american bandstand regulars who have died

The shows were usually produced in either Stage 54 or Stage 55 at ABC Television Center. As two or three stations grab it off, you get less clearance, therefore you get less rating, and its an endless cycle. We'll see you then. This more-familiar version of Bandstand debuted on October 7, 1952, in "Studio 'B'", which was located in their just-completed addition to the original 1947 building in West Philadelphia.mw-parser-output .citation{word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}^ , and was hosted by Horn, with Lee Stewart as co-host until 1955. "He made me feel that if you want something in life, you have to be serious about it.". For a time, she dated a neighborhood boy, Danny Rapp, lead singer of Danny & the Juniors, who had the hit song At the Hop., I was so afraid that I started trying to talk myself into being straight, Sullivan says. While occasionally black teens were allowed into the studio, they were generally boys. Click here to see some of your favorites back in action. Thanks for contacting us. Hey, our thanks to Laura Branigan for joining us here on American Bandstand today. They were introduced as a result of an email sent to the Fifties Web. This historical marker recalls Dick Clarks American Bandstand, which was broadcast from West Philadelphia from 1957 to 1964. . From 1969 to 1974, "Bandstand Theme", a synthesized rock instrumental written by Mike Curb, opened each show. Dick Clark, wherever you are, we miss you. Unlike Smith, she expresses no animosity toward Clark. . "Dick Clark introduced records, and the camera followed teenagers as they selected partners to dance," writes historian Matthew Delmont. Dick Clark, in full Richard Wagstaff Clark, (born November 30, 1929, Bronxville, New York, U.S.died April 18, 2012, Santa Monica, California), American television personality and businessman, best known for hosting American Bandstand. He will never forget one of his first days on Bandstand. In March of 1970 we moved to New Jersey. It became a national institution and Dick Clark a celebrity. At the time, unless a broadcaster failed to report under-the-table income (federal income tax evasion), payola wasnt illegal in federal law. BUT he was out for Clark., Sullivan claims there were four other popular girl dancers on the show whom she knew to be lesbians, and they hung out together. Variety Shows They knew what was going on, but they never asked the question., Sullivan says there were at least four other popular girl dancers on Bandstand who she quickly learned were lesbians and we all started hanging out together. . Out filmmaker Christopher Landon spills the spooky tea on his new movie and working with the 'White Lotus' star. American Bandstand started life as a Philadelphia TV show in 1952, with Bob Horn as master of ceremonies. She says she never had a crush on a straight dancer, and was close friends with celebrity guest Annette Funicello. The guy who had been in charge of the show before he took over was the subject of a scandal a DUI, I think so Clark wanted to be the clean-cut guy, and he was. Interracial couples were not allowed on camera, so they sat on the sidelines. However unethical his behavior may have been, his federal income tax records seemed to be in order. Mrs. Spada attended West Catholic Girls High School. Another time, a dancer was thrown onto the subway tracks. On December 27 Bunny Gibson, American Bandstand Regular from 1959-1962, married Duke Tirschel in Chattanooga , Tennessee. A funeral director in Newtown Square confirmed Monday night that Mrs. Spada had died, but declined to divulge the details before meeting with her family. News Shows In late spring of 1957, the ABC television network asked their O&O's and affiliates for programming suggestions to fill their 3:30p.m. (ET) time slot (WFIL had been pre-empting the ABC programming with Bandstand). "When I walked through those doors, that was the only place I wanted to be," said Gibson, 66, an actress who now lives in Los Angeles. For a brief time in 1973, Bandstand alternated its time slot with Soul Unlimited,[10] a show featuring soul music that was hosted by Buster Jones. Back in July, I received a most endearing email from Duke which told of his experiences in life. From September 13, 1986, to September 5, 1987, Manilow's version was replaced at the close of the show by a new closing theme arranged by David Russo, who also performed an updated instrumental arrangement of "Bandstand Boogie" when Bandstand went into syndication. I was so afraid that I started trying to talk myself into being straight. That might have had something to do with the scandal that surrounded the departure of his predecessor, Bob Horn, who faced a drunken-driving arrest and morals charges. But we were like a little family together, and we all had something in common, and we all stuck together, and that made it easier for us.. Well, it's our last show here on Bandstand and I really want to thank the viewers who have kept American Bandstand on the air all these years. Clark was a disc jockey at the student-run radio station at Syracuse University (1951), and he worked at radio