Michael: Wow. It was just a few months ago we were talking about Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and its performances on MusiClack. And now he’s passed on.
Where in the world do we begin to talk about him? American Bandstand? With the fact he virtually went into radio directly after graduating high school? With his Pyramid stints? The new year gigs? The Emmys? The Grammys? His Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame standing? His overall monumental legacy? Or his fortune estimated to be worth hundreds of millions? Dick Clark was nothing less than the epitome of an American entertainment mogul, not to mention a friend and mentor to American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest who is his protége.
Tara: So true Michael. Everyone has fond memories of Clark. I know I do. New Year’s Eve will for sure never be the same, even if Crusty (Ryan Seacrest) is there. I know Dick hand-picked him to take his place, but really? No one can. Sigh. I suppose Crusty comes the closest. I mean, he even dressed like him on this week’s edition of Idol. But … it’s still sad to see the passing of someone who was such a big part of our overall consciousness.
Watch Dick in the early days with Stevie Wonder and see how Crusty has stolen his calm moves …
Michael: I love that segment, Clark’s little side comment on the irony of “Three Blind Mice.”
He wasn’t without faults, however. Here are some of his Pyramid bloopers which I’m sure were a kick if you were watching that show live:
Tara: I was a huge fan of the Pyramid shows. Seeing it now reminds me of after school snacks in front of the television, and enjoying Dick’s easy manner. He was just so … suave. He elicited an immediate trust response from people, don’t you think? I guess what I mean to say is that when Dick was on the tube? You felt like everything was okay. At least for half an hour or so.
Michael: But he had awkward moments, too, as is evidenced by this little American Bandstand ditty with Devo, who is one of my favorite bands. For me, his awkwardness was just as much a part of his charm as was his professionalism. Here, he just didn’t know where to go with his questions or with the sometimes cryptic answers the guys were giving back. And to see Mark Mothersbaugh tickled pink at Clark’s initial reaction, nice catch. Plus! Bonus Bernadette Peters mention!
Tara: I chortled at Dick mentioning that he “knew what kind of interview he was in for.” But he still rolled with it, didn’t he?
Michael: Yes. He did.
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on Apr 20, 2012 @ 00:30 EST5EDT
One of the former American Bandstand dancers is an online friend, and she has nothing but good to say about Dick Clark as a person. According to her, he really cared about the young people whose music made him the icon he became.
Forget about the millions, I want to know who inherits the picture in the attic that aged for him. Or, perhaps the picture was damaged and that brought on the heart attack. His apparent long-lasting youth also played a part in his on camera appeal. Same age as my dad, but always young at heart. He will be missed.
Very nice tribute to an amazing man.
Always watched the Pyramid shows growing up (and I still have my original home versions!), and I never missed Dick and Ed McMahon bringing us all of the Bloopers and Practical Jokes! I think that was one of the first network television shows to regularly show us those crazy outtakes from some of our favorite shows. Another groundbreaking genre he helped create. He is certainly an icon that will never be replaced … no matter how hard Seacrest tries.
Nice tribute! :o)