'American Bandstand' Legend Dick Clark Dies As Tributes Roll In

Dick Clark, legendary host of the long running TV show 'American Bandstand,' has sadly died, reports BBC News. Truly Clark was an institution as far as US TV goes and his loss has left a huge hole in the entertainment industry Stateside. Clark died aged 82 following a heart attack, and his passing has been mourned right up to the top level, with President Barack Obama offering "Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of DICk Clark. With American Bandstand he introduced decades worth of viewers to the music of our times. For 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year." Continuing, he added "But more important than his groundbreaking achievements was the way he made us feel - as young and vibrant and optimistic as he was."

Clark has had a distinguished career, including hosting a New Year special every year - as alluded to by Obama - but it was 'American Bandstand' with which he'll undoubtedly be remembered for. The show began in 1952 as a youth-orientated program which saw teenagers in the studio dancing to the latest chart hits of the week, and a special guest star coming in to perform once a week - not too much unlike Britain's own 'Top of the Pops.'

Clark came to the program as host in 1957 and hosted for a mighty 30 years, seeing a who's who of top music talent come through the show's doors. Record producer Clive Davis commented, "DICk Clark was a true pioneer who revolutionised the way we listened to and consumed music. Before American Idol, X Factor and The Voice, even before MTV, it was American Bandstand, which brought the most popular music of the day straight to the nation's living rooms."