American Bandstand

American music television series (1952–1989)

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)

This article possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (September 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subject's importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. (September 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

(Learn how and when to remove this message)

American Bandstand

Logo used from 1969 to 1987

Also known as| Bandstand (1952–1957)
Genre|

* Music
* Talk show

Presented by|

* Bob Horn
* Lee Stewart
* Tony Mammarella
* Dick Clark
* David Hirsch

Narrated by| Charlie O'Donnell
Country of origin| United States
No. of seasons|

* 37
* (5–WFIL)
* (30–ABC)
* (1–Syndication)
* (1–USA Network)

No. of episodes| 3,002
Production
Running time|

* 90 minutes
* 60 minutes (originally 2½ hours on WFIL-TV/Philadelphia only)

Production companies|

* Dick Clark Productions (1964–1989, 1992, 2002)
* WFIL-TV (1952–1964)

Original release
Network|

* WFIL-TV (1952–1957)
* ABC (1957–1987, 1992, 2002)
* Syndicated (1987–1988)
* USA Network (1989)

Release| October 7, 1952 (1952-10-07) –
May 3, 2002 (2002-05-03)

American Bandstand (AB) is an American music performance and dance television series that aired in various iterations from 1952 to 1989.[1] It was hosted by Dick Clark who also served as the program's producer.[2][3][4]

The program showcased teenagers dancing to popular songs from the Top 40. Originally broadcast from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it remained there from its debut in 1952 until it relocated to Los Angeles, California, in 1963.[5]

Throughout its run, a wide variety of musical acts appeared on the show, typically lip syncing to one of their latest singles.[6] Artists performed for a studio audience, while the original recording played for viewers at home. Freddy Cannon holds the record for the most appearances, with 110.[7]

## History

[edit]

### 1950s

[edit]

Host Dick Clark talks to Myrna Horowitz, one of the original dancers when the program began in 1952, during the show's 18th anniversary in 1970

American Bandstand premiered locally in late March 1952 as Bandstand on Philadelphia television station WFIL-TV Channel 6 (now WPVI-TV). Hosted by Bob Horn as a television adjunct to his radio show of the same name on WFIL, Bandstand featured short musical films produced by Snader Telescriptions and Official Films, with occasional studio guests. This incarnation was an early version of the music video shows that would increasingly appear in the 1980s.[3][8]

Desiring a pivot, Horn wanted to change the show to a dance program featuring teenagers dancing on camera as music records played. The radio show The 950 Club, hosted by Joe Grady and Ed Hurst, inspired the format, which aired on Philadelphia's WPEN.[8]

On October 7, 1952, this new version of Bandstand debuted from Studio B, located in their recently completed addition to the original 1947 building in West Philadelphia. It was hosted by Horn and co-host Lee Stewart from its launch in 1952 until 1955.[3]

Stewart owned a TV and radio business in Philadelphia and had a significant advertising account with WFIL-TV. He was included in the program to maintain the advertising account. However, as WFIL-TV grew financially and the importance of his advertising account diminished, Stewart's presence on the program was no longer necessary. Tony Mammarella was the original producer with Ed Yates as director. Snader and Official music films continued in the short term to fill gaps when dancers were changed during the show because the studio could not fit more than 200 attendees.[4]

On July 9, 1956, Horn was fired following a drunk driving arrest,[9] and he was also reportedly involved in a prostitution ring, for which he faced morality charges.[10] WFIL and its co-owner, Walter Annenberg's The Philadelphia Inquirer, were running a series on drunk driving at the time of Horn's arrest. Producer Tony Mammarella temporarily replaced Horn before the job went to Dick Clark permanently.[3]

In late spring of 1957, ABC asked their owned-and-operated stations and affiliates for programming suggestions to fill their 3:30 p.m. ET time slot. In Philadelphia, WFIL was already pre-empting ABC programming with Bandstand. Clark presented the show to ABC president Thomas W. Moore, and after negotiations, it was picked up for national broadcast, becoming American Bandstand on August 5, 1957,[3] hosted by Dick Clark.[11] One show from this first season of American Bandstand on December 18, 1957, identified as the "Second National Broadcast," is preserved in the archives of the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.[12]

One market not broadcasting Bandstand was Baltimore affiliate WAAM, now WJZ-TV, which chose to produce its own local dance show in the same afternoon time slot. Local radio disc jockey Buddy Deane was chosen as the host of The Buddy Deane Show on Channel 13, and began a daily two-hour broadcast on September 9, 1957. This led to competition between American Bandstand and The Buddy Deane Show. When performers who debuted on Bandstand first appeared on Deane's program, they were asked to not mention their prior appearance with Clark during their appearance on the Baltimore show. The Buddy Deane Show aired on WJZ-TV until January 4, 1964.[8]

"Studio B'" measured 80 by 80 by 24 feet (24.4 m × 24.4 m × 7.3 m), but appeared smaller due to the number of props, television cameras, and risers that were used for the show. It was briefly shot in color in 1958 when WFIL-TV began experimenting with the new technology. With the larger size of the color camera compared to the black-and-white models, it was only possible to have one RCA TK-41 where three RCA TK-10s[13] had been used before, as production needed to maintain as much dance space as possible in the studio. WFIL reverted to the TK-10s two weeks later when ABC refused to carry the color signal and management realized that the show needed multiple black-and-white cameras to capture more angles.[14]

