Dick Clark, ‘American Bandstand’ legend, dies at 82

Dick Clark, a television host who sold rock-and-roll to America on “American Bandstand” and counted down the new year with millions of TV viewers, died after a massive heart attack. He was 82.

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Dick Clark looks over some papers during an “American Bandstand” show in Philadelphia in this undated photo. “American Bandstand” first aired as a local show in Philadelphia, gained popularity with host Dick Clark after he joined the program in 1956 and then went national in 1957.

/ AP

1957

Dick Clark is surrounded by fans during a television broadcast of "American Bandstand."

/ AP

Teens dance during “American Bandstand” in Philadelphia in this undated photo.

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1959

Dick Clark films his wife, Barbara, and their son, Richard Augustus Clark II, at their home in Drexel Hills, Pa.

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Feb. 3, 1959

Dick Clark selects a record in his station library in Philadelphia.

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May 3, 1960

A group of teens from Lane High School at Charlottesville, Va., get autographs from Dick Clark, television disc jockey, during a break in his appearance before the House Legislative Oversight Subcommittee in Washington.

Charles Gorry / AP

April 29, 1960

Dick Clark, left, as he told House investigators that he never took payola.

July 26, 1960

Television star Dick Clark, his wife, Barbara, and their son, Richard, outside their home near Philadelphia.

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July 26, 1960

Dick Clark and wife Barbara with their son, Richard, 3, at their home near Philadelphia.

/ AP

1965

Dick Clark is seen in action as executive director of ABC-TV's new musical variety show, "Where The Action Is." Clark built a production complex of varied entertainment for teens.

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1973

Dick Clark presents the “Rock and Roll Year” — a musical portrait of the 1950s and 1960s on the ABC television network in a series of five specials.

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December 1980

Dick Clark broadcasts for ABC.

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1982

Dick Clark, right, and Redskin quarterback Joe Theismann at a party for Clark's radio show on WLTT-FM.

Gary Cameron / The Washington Post

March 31, 1982

Dick Clark, right, gestures toward the "American Bandstand" display at the Smithsonian American History Museum.

Gerald Martineau / The Washington Post

March 31, 1982

Dick Clark, left, talks with teenage fans at the Smithsonian's dedication of his "American Bandstand" exhibit.

Gerald Martineau / The Washington Post

1981

TV host Dick Clark shines a new sign that changes a portion of Philadelphia's Market Street to American Bandstand Boulevard.

Ludwig / AP

1986

Diahann Carroll with date Vic Damone at United Negro College Fund reception at Dick Clark's home in Los Angeles. At right is Robin Givens.

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"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" on the ABC Television Network ushered in the new year from Times Square in New York.

Craig Sjodin / ABC via Getty Images

Jan. 24, 1993

Executive producer Dick Clark, left, and Michael Jackson go over the script during rehearsals for “The American Music Awards” at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

/ AP

1993

Dick Clark hosts a one-hour special featuring all-new bloopers and uncensored outtakes from TV's most popular shows.

Chris Haston / NBC

April 20, 2002

Dick Clark poses for photographers with members of the Village People during a taping of "American Bandstand's 50th...A Celebration" in Pasadena, Calif.

Jim Ruymen / Reuters

2002

Stevie Wonder is embraced by Dick Clark during a moment before the taping of the American Bandstand 50th Anniversary Celebration in Pasadena, Calif.

E.J. Flynn / AP

2002

Dick Clark, host of “American Bandstand,” introduces Michael Jackson on stage during a taping of the show's 50th anniversary special in Pasadena, Calif.

Kevork Djansezian / AP

Jan. 11, 2003

Dick Clark greets singer Christina Aguilera during rehearsals for the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.

MARK J. TERRILL / AP

2003

For the 31st consecutive year, Dick Clark led America into the New Year from Times Square in New York, on “Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2003.”

Donna Svennevik / ABC

Dec. 31, 2007

Dick Clark receives his annual New Year's kiss from his wife, Kari, as they welcome in 2008 during the 35th anniversary showing of “Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve” at Times Square.

/ Getty Images/ABC

June 27, 2010

Dick Clark is seen after the American Bandstand Tribute at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Las Vegas.

Eric Jamison / AP

April 18, 2012

Flowers rest on Dick Clark's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Damian Dovarganes / AP

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