and television stations in Syracuse and Utica . Once a week, she goes to a hop thrown by another Bandstand original, 76-year-old Philadelphia radio and TV personality Jerry Blavat, who bills himself as The Geator with the Heater and The Boss with the Hot Sauce.. Clark "was very all-American, handsome, and nice, a father figure to us," she recalled. TV Ratings - US & UK, Quiz Shows Bandstand debuted in Philadelphia in 1950 and took on its familiar format two years later. My favorite dance was the Jitterbug the last dance where people danced together. Dick Clark was a TV personality known for the shows 'American Bandstand,' '$25,000 Pyramid' and 'TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes,' among others. But it was not easy on the mean streets of Philadelphia to be a Bandstand regular suspected of being gay. Score: 4.4/5 (45 votes) . The dark-complexioned, wavy-haired Sullivan6bolstered American Bandstands image as a show dominated by Italian-American teens. A show where well-dressed teens gently bop around to the big hits while maintaining an appropriate distance apart hardly seems like it would be a hot bed of sexual experimentation, but American Bandstand apparently featured a crew of Philadelphia kids who had more than dancing in common. All rock'n roll and most owned by Dick Clark himself. When Gibson moved from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in the 1980s, she paid Clark a call at his office. ", "Forty years after 'Bandstand' debut, Clark and dancers celebrate", "ORIGINAL DANCERS WILL GRANDSTAND AT 'BANDSTAND' REUNION", "American Bandstand, Season 30, Episode 38: Laura Brannigan (Final ABC show)", "Dick Clark's On a Roll: He Tunes In to TV Trends", "Dick Clark celebrates American Bandstand's 35th", "RETRO: Fairbanks, Alaska (October 24, 1987)", "Retro: Northern Wisconsin, Sat. "My heart hurts," said Gibson, a regular from 1959 to 1961. WFIL reverted to the TK-10s two weeks later when ABC refused to carry the color signal and management realized that the show lost perspective without the extra cameras. Its original host was fired after a DWI arrest and in July 1956 a young radio DJ took over. He spoke of his youth, of Bandstand and his favorite gal, Bunny. I didnt know what I was doing and decided I cant do this, and I called my dad and asked him to come get me, she says. Sadly we also lost: I was SO mixed up., Today, Arlene Sullivan lives with a partner and, despite having suffered strokes, still loves to dance. And while more openly gay performers are comfortable taking the stage these days, it's good to know we've always been thereeven if in silence. Where things are poppin'(Pop!) And he has the one criteria required to attract Bunny Gibson. I went to coffee shops, but I also hung out in Rittenhouse Square and so did many of the dancers. Dick Clark Productions is credited as the show's co-producer, and longtime employee Allen Shapiro serves as co-executive producer. Dick Clark 1929 2012, Dick Clark with Johnny Crawford. One market not telecasting Bandstand was Baltimore, Maryland, as local affiliate WAAM (now WJZ-TV) elected to produce a local dance show in the same afternoon time slot. It was briefly shot in color in 1958 when WFIL-TV began experimenting with the new technology. From that dance on we became steady dance partners until I had to leave the show on my 18th birthday, which was in August of 1961., The Pony Contest She was 13 but lied about her age. In addition to appearances by big pop stars of the day, Sullivan's on-screen romance with Kenny Rossi was a huge draw for the show. This version introduced lyrics written by Manilow and Bruce Sussman, referencing elements of the series. The Philadelphia high school Regulars who danced on Dick Clark's American Bandstand in the late 1950s and early 1960s became national celebrities and America's first reality stars. Sullivan was almost 14, the required age for the show, when she became a Regular. There were occasional shows that were not hosted by Clark, in which case a substitute host (among them Rick Azar) was brought in.[6]. Briefly it was part of the USA Network with new host David Hirsh but went off the air in 1989. They are extending the honeymoon in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where Duke has called home. James Morgan, who danced 17 times on Bandstand and stayed interested in it over the years, said Mrs. Spada had run a beauty parlor in the suburbs. "With Bandstand, WFIL resolved this tension by drawing on Philadelphia's interracial music scene to create an entertaining and profitable television show, while refusing to allow the city's black teenagers into the studio audience for fear of alienating viewers and advertisers. Bandstand Diaries shares some public information and photos about Frani (page 84). ". When cute young teenagers Arlene Sullivan and Kenny Rossi slow danced together on American Bandstand back in the late 50s and early 60s, kids across the country swooned. "After that, it was history.". I never had a crush on her. . Arlene Sullivan, one of the most popularAmerican Bandstandregulars, presents another perspective on the shows closeted world. From the late 1950s and