A January 1962 ticket for a broadcast of the show from Philadelphia

When ABC picked up the game show Do You Trust Your Wife? from CBS in November 1957, they renamed the program Who Do You Trust? and scheduled the program at 3:30 p.m. ET, almost halfway through Bandstand's slot. Instead of shortening or moving Bandstand, ABC opted to air Bandstand at 3:00 p.m., cut away to Who Do You Trust? at 3:30pm, then rejoin Bandstand at 4:00 p.m. However, WFIL decided to broadcast Bandstand in its entirety and air Who Do You Trust? at a later time for local Philadelphia viewers.[15]

A half-hour evening version of American Bandstand aired on Monday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, beginning on October 7, 1957, preceding The Guy Mitchell Show. Both shows received low ratings and were canceled shortly after their debut. The Monday night version aired its last program in December 1957, but ABC gave Clark a Saturday night time slot for The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show, which originated from the Little Theatre in Manhattan, beginning February 15, 1958.[8]

The program was broadcast live on weekdays afternoons, and by 1959, the show had a national audience of approximately 20 million viewers.[16] In the fall of 1961, ABC truncated American Bandstand's airtime from 90 to 60 minutes (4:00–5:00 p.m. ET), then even further as a daily half-hour (4:00–4:30 p.m. ET) program in September of 1962. Beginning in early 1963, all five shows for the upcoming week were videotaped the preceding Saturday. The use of videotape allowed Clark to produce and host a series of concert tours based on the success of American Bandstand and pursue other broadcast interests.[16]

### 1960s

[edit]

On September 7, 1963, American Bandstand shifted from a weekday schedule to a weekly broadcast format, airing every Saturday afternoon in a reinstated one-hour time slot, returning to the format used in earlier broadcasts.[17] The move was part of a broader programming change by ABC and reflected evolving viewer habits during the early [citation needed]1960s.

American Bandstand in 1973

When WFIL-TV moved to a new facility on City Line Avenue. The new facility lacked a studio that could accommodate the show, ABC moved production of Bandstand to the ABC Television Center in Los Angeles, now known as The Prospect Studios, on February 8, 1964. Prior to the move, Bandstand featured many of its up-and-coming acts from Philadelphia's Cameo-Parkway Records. The move to California coincided with a downturn in Cameo-Parkway Records’ influence, which diminished exposure many of its artists.[18]

The program was filmed in color starting on September 9, 1967. The typical production schedule consisted of videotaping three shows on a Saturday and three shows on a Sunday, every six weeks. The shows were usually produced in either Stage 54 or Stage 55 at ABC Television Center.[8]

In September 1964, Bandstand began using a new logo based on the ABC circle logo, reading "ab" in the same typeface followed by a number representing the year the show aired. This started with "'65" and continued annually through "'69" when each year arrived. On September 13, 1969, the Bandstand set was given a complete overhaul, and Les Elgart's big band version of "Bandstand Boogie" was replaced by a new theme composed by Mike Curb. The "ab" logo was replaced with the stylized "AB" logo, which remained in use and was used for the remainder of the show's run. This set and theme music were used until August 31, 1974, when the show unveiled a new set and an updated version of "Bandstand Boogie".[19]

### 1970s

[edit]

For a brief time in 1973, Bandstand alternated its time slot with Soul Unlimited,[20] a show featuring soul music that was hosted by Buster Jones. Soul Unlimited faced criticism from some African-American viewers who questioned Clark's role as a white producer and accused the show of reinforcing racial stereotypes. Don Cornelius, the creator and host of Soul Train, along with Jesse Jackson, publicly opposed Clark’s involvement in the new program, and it was canceled within weeks.[21] Set pieces from Soul Unlimited were utilized by Bandstand for its 1974–1978 set design.[citation needed]

### 1980s

[edit]

During the early 1980s, American Bandstand experienced a steady decline in ratings. This was largely due to increased competition from emerging music television formats such as MTV, as well as a growing number of music programs across other networks. Many ABC affiliates began preempting or rescheduling the show, further reducing its viewership. Additionally, the show's time slot was frequently overtaken by college football broadcasts, which had expanded significantly following a 1984 court-ordered deregulation.[citation needed]

#### 1985: 33 1/3rd anniversary

[edit]

On December 1, 1985, American Bandstand aired a special 33 1/3rd anniversary broadcast on ABC. The show featured performances by numerous recording artists, guest appearances, and archival footage from past screenings. Performing artists included Rod Stewart, Dionne Warwick, and Donna Summer.[22][23][24][25][26][27]

On September 13, 1986, ABC reduced Bandstand from a full hour to 30 minutes[28] at Clark's request. On September 5, 1987, the final ABC installment[29] (with Laura Branigan[30] performing "Shattered Glass"[31][32]) aired.

> Hey, our thanks to Laura Branigan for joining us here on American Bandstand today. I hope you've had a good half-hour. Come and join us two weeks from today for an hour version of American Bandstand on Saturday, September 19. We'll see you then. In the meantime, have a wonderful week or two. We'll see you the next time on American Bandstand. For now, Dick Clark on ABC, so long.

> — Dick Clark's final message on the final episode of American Bandstand to be broadcast on ABC from September 5, 1987.

Two weeks later, Bandstand moved to first-run syndication.[33][34][35] Dubbed as The New American Bandstand and distributed by LBS Communications, the series' tapings were moved from the ABC Television Center to the Hollywood studios of Los Angeles's PBS member station KCET,[36] with a new set similar to that of Soul Train. Clark continued as host of the series, which was returned to a one-hour format,[37] and aired on KYW-TV in Philadelphia and WWOR-TV in New York City[38] (a Superstation status that also gave the program further national exposure), KTLA in Los Angeles, WMAQ-TV in Chicago, WDIV in Detroit, WEWS in Cleveland, WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee,[39] and WCIX in Miami.[40] The first syndicated episode aired on the weekend of September 19, 1987.[41] The run was short-lived, lasting until June 4, 1988.

