DICK CLARK 1929-2012

Wow, yet another great loss! Within the past couple of weeks, I had started watching the old $25,000 Pyramid shows once again and began wondering how he was doing(in between admirations of Markie Post's skills at giving out first-rate category clues). I had caught glimpses of him during the last couple of year-end specials, but I kept switching channels because there was only so much modern music that this old DJ could stomach!

Mr. Clark was a big part of my youth. Besides hosting one of the greatest game shows of all time, he also introduced me to many classic oldies through his weekend nationally syndicated radio show "Rock, Roll And Remember." After taking in a full morning's worth of Saturday cartoons, I then looked forward to him introducing me to countless new musical acts on American Bandstand. No one could deny the impact that show had on the record-buying public; it was the MTV of its time. Don't get me wrong, Don Kirshner and The Midnight Special were great shows too, but most parents wouldn't let their kids watch TV that late(my parents never caught me - ah, the advantages of an attic room!).

I am paying tribute by throwing Barry Manilow's classic '75 track "Bandstand Boogie" into the rotation for a couple of weeks, so keep your ears open, put on your dancing shoes, and reflect on all of those great AB moments.

Speaking of Barry, most of us who grew up in the 70's and 80's will remember his singing "It's just another New Year's Eve, another night like all the rest..." That won't be the case this year; "New Year's Rockin' Eve" will never be the same again. I am really hoping that Ryan Seacrest and his co-anchors will make sure that Dick gets a proper tribute.

And now back to our regular programming. Here's hoping that these tunes will continue making us think young; that's the way Dick would have wanted it!