Some people forget – or never knew – that Clark, now 76, began his career as a deejay.
Dick Clark was born Richard Wagstaff Clark on November 30, 1929 in Bronxville, New York
Clark’s first radio job came at 17 with WRUN in Utica, New York, where he was both a weatherman and news announcer. He attended Syracuse University and after graduation took a job as a TV anchorman at WKTV.
In 1952, Clark moved to Philadelphia and began a DJ job on WFIL. WFIL had a sister TV station with the same call letters. On it was a show called Bob Horn's Bandstand. The show played the hit records of the day using teenagers dancing as a backdrop. Clark was a regular substitute on the show and in July, 1956, Horn left and Clark became the regular host.
Based on its success in Philadelphia, the show was syndicated on the ABC Television Network as American Bandstand.
Clark's good fortunes enabled him to invest in the music publishing and the recording industry. But, in the late 1950s a “payola” scandal hit the music and broadcasting businesses. Clark, among many others, was called to testify in from of the United States Senate during an investigation.
Dick Clark was not charged with any illegal activities. But, afterwards, ABC forced Clark to sell off his publishing and recording interests.
Clark still has ties to Radio. He is host of Dick Clark's Rock Roll & Remember, a weekly 4-hour show syndicated by United Stations Radio Network.
From his humble radio beginnings to great successes in television including shows like “The 10,000 Pyramid”, “The 25,000 Pyramid”, and “TV Bloopers & Practical Jokes”, Dick Clark has entertained America for decades.
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve debuted in 1972 and can be seen this year on ABC beginning at 10:00 p.m. (ET & PT)
