On This Day 1957: American Bandstand Aired on Television for the First Time

American Bandstand first aired 67 years ago today. The series entailed a lifespan of nearly four decades, numerous Emmys, and an influential reach touching the lives of teens worldwide. Produced and hosted by Dick Clark, American Bandstand was one of the main contributors to rock ‘n’ roll’s pop-culture growth.

Often regarded as the influential predecessor to programs such as Austin City Limits and MTV, Clark, and American Bandstand made entertainment history in the show’s 37-season career. Hosting Prince, Jackson 5, Sonny and Cher, Aerosmith, and countless others, American Bandstand would be considered one of history’s most successful television-music programs. Responsible for getting teens their music, the show acted as an escape for the baby boomer generation.

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August 5, 1957

Premiering on ABC, Clark immediately charmed crowds and cemented himself as a media titan. The debut episode hosted Billy Williams and The Chordettes and included screaming teens dancing, laughing, and singing their favorite hits. Upon airing, it can be seen just how much of a hit this show would become thanks to Clark’s charismatic ability to infuse the crowd with energy.

Other than The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand was one of a kind. It was one of the only places teens could go to listen to the popular music of the times without having to leave their living room couch. A one-of-a-kind idea, with a one-of-a-kind host. The program is truly one of the most influential shows to grace tv screens worldwide.

American Bandstand’s Decorated Career

Despite the show not technically being the first of its kind, it still performed as if it was. That being so, at its height American Bandstand would have 20 million viewers tune in. Furthermore, the show launched iconic acts such as Chubby Checker and Frankie Avalon.

With Checker and Avalon in mind, Clark also pushed limits socially, as his fan base came from every demographic in America. Promoting artists from every race, Clark subverted prototypical race relationships at the time and just wanted to advance the music industry as a whole.

All in all, Clark and American Bandstand are responsible for commercializing American pop culture and making it what it is today. If it weren’t for Clark, individuals such as Howard Stern and Adam Curry would not have had as big of a platform as they had. It was Clark who we can thank for making the relationship between music and television a pairing appealing to the masses.

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