most of the 1960s, Clark's on-camera sidekick was announcer Charlie O'Donnell, who later went on to announce Wheel of Fortune and other programs hosted or produced by Clark, such as The $100,000 Pyramid. Dick Clark died on April 18, 2012, at the age of 82. LOS ANGELES - APRIL 1960: Host of the television show 'American Bandstand' Dick Clark appears in a scene with Michael Callan from the movie 'Because They're Young' which was released in April 1960. Sullivan and the other dancers often congregated in Rittenhouse Square, the historic epicenter of what is known as the City of Brotherly Loves Gayborhood. There even was chatter and fear that Clark, who died at 82 in 2012, sent members of his production staff to spy on them and report back the names of the suspected gay regulars. Hundreds of kids lined up each day hoping to be one of the few lucky ones who got to dance alongside the Regulars and share part of the magic that was American Bandstand. She and her husband, Richard Spada, lived in Philadelphia and Lansdowne before moving to Newtown Square. However, the couple will shortly be returning to Los Angeles, which will be their permanent residence. He molded the image of the American teenager so America would accept rock-and-roll.". When he became a regular in 1959, Clark was only 30. [42] American Bandstand was a daily ritual for many teenagers throughout the nation. Handbags - Formal Wear. Teen idol Bobby Rydell, whose music career is still going strong 60 years after American Bandstand, wrote the books introduction; but former Regular Arlene Sullivan, who shares her memories and personal images, is a standout as well as a co-author of the book. ", Meet the Global Glamazons of 'Queen of the Universe' Season 2. Who will walk away with the crown this time around? Like Smith, she believes that if her true sexual preference and that of others on the show had become public in the days before Stonewall and todays LGBT power, Bandstand would have been taken off the air. In 1989, Clark, aged 59, retired fromAmerica Bandstand, and the show ended that year. In fact, she was "the first female car racer at Cecil County Drag Strip," according. . 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Horn, however, was disenchanted with the program, and wanted to change the show to a dance program with teenagers dancing along on camera as records played, based on an idea that came from a radio show on WPEN, The 950 Club, hosted by Joe Grady and Ed Hurst. "He made sure the guys wore suits and we were dressed properly. . Oddly enough, I have never checked with the other Regulars to get their feedback. Nicholas Fiorentino, 67, a South Philly native now living in Cherry Hill, said it was clear even to Bandstand teenagers that Clark was going places. Sullivans last appearance onAmerican Bandstandwas in 1960.7, In the early 1960s, a new collection of teen regulars succeeded Arlene Sullivans generation onAmerican Bandstandsdance floor. "If you got in front of the camera too much, he'd call you back and tell you to circulate. [6] Jackson,American Bandstand, 71; Jacksons description of Arlene Sullivan. Like the white homeowners associations' concerns about property values, WFIL's version of defensive localism built on a belief that integration would hurt the station's investment in Bandstand. My friends went to church dances every Friday and Saturday night. Clark continued as host of the series, which was restored to its former hour length,[22] and aired on stations including KYW-TV in Philadelphia; WWOR-TV in New York City[23] (WWOR's superstation status also gave the program further national exposure); KTLA in Los Angeles; WMAQ-TV in Chicago; WDIV in Detroit; WEWS in Cleveland; WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee;[24] and WCIX in Miami.[25]. Wfil had been pre-empting the ABC programming with Bandstand ) dances every Friday and Saturday night generally boys host fired... Curb, opened each show was fired after a DWI arrest and in July 1956 a young radio took. As a result of an email sent to the Fifties Web 'Queen the. Miss you sure the guys wore suits and we were dressed properly have! The 1980s, she was & quot ; according 55 at ABC Television Center extending the honeymoon Stone! Suits and we were dressed properly 1959, Clark, wherever you,! West Philadelphia from 1957 to 1964., I received a most endearing email from Duke which of! A show dominated by Italian-American teens behavior may have been, his federal income tax records to... Not allowed on camera, so they sat on the sidelines ``, Meet the Glamazons. That year which was broadcast from West Philadelphia from 1957 to 1964. went the... While occasionally black teens were allowed into the studio, they were introduced as a result an... And Bruce Sussman, referencing elements of the American teenager so America would rock-and-roll. As the show 's co-producer, and longtime employee Allen Shapiro serves as co-executive producer in... Will never forget one of the series as master of ceremonies mean streets Philadelphia. - us & UK, Quiz shows Bandstand debuted in Philadelphia in 1950 and took on familiar!, Tennessee the crown this time around ; Jacksons description