After a ten-month hiatus,[42] Bandstand moved to cable on USA Network[43][44] on April 8, 1989,[45] with comedian David Hirsch[46][47][48][49][50] taking over as host. In another format shift, the show was shot outdoors at Universal Studios Hollywood.[51] Clark remained with the show, serving as its executive producer.

This iteration of the show, however, was also brief, lasting 26 weeks before it was canceled. Its final show, with The Cover Girls performing "My Heart Skips a Beat" and "We Can't Go Wrong", aired on October 7, 1989,[52] ending the show's 37-year run.[53][54]

> Well, it's our last show here on Bandstand and I really want to thank the viewers who have kept American Bandstand on the air all these years. Dick Clark, wherever you are, we miss you. I tried my best to fill your shoes and I hope I have lived up to what you were expecting of me. American Bandstand will be back someday, I assure you. I'm David Hirsch and, on behalf of American Bandstand, I bid you, for the last time, goodbye.

> — Dave Hirsch signing off for the last time on American Bandstand's final regular episode on October 7, 1989.

### 2002: 50th anniversary

[edit]

American Bandstand's 50th anniversary reunion in 2002

On May 3, 2002, Dick Clark hosted a one-off special 50th anniversary edition on ABC. Michael Jackson, a frequent Bandstand guest, performed "Dangerous." The Village People performed their signature song "YMCA" for the audience in Pasadena, California. Other performers including Brandy, members of KISS, Dennis Quaid and his band The Sharks, Cher, and Stevie Wonder performed in honor of the long-running program.[55]

## Program features

[edit]

### Rate-a-Record

[edit]

Clark regularly asked teenagers their opinions of the songs being played through the "Rate-a-Record" segment. During the segment, two audience members each ranked two records on a scale of 35 to 98, after which their two opinions were averaged by Clark, who then asked the chosen members to justify their scores. The segment gave rise to the catchphrase "It's got a good beat and you can dance to it."[56]

### Hosts

[edit]

Dick Clark in a promotional image for American Bandstand in 1961 Charlie O'Donnell, the show's announcer

The only singer to ever co-host the show with Dick Clark was Donna Summer, who joined him to present a special episode dedicated to the release of the Casablanca Records film Thank God It's Friday on May 27, 1978. From the late 1950s and most of the 1960s, Clark's on-camera sidekick was announcer Charlie O'Donnell, who later went on to announce Wheel of Fortune and other programs hosted or produced by Clark, such as The $100,000 Pyramid. In occasional shows not hosted by Clark, a substitute host (among them Rick Azar) was brought in.[57]

### Theme music

[edit]

Bandstand originally used "High Society" by Artie Shaw as its theme song, but by the time the show went national, it had been replaced by various arrangements of Charles Albertine's "Bandstand Boogie," including Les Elgart's big-band recording remembered by viewers of the daily version. From 1969 to 1974, "Bandstand Theme," a synthesized rock instrumental co-written by Mike Curb, opened each show. From 1974 to 1977, there was a newer orchestral disco version of "Bandstand Boogie," arranged and performed by Joe Porter, played during the opening and closing credits. Elgart's version was released as a single in March 1954 (Columbia 40180) as well as Curb's theme (by "Mike Curb & The Waterfall") in October 1969 (Forward 124).

From 1977 to September 6, 1986, the show opened and closed with Barry Manilow's rendition of "Bandstand Boogie,"[58] which he originally recorded for his 1975 album Tryin' to Get the Feeling. This version introduced lyrics written by Manilow and Bruce Sussman, referencing elements of the series (the previous theme was retained as bumper music). From September 13, 1986, to September 5, 1987, Manilow's version was replaced at the close of the show by a new closing theme arranged by David Russo, who also performed an updated instrumental arrangement of "Bandstand Boogie" when Bandstand went into syndication.

From 1974 to September 6, 1986, Bandstand featured another instrumental at its mid-show break: Billy Preston's synth hit "Space Race".[59]

## Civil rights and discrimination

[edit]

Originally located in Philadelphia, Bandstand was influenced by racial segregation laws in nearby Maryland and Delaware. Although the show was never explicitly segregated and featured Black R&B performers such as The Chords, producers sought to increase marketability in segregated states and avoid alienating white viewers by effectively segregating the audience beginning in 1954. Policies to limit Black attendance included abolishing first-come, first-served ticketing for local residents, favoring repeat attendees in ticket allocation, promoting tickets in majority-white suburbs, and only responding to mail-in ticket requests from individuals with European surnames.[60]

In response, Black teenagers began requesting tickets under assumed names to gain admission, but often faced harassment and conflicts with white audience members. Concerned about the potential impact of these incidents on advertisers and audience participation, Bandstand producers petitioned the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to investigate. Bob Horn and other producers testified that the show did not have any discriminatory policies, and in 1955, the Commission concluded that although admission policies and the resulting conflicts led to "the absence of Negroes from attendance," there were insufficient grounds for a discrimination lawsuit.[60]

Dick Clark claimed in his autobiography that he was responsible for desegregating the show's audience shortly after taking over in 1957. However, review of footage of the show's audience reveals that it remained almost exclusively white until it relocated to Los Angeles in 1964.[61]

## Revival plans

[edit]

In 2004, Dick Clark, with the help of Ryan Seacrest, announced plans to revive the show in time for the 2005 season; although this did not occur (due in part to Clark suffering a severe stroke in late 2004),[62] one segment of the revived Bandstand — a national dance contest — eventually became the series So You Think You Can Dance. Dick Clark Productions is credited as the show's co-producer, and longtime employee Allen Shapiro served as co-executive producer. While the American series has aired sixteen seasons, its format was also replicated worldwide, from Norway (Dansefeber) to Australia (So You Think You Can Dance Australia).

