Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
(CBS/AP) Dick Clark, who died Wednesday at the age of 82, was more than just a TV host. For generations of Americans, he was the person who helped shape key memories in their lives.
As the host of "American Bandstand," he showed viewers how to dance and what music to listen to. He also helped many celebrate the New Year with his annual "New Year's Rockin' Eve" special.
Pictures: Dick Clark, 1929-2012
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Clark's reign extended far beyond "Bandstand." He had a radio show, formed his own production company and created the American Music Awards.
Keep clicking for a timeline of highlights from Clark's career.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1952
Moves to Philadelphia from his native New York, joins radio station WFIL as a disc jockey.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1956
Joins "American Bandstand'' as host, replacing original host Bob Horn. Under Clark's guidance, it's transformed from a local Philadelphia show to a national phenomenon.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1957
Forms a production company, later named Dick Clark Productions, the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial success.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1960
Is called to testify during a Congressional investigation of "payola,'' or bribery in the record and radio industry. Cleared of any suspicions, he's required by ABC to divest himself of record-company interests.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1963
Hosts "The Dick Clark Radio Show," an early attempt at radio syndication that lasted less than a year.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1972
Produces and hosts "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.''
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1973
Hosts "The $10,000 Pyramid," which in different versions brought him multiple Emmy Awards for best game show host.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1974
Creates the American Music Awards at the request of ABC, which lost the broadcast rights to the Grammy Awards.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1987
His "American Bandstand,'' one of network TV's longest-lived series as part of ABC's daytime lineup starting in 1957, ends its network run, moves to syndication.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1989
Produces an "American Bandstand" series for USA Network, with new host David Hirsch, which runs for less than a year.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
1993
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Clark, who condemned censorship and gave black performers their due, is saluted for defending pop artists and artistic freedom.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
2001
Co-hosts "The Other Half," a syndicated daytime talk show for male viewers, with Mario Lopez, Danny Bonaduce and Dorian Gregory.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
2002
Produces "American Dreams," an NBC drama about a Philadelphia teenager who's a regular on "American Bandstand."
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
2004
Suffers a December stroke, is forced to miss his annual appearance on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve." He returns the next year, despite impaired speech, and is praised by stroke victims and others for his bravery.
Dick Clark: A timeline of career highlights from "American Bandstand" and beyond
2006
Honored at the Emmy Awards, he tells the crowd: "I have accomplished my childhood dream, to be in show business. Everybody should be so lucky to have their dreams come true.''