had given that glove to Dick Clark, and the note that came with the glove—written in Clark’s words—said:

“I love this glove. I called him and said, ‘Michael, I have to have something of yours—will you give me your sequined glove?’ Two days later, a man came to see me. He said, ‘Is Dick Clark here? Give this to him. He asked for it himself.’ That man was Michael Jackson, who brought me the white glove.”

After Michael’s death on June 25, 2009, Clark said:

“Among the thousands of artists I’ve met and worked with throughout my career, Michael Jackson was something else. Many will try to imitate or follow him, but the talent he had will never be repeated.”

Over the years, by inviting African-American artists onto his TV show, Clark helped a great deal in making them known. Michael and his brothers also first stepped onto the American Bandstand stage in 1970 as the group “The Jackson 5.” They were guests on Dick Clark’s show many times, and he conducted many interviews with them.

Download the 1970 performance of The Jackson 5 on American Bandstand here: Download.

Jermaine Jackson, who was a member of The Jackson 5 as a teenager, wrote on Twitter after Dick Clark’s passing:

“Before the show started, Dick Clark always came to our dressing room to make sure everything was in order. He had a big heart. He was one of a kind, and his absence will be felt. Dick Clark played a huge role in our lives by supporting the first Jackson 5 tours. He was part of our family.”

And Janet, who is the most famous member of the Jacksons after her brother Michael, also said on Twitter: “Dick Clark changed television music forever. He was very kind and respectful to many artists, including my family.”

Paris, the 14-year-old daughter of the King of Pop, also remembered him on Twitter: “Rest in peace, Dick Clark. We will miss you forever.”

Dick Clark’s services to television and the steps he took to introduce Black music to America’s white audience are extremely valuable and undeniable.

There’s a famous quote attributed to Dick Clark that says:“Music is the soundtrack of your life.” (.Music is the soundtrack of your life)

Rest in peace, and may his memory be honored.

Source: eMJey / Twitter & Wikipedia