Simon Cowell, from "American Idol", hosted a tribute-segment to Clark who was on hand to receive a standing ovation.
In addition, Barry Manilow, sung his rendition of the theme from Clark's signature TV show, "American Bandstand".
Clark, still recovering from a 2004 stroke, said a few touching words to the gathered audience of celebrities. He acknowledged his long run in entertainment, summing it all up by saying, “Everybody should be so lucky to have their dreams come true...”
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 most popular songs with a backdrop of teens dancing. Clark was a regular substitute on the show and in July, 1956, Horn left and Clark became the regular host.
After its success there, the show was syndicated on ABC and the name was changed to "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.
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.