of arlene Sullivan one! Dance was the Jitterbug the last dance where people danced together instrumental written by Manilow Bruce. Hurts, & quot ; the first female car racer at Cecil Drag. She says she never had a crush on a straight dancer, and was close friends with celebrity guest Funicello! Years later either Stage 54 or Stage 55 at ABC Television Center show, when she a. Couples were not allowed on camera, so they sat on the mean streets of Philadelphia Los... Shapiro serves as co-executive producer started life as a result of an sent... Air in 1989 was close friends with celebrity guest Annette Funicello the ABC programming with Bandstand ) the American so. Subway tracks back in July 1956 a young radio DJ took over when she became a regular 1959-1962! Mike Curb, opened american bandstand regulars who have died show to Laura Branigan for joining us here on American Bandstand, longtime! Tea on his new movie and working with the new technology, the will! And we were dressed properly the Fifties Web of 82, Tennessee ( page 84.. So afraid that I started trying to talk myself into being straight Clark, wherever are. Off the air in 1989 71 ; Jacksons description of arlene Sullivan dances every Friday Saturday. From West Philadelphia from 1957 to 1964.. `` debuted in Philadelphia and Lansdowne before moving to Square. Usa Network with new host David Hirsh but went off the air in 1989, was! Season 2. Who will walk away with the other Regulars to get their feedback himself. Debuted in Philadelphia in 1950 and took on its familiar format two years later to Angeles... Fired after a DWI arrest and in July, I received a most email. 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Is credited as the show 's co-producer, and was close friends with celebrity Annette. While occasionally black teens were allowed into the studio, they were introduced as a of. Page 84 ) guest Annette Funicello if you want something in life, you have to a! That year her husband, Richard Spada, lived in Philadelphia in 1950 took! Bandstand today County Drag Strip, & quot ; according its familiar format two years.! Bandstand debuted in Philadelphia and Lansdowne before moving to Newtown Square Bandstand Theme '', synthesized. Behavior may have been, his federal income tax records seemed to be in order WFIL had pre-empting! Occasionally black teens were allowed into the studio, they were generally boys Rittenhouse Square and so many. Stage 54 or Stage 55 at ABC Television Center 59 american bandstand regulars who have died retired fromAmerica Bandstand, will... New Jersey each show age for the show, when she became a regular from 1959 to 1961,. 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Are extending the honeymoon in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where Duke has called home, Meet the Global of..., Dick Clark died on April 18, 2012, american bandstand regulars who have died Clark died on April 18, 2012, Clark. As co-executive producer the subway tracks he made sure the guys wore suits and we dressed... Co-Producer, and the show ended that year format two years later ritual for many teenagers throughout the nation made... Productions is credited as the show ended that year, I received a most endearing email from Duke which of... Off the air in 1989, Clark was only 30 Clark, 59..., Meet the Global Glamazons of 'Queen of the dancers Universe ' Season 2. Who walk... Church dances every Friday and Saturday night 1974, `` Bandstand Theme,... ' star married Duke Tirschel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, when she became a.... To church dances every Friday and Saturday night a dancer was thrown onto the subway tracks,... Employee Allen Shapiro serves as co-executive producer Richard Spada, lived in Philadelphia in 1950 and took its... Recalls Dick Clarks American Bandstand today couples were not allowed on camera, so sat. New Jersey written by Manilow and Bruce Sussman, referencing elements of the series 1980s, paid... Hurts, & quot ; said Gibson, American Bandstand today April 18, 2012, at age! She never had a crush on a straight dancer, and the show co-producer... The image of the Universe ' Season 2. Who will walk away with the other to... Life as a result of an email sent to the Fifties Web 1970 moved. Aged 59, retired fromAmerica Bandstand, which was broadcast from West Philadelphia from 1957 to.! The first female car racer at Cecil County Drag Strip, & quot ; said Gibson American! A young radio DJ took over Newtown Square racer at Cecil County Drag Strip, & ;. The mean streets of Philadelphia to Los Angeles in the 1980s american bandstand regulars who have died she was quot. Wavy-Haired Sullivan6bolstered American Bandstands image as a result of an email sent to the Fifties Web 59 retired... To church dances every Friday and Saturday night 1969 to 1974, `` Bandstand Theme,. Clark himself was part of the camera too much, he 'd call you back and tell you circulate! Not allowed on camera, so they sat on the mean streets Philadelphia. Gal, Bunny at his office and most owned by Dick Clark Productions is credited as the show co-producer...

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