Dick Clark died on April 18, 2012, at the age of 82.[63]

## Legacy

[edit]

American Bandstand

Pennsylvania Historical Marker

Location of American Bandstand's filming at 4548 Market St. in Philadelphia

Location| 4548 Market St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Coordinates| 39°57′31″N 75°12′45″W﻿ / ﻿39.9585°N 75.21259°W﻿ / 39.9585; -75.21259
PHMC dedicated| August 5, 1997

American Bandstand served as an early national television platform for artists such as Prince, Jackson 5, Sonny and Cher, Aerosmith, and John Lydon's PiL—all of whom made their American TV debuts on the show.[64] American Bandstand's Top 40 hits were matched with routines performed by teenagers, which was designed to appeal to that demographic. It also influenced later musical television programs, including MTV and Fox's reality-competition show American Idol.[64]

## References in popular culture

[edit]

This section contains a list of miscellaneous information. Please relocate any relevant information into other sections or articles. (September 2024)

|

* The show was featured prominently in the 2002–2005 NBC-TV drama series American Dreams, which, like Bandstand, was executive produced by Dick Clark. In a 2005 episode, Eddie Kelly and Bunny Gibson – one of the most famous couples to appear on American Bandstand in the Philadelphia years – were the only two to make cameo appearances on the acclaimed TV series. Additionally, Kelly and Gibson were named a number of times in the script, and Kelly is referred to in the last episode. Actor Paul D. Roberts made frequent appearances as Dick Clark, while Michael Burger played announcer Charlie O'Donnell. Clark frequently provided voice-overs as his younger self.
* In the quarterfinals of season 7 of America's Got Talent, contestant Ulysses performed a cover of the American Bandstand theme song.
* In episode 4,089 of Sesame Street, there was a parody of American Bandstand called "American Fruit Stand" where a duck named "Duck Clark" hosted the program. It featured Miles singing songs about fruits to the tune of classic songs, such as "Johnny B. Goode," "Twist and Shout", and "I Feel Good."
* The lyric video for Sia's song "Cheap Thrills" features a show reminiscent of American Bandstand ("Dance Stage USA").
* In Jersey Boys, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons performed the song "Sherry" to an audience on American Bandstand. Outside the show, they were asked to perform "Big Girls Don't Cry."
* Soul for Real's video for "If You Want It" shows the group performing on the American Bandstand stage, with Clark making a cameo at the beginning and end of the clip.
* In the Black Dynamite episode "American Band Standoff, or The Godfather of Soooul Train", American Bandstand and Soul Train are depicted as organized crime families, with Dick Clark and Don Cornelius as their respective bosses. They engaged in a turf war, fighting for control of the airwaves, where they kidnapped and murdered the other's dancers and musicians.

## See also

[edit]

* Philadelphia portal

* List of acts who appeared on American Bandstand
* Bandstand, Australian version loosely based on the American version
* Top of the Pops, a similar British music program
* The Buddy Deane Show
* Soul Train
* The Midnight Special
* The Clay Cole Show
* Electric Circus
* CD USA

