"American Bandstand's" 50th Anniversary

Dick Clark's Famous Show Predates The MTV Generation, But Is Largely Responsible For It

(CBS)  Frankie Avalon and Deborah Gibson represent two different eras of "American Bandstand" — the 1950s and 1980s respectively — but are coming together to honor the 50th anniversary of the show hosted by legendary Dick Clark.

In honor of the occasion, a special collection of CDs featuring some of the best music of the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '80s will go on sale later this month featuring some of the artists who can thank the show for their fame.

Gibson was just a teenager when she was on the show in the late 1980s towards the end of its run. She said she knew she was part of something special when she was asked to be on the show.

2"It meant a lot," she told The Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. "Being a kid and being in the music business you might have thought ... you would have thought I would (do) MTV or something like that, but I grew up on — I loved '50s and '60s music and I thought, 'Oh my God, Dick Clark is about to introduce me. He's about to say my name and introduce my song.' You feel like a part of music history when that happens."

Avalon said he appeared on the show to sing his big hit "Venus" 50 years ago. A native of Philadelphia, Avalon was on the show was it was still based in his hometown so it had even more meaning for him.

"It wasn't just guys like myself singing those songs that people were buying, the kids were buying," he said. "Five million kids a day watched 'American Bandstand' for many reasons. Dick Clark had that relationship with the kids, the artist."

3"American Bandstand" was the precursor to "TRL," the popular MTV show that many young people watch each day. Just like it's important for an artist with a new record to appear on that show, it was important for them to go on "Bandstand."

"If you had a record breaking or on the verge of breaking you know it would be pushed over the edge after being on 'American Bandstand,' " Avalon said. "It was like having a stamp of approval."

Going on that show made Avalon a teen sensation who could barely walk down the street without being mobbed by fans.

"In 1956 in high school, nobody screamed or yelled for Frankie, you know," he said. "But all of a sudden, one year later, I've got this song called 'Dede Dinah' and I can't walk down the street here in New York City or anyplace … It was the most exciting time of my life."

Gibson and Avalon will host an infomercial to promote the "American Bandstand" starting Aug. 24.

"You know, I always say music is like the soundtrack to our lives," Gibson said. "You always remember where you were and what you were doing, who you were dating, when you hear a song. This is the most complete history lesson."

[michellem99-2009]

It was not allowed in the foster homes. Foster mothers felt that kind of music warped young persons..It did not. I loved the song Dizzy as it has a good beat to it. I was 10 when I heard that song. Harper Vally PTA..Goodness. I have seen the show. That is the good olde days.Janet Jackson was on there as Mr. Clark aksed her about the key she wore on an earring. She said something about animals and that why the key.

[patbobat]

I can''t remember the names of the couple that were on the very early American Bandstand show. Everyone just thought they were the hippest couple .... kind of a "Barbie and Ken" type of thing. LOL
Anyone remember?
Pat

[frb01]

Deborah Gibson was much more than just a one hit wonder, writer, producer, singer. She has continued to record over the years, like many of the artists of her era and before she just doesn''t get airplay. Spent her 20''s and early 30''s on Broadway and the like. She has a lot of talent and has a personality to go with it. Outspoken at times, I don''t know why no one ever saw her as TV material.

[thgdriver]

The CBS sensor won''t let us use the word DIC+K here. It''s absurd!!

[emma915]

I remember running home from school to watch American Bandstand on TV. The "equivalent" in Pittsburgh was called "Bandstand," and I was on it when our school was invited to attend. How disappointed we were when the artists mimed their songs and were so far from the bleachers we sat on that we couldn''t even see them up close! But AMERICAN Bandstand was the best! The songs had meaning! Even between the doo-***-wops and la-la-la-la-las, there was a moral to the song. . . And, the kids on the show gave positive proof that you CAN dance with clothes on.

[thgdriver]

I always figured DicC Clark had a picture changing and aging in his attic. Hope everybody knows what I am talking about.

[adak4]

When I hear "I''m So Lonesome I Could Cry" by B.J. Thomas I always think of my high school flame Larry from Alabama. When I hear "This Magic Moment" by Jay and the American''s I always think of my first husband, Tom from Michigan. When I hear "I Just Called to Say I Love You" by Steve Wonder I always think (unfortunately) of my second husband Ron from Ohio. And the best of all is when I hear "Does He Love You" by Reba McEntire and think loving thoughts about my husband James, from Kentucky. Every song I hear on the radio has a memory attached to it. Some are good and some make me cry...but I always know I am alive and living life to its fullest.

[jane12357]

I would like you to know that NO she was NOT at all a one hit wonder. She was actually at age of 17 the youngest female artist to write, produce and perform a #1 hit "Foolish Beat" ( a record still held proudly today) off her debut album Out Of The Blue certified triple platinum. With her second album Electric Youth (certified triple platinum) she acheived 2 more honors 1: Charted both Electric Youth album and single "Lost In Your Eyes" #1 simultaneously. 2: She tied Bruce Springsteen that year for ASCAP songwriter of the year for that song. Today she continues giving shows around the U.S for her devoted fans, and has enjoyed many leading roles on Broadway.

[jack3213]

I can certainly relate to that fabulous era, the American Bandstand TV show was prominant in my home and very engaging and fun, which also created many new muscians that turned famous. What I can''t understnd is why they would use Debbie Gibson with good ole Frankie?? Can''t they come up with someone more suitable for the vast amount of talent that is available? Wasn''t she a one hit wonder? Anyway, I also think it is a reminder of how wonderful *** Clark was in his prime day. Thanks!