LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "American Bandstand" was on the air from 1957-1989. His annual telecast, "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" began in 1972 and continues to this day with Ryan Seacrest.

Clark began his career as a radio announcer at WRUN in Utica, N.Y.,  when he was all of 17 years old.

Clark pursued his passion at Syracuse University, working as a disc jockey at the student-run radio station while studying for his degree in business. After graduating in 1951, Clark went back to his family's radio station - but a far larger engagement awaited him.

It was when Clark landed a gig as a deejay at WFIL in Philadelphia in 1952, spinning records for a show he called "Dick Clark's Caravan of Music." There he broke into the big time, hosting "Bandstand", an afternoon dance show for teenagers.

"American Bandstand" was born five years later, and all of American tuned in to check out the latest teen fashions, hip dances and the latest rock, soul and pop musicians.
 
"American Bandstand's" formula was simple. Clean-cut boys and girls danced to the hottest hits and the newest singles. Clark chatted with his dancers, who helped "rate-a-record," turning songs into sensations. Everyone showed up on "American Bandstand," from Elvis Presley to Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry to Chubby Checker.

Clark later launched the American Music Awards in 1973, becoming a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in 1993.

Many agree that the most remarkable thing about Clark was his seeming agelessness. He seemed perpetually frozen somewhere between his forties and fifties, yet eternally youthful, like everyone's favorite rich uncle.

Clark proved himself to be all too mortal when he suffered a stroke in December of 2004. He recovered and continued performing afterwards, even though it had affected his ability to speak and walk.

In spite of this, Clark ushered in the New Year in his typical high style in 2012. An American original, he will be sorely missed by all.

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