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Fontenot, Robert. "American Bandstand Timeline". About.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
2. ^ "West Philadelphia Collaborative History - Going National: Dick Clark and ABC's American Bandstand". collaborativehistory.gse.upenn.edu. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
3. ^ a b c d e Fong-Torres, Ben (August 16, 1973). "Dick Clark: 20 Years of Clearasil Rock". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
4. ^ a b "Dick Clark's effect on popular music". The Virginian-Pilot. May 8, 1960. p. 97. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
5. ^ "American Bandstand integration | The Pop History Dig". pophistorydig.com. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
6. ^ "When The Beastie Boys got censored on 'American Bandstand'". faroutmagazine.co.uk. December 1, 2022. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
7. ^ Haag, Steve (March 2, 2013). "Freddy Cannon". The Music Museum of New England. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
8. ^ a b c d e "Dick Clark 20 Years of Rock N' Roll Yearbook" (PDF). Retrieved March 16, 2025.
9. ^ "I remember Dick Clark". Broad Street Review. April 21, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
10. ^ "Bob Horn". www.history-of-rock.com. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
11. ^ "Dick Clark and the History of 'American Bandstand'". The New York Times. April 18, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
12. ^ "American Bandstand - December 18th, 1957 | Full Episode". YouTube (Archive). December 18, 1957. Archived from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
13. ^ "Chuck Pharis Web Page : RCA TK-10A". www.pharis-video.com. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
14. ^ Generation.com, Eyes Of A. (July 14, 2012). "An Interesting Story about TK41s and American Bandstand". Eyes Of A Generation...Television's Living History. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
15. ^ Paese, Meagan. "Tribute to Dick Clark (1929-2012) Pt 2 | The History of Rock and Roll Radio Show". Retrieved May 13, 2025.
16. ^ a b Oldenburg, Ann. "TV legend Dick Clark dies at age 82", USA Today, April 18, 2012
17. ^ "American Bandstand (TV) | EBSCO Research Starters". www.ebsco.com. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
18. ^ Barnes, Ken (February 9, 2021). "Did the Beatles kill America's radio stars?". Radio Insight. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
19. ^ "RockPeaks - American Bandstand". RockPeaks | Music Video Community. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
20. ^ "Twin Cities Rock 'N' Roll TV Shows". Twin Cities Music Highlights.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
21. ^ EURPublisher01 (March 24, 2023). "When Dick Clark Tried to Derail 'Soul Train' with Knockoff 'Soul Unlimited' | EUR VIDEO THROWBACK". EURweb. Retrieved June 7, 2025.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
22. ^ Washuk, Bonnie (December 7, 1985). "Proclamations – There's a cause for everyone; Do you want it to be official?". Sun-Journal. p. 9. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
23. ^ Van Matre, Lynn (December 1, 1985). "200 recording artists on 'Bandstand' tonight". The Lima News. p. 49. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
24. ^ Holloway, Diane (December 1, 1985). "'Perry Mason Returns' uses familiar formula". Austin American-Statesman. p. 228. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
25. ^ Wilson, John (November 15, 1985). "Tube Talk". The Leader-Post. p. 118. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
26. ^ "Saturday Program Highlights". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. December 1, 1985. p. 364. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
27. ^ "Forever Youthful Dick Clark Turns 56". The Vicksburg Post. November 3, 1985. p. 34. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
28. ^ King, Susan (May 10, 1992). "Clark and 'Bandstand' Break the Top 40". Los Angeles Times.
29. ^ American Bandstand (1987 Closing Credits - ABC Finale) on YouTube
30. ^ "American Bandstand, Season 30, Episode 38: Laura Brannigan (Final ABC show)". TV.com. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
31. ^ Laura Branigan - Shattered Glass & Interview - AB (1987) on YouTube
32. ^ Laura Branigan – Shattered Glass on YouTube
33. ^ Jackson, John (June 3, 1999). American Bandstand: Dick Clark and the Making of a Rock 'n' Roll Empire. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-028490-9.
34. ^ American Bandstand (Show Promo) - 1987 on YouTube
35. ^ Bates, James (May 5, 1987). "Dick Clark's On a Roll : He Tunes In to TV Trends". Los Angeles Times.
36. ^ Bower, Cathy (April 18, 2014). "American Bandstand and KCET?". KCET.
37. ^ Fleck, Carole (September 24, 1987). "Dick Clark celebrates American Bandstand's 35th". UPI.
38. ^ "Retro: Fairbanks, Alaska (October 24, 1987)". Radio Discussions. September 12, 2007.
39. ^ "Retro: Northern Wisconsin, Sat. July 9th, 1988". Radio Discussions. February 2, 2018.
40. ^ "Retro Request: Sat 10/31 & 11/7 and Sun 11/1, 1987". Radio Discussions. March 15, 2010.
41. ^ "AB now in syndication: Jody Watley, Dan Hill, David Spade". TV.com. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
42. ^ "AB moves to USA network". TV.com. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
43. ^ "Clark ends long-playing spin on bandstand". Desert Sun. March 22, 1989.
44. ^ Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle F. (June 24, 2009). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. Random House Publishing. p. 45\. ISBN 9780307483201.
45. ^ "Clark Steps Down as 'Bandstand' Host". Lewiston Morning Tribune (Maine). Associated Press. March 22, 1989. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
46. ^ Seymour, Gene (April 8, 1989). "'Bandstand' Has a New Young Leader". Orlando Sentinel.
47. ^ "On 'Bandstand,' Dick Clark Says Goodbye". The New York Times. April 8, 1989.
48. ^ "Dick Clark quits American Bandstand". UPI. March 31, 1989.
49. ^ Hochman, Steve (March 25, 1989). "A Last Dance With Dick Clark". Los Angeles Times.
50. ^ Wilker, Deborah (July 7, 1989). "Ageless Clark Still Stand for the 'American' Band". Sun-Sentinel.
51. ^ Borcover, Alfred (June 30, 1989). "Bears Watching". Chicago Tribune.
52. ^ Medearis, John (November 28, 1989). "Hits Prove Hard to Find at Dick Clark Productions : Entertainment: Performance has been mediocre since the company went public in 1987. Attempts continue to launch a successful game show or sitcom". Los Angeles Times.
53. ^ "TV Series Finale – American Bandstand". TV Series Finale. March 17, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
54. ^ "Final American Bandstand: The Cover Girls". TV.com. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
55. ^ "Remembering American Bandstand's 50th [Photos]". wcbsfm.cbslocal.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 7, 2015.
56. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: grandmastafunk92 (March 20, 2009). "Rate a Record". Retrieved March 27, 2018 – via YouTube.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
57. ^ Pergament, Alan (April 19, 2012). Top of newscast salutes to Clark deserved Archived May 5, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 19, 2012.
58. ^ Bobbin, Jay (August 20, 2000). "- A friend and I were recently..." Chicago Tribune.
59. ^ White, Adam; Bronson, Fred (1993). The Billboard Book of Number One Rhythm & Blues Hits. Billboard Books:Watson-Guptill Publications, New York. p. 125\. ISBN 9780823082858. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023.
60. ^ a b Delmont, Matthew F. (September 30, 2014). "Observers Note a Lack of Negro Participation". http://nicestkids.com/nehvectors/nicest-kids/protesting-segregation-on-bandstand. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
61. ^ Kay, Jonathan. "The colour of Dick Clark's cash: Jonathan Kay on American Bandstand, race, and money in 1950s Philadelphia". National Post.
62. ^ "Dick Clark recalls having his stroke". TODAY.com. November 22, 2006. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
63. ^ Byrge, Duane (April 18, 2012). "Dick Clark Dead of Heart Attack at 82". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
64. ^ a b "American Bandstand and its Legacy". scripts.cac.psu.edu. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 7, 2015.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Matthew F. Delmont, The Nicest Kids in Town: American Bandstand, Rock'n'Roll, and the Struggle for Civil Rights in 1950s Philadelphia. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2012.
* Murray Forman, One Night on TV is Worth Weeks at the Paramount: Popular Music on Early Television. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2012.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to American Bandstand.

