Dick Clark Biography

Fast Facts

• Began his career as a radio announcer at WRUN in Utica, NY, at the age of 17
• Hosted American Bandstand from 1956 to '89; the show moved from WFIL in Philadelphia to the ABC network in 1957 and became an after-school staple for a generation of teenagers
• Introduced numerous recording artists' first TV appearances, including Buddy Holly, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and Madonna
• Created The American Music Awards in 1973
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993
• After suffering a minor stroke in December 2004, was not able to host the New Year's Rockin' Eve festivities on ABC as he had done the previous 32 years; returned as a cohost in 2005 alongside Ryan Seacrest
• Had a rose named after him in 2011, and the All-American Rose Selection winner debuted on a Camelot-theme float at the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Cal