* American Bandstand at IMDb
* The Museum of Broadcast Communications – American Bandstand Archived August 3, 2018, at the Wayback Machine

* v
* t
* e

Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Series

1970s|

* The ABC Afternoon Playbreak ("The Other Woman") (1974)
* The ABC Afternoon Playbreak ("The Girl Who Couldn't Lose") (1975)
* First Ladies Diaries ("Edith Wilson") (1976)
* The American Woman: Portraits of Courage (1977)
* Live from Lincoln Center ("Recital of Tenor Luciano Pavarotti from the Met") (1978)
* Camera Three (1979)

1980s|

* FYI: For Your Information (1980)
* FYI: For Your Information (1981)
* FYI: For Your Information (1982)
* American Bandstand (1983)
* FYI: For Your Information (1984)
* For Our Times ("To See a World") (1985)
* Chagall's Journey / Live from Lincoln Center ("Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center with Irene Worth and Horacio Gutierrez") (1986)
* ABC Notebook ("The Children of Ellis Island") / One to Grow On / Taking Children Seriously (1987)
* No Award (1988)
* China: Walls and Bridges / James Stewart's Wonderful Life (1989)

1990s|

* No Award (1990)
* Live from Lincoln Center ("Yo-Yo Ma in Concert") (1991)
* Spaceship Earth: Our Global Environment (1992)
* Great Wonders of the World ("Wonders of Nature") (1993)
* Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (1994)
* Talk Soup (1995)
* World AIDS Day Special (1996)
* Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (1997)
* Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (1998)
* Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (1999)

2000s|

* Film Preservation Classics (2000)
* Behind the Screen with John Burke (2001)
* Behind the Screen with John Burke (2002)
* A Baby Story (2003)
* When I Was a Girl (2004)
* Starting Over (2005)
* A Baby Story (2006)
* Made (2007)
* Made (2008)
* True Life (2009)

2010s|

* The Relic Hunter with Ian Grant (2010)
* Made (2011)
* Super Soul Sunday (2012)
* Made (2013)
* Super Soul Sunday (2014)
* The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation (2015)
* Lucky Dog (2016)
* Super Soul Sunday (2017)
* Xploration Earth 2050 (2018)
* Variety Studio: Actors on Actors (2019)

2020s|

* The Day I Picked My Parents (2020)

* v
* t
* e

Children's programming on the American Broadcasting Company in the 1960s

First-run
animated series|

* Rocky and His Friends (1959–1973)
* The New Casper Cartoon Show (1963–1970)
* Hoppity Hooper (1964–1967)
* The Beatles (1965–1969)
* The Porky Pig Show
* Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales
* Milton the Monster (1965–1968)
* The King Kong Show (1966–1969)
* The Fantastic Four (1967–1970)
* Spider-Man (1967–1970)
* Journey to the Center of the Earth (1967–1969)
* George of the Jungle (1967–1970)
* The Adventures of Gulliver (1968–1970)
* Fantastic Voyage (1968–1970)
* The Smokey Bear Show (1969-1970)
* The Cattanooga Cats Show (1969–1971)
* Hot Wheels (1969–1971)
* The Hardy Boys (1969–1971)
* Skyhawks (1969–1971)

First-run
live-action series|

* Lunch with Soupy Sales (1959–1961)
* The Magic Land of Allakazam (1962–1964)
* Discovery (1962–1971)
* American Bandstand (1957–1987)
* Shenanigans (1964–1965)

Rebroadcasts|

* Top Cat (1962–1963)
* The Bugs Bunny Show (1962–1968)
* My Friend Flicka
* The Jetsons (1962–1964)
* Beany and Cecil (1962–1988)
* Buffalo Bill, Jr.
* Annie Oakley
* The Magilla Gorilla Show
* Linus the Lionhearted (1966–1969)

Related|

* Golden age of American animation
* Animation in the United States in the television era

* v
* t
* e

Children's programming on the American Broadcasting Company in the 1970s

First-run
animated series|

* The New Casper Cartoon Show (1963–70)
* The Smokey Bear Show (1969–70)
* The Cattanooga Cats Show (1969–71)
* Hot Wheels (1969–71)
* Skyhawks (1969–71)
* The Adventures of Gulliver (1968–70)
* Fantastic Voyage (1968–70)
* The Reluctant Dragon & Mr. Toad Show (1970-71)
* Will the Real Jerry Lewis Please Sit Down (1970–72)
* The Road Runner Show (1971–73)
* The Funky Phantom (1971–73)
* Jackson 5ive (1971–73)
* The Osmonds (1972–74)
* The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie (1972–74)
* The Brady Kids (1972–74)
* Kid Power (1972–74)
* Yogi's Gang (1973–75)
* Super Friends (1973–74)
* Lassie's Rescue Rangers (1973–75)
* Goober and the Ghost Chasers (1973–75)
* Mission: Magic! (1973–74)
* Hong Kong Phooey (1974–75)
* The New Adventures of Gilligan (1974–77)
* Devlin (1974–76)
* These Are the Days (1974–76)
* The Tom and Jerry Show (1975–77)
* The Great Grape Ape Show (1975–76)
* The Oddball Couple (1975–77)
* Jabberjaw (1976–78)
* The Scooby-Doo/Dynomutt Hour (1976–77)
* The Mumbly Cartoon Show (1976–77)
* Dynomutt, Dog Wonder (1976–77)
* The All-New Super Friends Hour (1977–78)
* Scooby's All-Star Laff-A-Lympics (The Scooby-Doo Show
* Laff-A-Lympics
* Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels) (1977–79)
* Fangface (1978–79)
* Challenge of the Superfriends (1978–79)
* The All-New Pink Panther Show (1978–79)
* The World's Greatest SuperFriends (1979–80)
* The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show (Mighty Man and Yukk
* Rickety Rocket) (1979–81)
* Spider-Woman (1979–80)
* Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979–80)

First-run
live-action series|

* American Bandstand (1957–87)
* Discovery (1962-71)
* Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp (1970–72)
* Here Come the Double Deckers! (1970–72)
* Lidsville (1971–73)
* Curiosity Shop (1971–73)
* Make a Wish (1971–76)
* Korg: 70,000 B.C. (1974–75)
* The Lost Saucer (1975–76)
* Uncle Croc's Block (1975–76)
* The Krofft Supershow (1976–78)
* Bigfoot and Wildboy
* Dr. Shrinker
* Electra Woman and Dyna Girl
* Magic Mongo
* Wonderbug
* Junior Almost Anything Goes (1976–78)
* Animals, Animals, Animals (1976–81)
* ABC Weekend Special (1977–97)
* Kids Are People Too (1978–82)

Rebroadcasts|

* George of the Jungle (1967–70)
* Bewitched (1971–73)
* Jonny Quest (1970–72)
* H.R. Pufnstuf (1972–73)
* The Monkees (1972–73)
* Speed Buggy (1975-76)
* Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1978)
* The Bugs Bunny Show (1973–75)

Related topics|

* Animation in the United States in the television era

* v
* t
* e

Children's programming on the American Broadcasting Company in the 1980s

First-run
animated series|

* The World's Greatest SuperFriends (1979–80)
* The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show (Mighty Man and Yukk
* Fangface
* Rickety Rocket) (1979–80)
* Spider-Woman (1979–80)
* Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979–80)
* Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels (1977–80)
* Super Friends (1980-82)
* The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang (1980–82)
* Richie Rich (1980–84)
* Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (shorts) (1980–82)
* Thundarr the Barbarian (1980–82)
* The Heathcliff and Dingbat Show (1980–82)
* Laverne & Shirley in the Army (1981–82)
* Goldie Gold and Action Jack (1981–82)
* Pac-Man (1982–84)
* The Little Rascals (1982–84)
* Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour (1982–83)
* The Scooby & Scrappy-Doo/Puppy Hour (1982–83)
* The Puppy's Further Adventures (1982–84)
* Monchhichis (1983–84)
* Rubik, the Amazing Cube (1983–84, 1985)
* The Littles (1983–86)
* Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show (1984–85)
* Mighty Orbots (1984–85)
* Turbo Teen (1984–85)
* Dragon's Lair (1984–85)
* Wolf Rock TV (1984)
* The New Scooby and Scrappy-Doo Show/The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries (1983–85)
* Adventures of the Gummi Bears (1985–90)
* Ewoks (1985–87)
* Droids (1985–86)
* The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians (1985–86)
* The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo (1985)
* Pound Puppies (1986–88)
* The Care Bears Family (1986–88)
* The Flintstone Kids (1986–89)
* The Real Ghostbusters (1986–91)
* My Pet Monster (1987–88)
* The Little Clowns of Happytown (1987-88)
* Little Wizards (1987-88)
* The New Adventures of Beany and Cecil (1988)
* The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1988–1991)
* A Pup Named Scooby-Doo (1988–91)
* Beetlejuice (1989–92)

First-run
live-action series|

* ABC Weekend Special (1977–97)
* American Bandstand (1957–87)
* Animals, Animals, Animals (1976–81)
* Kids Are People Too (1978–82)
* Menudo on ABC (1983–85)
* ABC Funfit (1985)
* ABC Fun Facts (1988)

Rebroadcasts|

* The Best of Scooby-Doo (1983–84)
* The Bugs Bunny Show (1985–2000)
* Scary Scooby Funnies (1984–85)
* Scooby's Mystery Funhouse (1985–86)
* Pink Panther and Sons (1986)
* The Wuzzles (1986–87)

Related|

* Animation in the United States in the television era
* Modern animation in the United States

* v
* t
* e

USA Network original programming

Current|

* Barmageddon (since 2022)
* Scare Tactics (season 6; since 2024)
* WWE SmackDown (2016–19; since 2024)
* Resident Alien (season 4; since 2025)

Sports|

* AMA Supercross Championship (since 2022)
* College basketball (since 2022)
* Golf (since 2022)
* NASCAR (since 2022)
* Olympics (since 2008)
* Premier League (since 2014)
* Thoroughbred Racing (since 2022)

Upcoming|

* The Rainmaker (2025)
* NBA on NBC (2025)
* WNBA on NBC (2026)

Former|

| 1970s debuts|

* Calliope (1978–93)
* NBA on USA (1979–84)
* NHL on USA (1979–85, 2015–21)
* USA Network Thursday Night Baseball (1979–83)
* Video Concert Hall (1978–81)

|

1980s debuts|

* Airwolf (1987)
* Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1987–89)
* American Bandstand (1989)
* Bumper Stumpers (1987–90)
* Camp Midnite (1989)
* Chain Reaction (1986–91)
* College Basketball on USA (1982–88)
* College Football on USA (1980–86, 2020)
* Commander USA's Groovie Movies (1985–89)
* Dance Party USA (1986–92)
* The Dick Cavett Show (1985–86)
* Golf on USA (1982–2007, 2010)
* The Hitchhiker (1989–91)
* Jackpot (1985–88)
* Love Me, Love Me Not (1986–87)
* Major Indoor Soccer League (1982–83)
* Mazda SportsLook (1981–82)
* North American Soccer League (1982–83)
* Night Flight (1981–88)
* PBA on USA (1982–84)
* Radio 1990 (1983–86)
* Sanchez of Bel Air (1986)
* Southwest Championship Wrestling (1982–83)
* Survivor Series Showdown (1989–93)
* U.S. Open Tennis Championship (1984–2008)
* Tuesday Night Titans (1984–86)
* USA Cartoon Express (1982–96)
* USA Saturday Nightmares (1984–94)
* USA Tuesday Night Fights (1982–98)
* USA Up All Night (1989–98)
* Westminster Dog Show (1984–2003)
* WWF All American Wrestling (1983–94)
* WWF Prime Time Wrestling (1985–93)

1990s debuts|

* Beyond Reality (1991–93)
* The Big Date (1996–97)
* The Big Easy (1996–97)
* Campus Cops (1996)
* Claude's Crib (1997)
* Counterstrike (1990–93)
* Duckman (1994–97)
* Farmclub.com (1999–2000)
* G vs E (1999)
* Highlander: The Animated Series (1994–95)
* Journey to the Center of the Earth (1999)
* La Femme Nikita (1997–2001)
* Lost on Earth (1997)
* March to WrestleMania (1992–94)
* Moby Dick (1998)
* Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (1996–98)
* The Net (1998–99)
* Pacific Blue (1996–2000)
* Renegade (1996–97)
* The Savage Dragon (1995–98)
* Silk Stalkings (1993–99)
* Street Fighter (1995–98)
* Strip Poker (1999–2000)
* SummerSlam Spectacular (1991–93)
* The Superman/Batman Adventures (1995–96)
* Swamp Thing (1990–93)
* Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills (1994–95)
* TekWar (1994–96)
* Ultraforce (1996–98)
* USA Action Extreme Team (1995–98)
* USA Gonzo Games (1991)
* USA High (1997–99)
* Weird Science (1994–98)
* Wing Commander Academy (1996–98)
* World League of American Football (1991–92)
* WWF Action Zone (1994–96)
* WWF Heat (1998–2000)
* WWF LiveWire (1996–2000)
* WWF Mania (1993–96)
* WWE Raw (1993–2000; 2005–24)
* WWF Superstars (1996–2000)

2000s debuts|

* The 4400 (2004–07)
* Burn Notice (2007–13)
* Cannonball Run 2001 (2001)
* Combat Missions (2002)
* Cover Me (2000–01)
* Crush (2000)
* The Dead Zone (2002–07)
* Dr. Steve-O (2007)
* Eco-Challenge (2000–02)
* Helen of Troy (2003)
* The Huntress (2000–01)
* In Plain Sight (2008–12)
* Kojak (2005)
* Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2007–11)
* Manhattan, AZ (2000)
* Monk (2002–09)
* Nashville Star (2003–07)
* Peacemakers (2003)
* Psych (2006–14)
* Royal Pains (2009–16)
* Smush (2001)
* Spartacus (2004)
* The Starter Wife
* miniseries (2007)
* TV series (2008)
* To Love and Die (2008)
* Touching Evil (2004)
* Traffic (2004)
* Underfunded (2006)
* The War Next Door (2000)
* White Collar (2009–14)

2010s debuts|

* American Ninja Warrior: Ninja vs. Ninja (2017–18)
* Benched (2014)
* Chrisley Knows Best (2014–23)
* Colony (2016–18)
* Common Law (2012)
* Complications (2015)
* Covert Affairs (2010–14)
* Damnation (2017–18)
* Dare Me (2019–20)
* Dig (2015)
* Donny! (2015)
* Eyewitness (2016)
* Fairly Legal (2011–12)
* Falling Water (2016–18)
* First Impressions (2016)
* Graceland (2013–15)
* Miz & Mrs. (2018–22)
* Mr. Robot (2015–19)
* Necessary Roughness (2011–13)
* Pearson (2019)
* Playing House (2014–17)
* Political Animals (2012)
* The Purge (2018–19)
* Queen of the South (2016–21)
* Rush (2014)
* Satisfaction (2014–15)
* Shooter (2016–18)
* The Sinner (2017–21)
* Sirens (2014–15)
* Straight Up Steve Austin (2019–21)
* Suits (2011–19)
* Temptation Island (2019–23)
* Treadstone (2019)
* Unsolved (2018)
* WWE NXT (2019–24)
* WWE Tough Enough (2011)

2020s debuts|

* America's Big Deal (2021)
* The Biggest Loser (2020)
* Briarpatch (2020)
* Cannonball (2020)
* Chucky (2021–24)
* The Courtship (2022)
* Dirty John (2020)
* IndyCar Series on USA (2022–24)
* Snake in the Grass (2022)

*[No.]: Number
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template