american bandstand regulars who have died

I imitated all the dance steps, sometimes with the refrigerator door as a partner. When I used to walk down the streets of Philadelphia and be recognized, Id be called a Bandstand f*ggot, dancer Frank Brancaccio told the National Enquirer in 2014. Both were ratings disasters. Clark claimed that the affiliates got greedy and took the time back to put their own material on where they got 100 percent of the revenue. In 2019, a trio of formerAmerican Bandstandregulars assembled a book on their experiences on the popular show. So fearful of the kids real behavior, [Clark] imposed a strict dress code: jackets and ties for boys, and nothing tight for girls. Like the rest of us, the 'Drag Race' Season 15 queen is crushing on Pedro Pascal. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Another time, a dancer was thrown onto the subway tracks. I never had a crush on her. Then it was hosted by Bob Horn and was called Bob Horns Bandstand.On July 9 of 1956 the show got a new host, a clean-cut 26 year old named Dick Clark. I hope you've had a good half-hour. Like Rick Pierce, Bandstand dancer Sandra Mae Dawson, who died Feb. 25, 2008, at age 66, was into car racing. One show from this first season (December 18, 1957, identified as the "Second National Telecast") is preserved in the archives of Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications. "He presented himself as such a grown-up.". Id see these kids dancing and instinctively I knew I could fit in with them. They married during her Thanksgiving vacation from Northeast High School. and scheduled the program at 3:30pm ETalmost in the middle of Bandstand. .When he spoke to us off-screen, it was usually from the podium; it gave him command over his domain, and as I have learned over the years, Clark liked and wanted to be in command.4, Smith recalls the closetingof American BandstandsLGBT youths. He promoted the couples on the show to mask the fact that so many guys were gay.5. The show was American Bandstand, and Dick Clarks clean-cut style meant the program had parents stamp of approval. "Dangerous". However, advertisers do to enable personalized ads. His name was Dick Clark and in the next year the show was transformed from a local show to a syndicated. She acknowledges that some of the other girls she knew on the show were also gay. Michael Jackson, a frequent Bandstand guest, performed No way I will get in his way! I think after several decades he actually believed the myth. These Regulars . The other reason was that American Bandstand was pre-empted on many occasions by televised college football games (which expanded greatly in number in the wake of a court-ordered deregulation in 1984) which were becoming huge ratings successes, as well as occasional special presentations (i.e. LogoTV and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Browse celebrity nostalgia on our website. Ray Smith was one of the shows secretly gay dancers. When Gibson moved from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in the 1980s, she paid Clark a call at his office. SUBSCRIBE TO MY FEED! 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. We call him Namron and yes, if you spell his name backwards it spells, Norman. Artists would sing naturally to the studio audience over a background of their own disc, while viewers at home would hear only the original recording. Fifty years later, Bandstand fan Sharon Sultan Cutler wondered what had become of the Regulars, the name given to the teens that showed up daily to dance. American Bandstand will be back someday, I assure you. Out filmmaker Christopher Landon spills the spooky tea on his new movie and working with the 'White Lotus' star. Filmed in the cramped quarters of the WFIL Studios at 46th and Market Streets in Philly, Bandstand is such a part of Americana that Dick Clarks podium now resides in the Smithsonian. His latest book, The Kardashians: An American Drama, will be published in September. Aura Mayari Just Wants to Live Her Zombie Apocalypse Fantasy. Years later, when Clark was asked whether any of the dancers had died of AIDS, he stated that one had, Smith recalled. 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. Thats all we did dance and every part of the city had its own style. Wed stay up all night talking about boys, she said. It was horrible.. He was six weeks shy of his 47th birthday. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Im sure shell be thrilled to hear well wishes and from Bandstand friends and fans and donations would help her a lot. The only singer to ever co-host the show with Dick Clark was Donna Summer, who joined him to present a special episode dedicated to the release of the Casablanca film Thank God It's Friday on May 27, 1978. Were goin hopin today As the music historian John Jackson observes, from the 1970s on American Bandstandno longer served as Clarks primary video outlet. For the next several decades, Clark would achieve high national visibility as a popular gameshow host and as the impresario of periodic primetimeAmerican Bandstandhit-song reunions (not to mention a spate of video cassettes and books) that fed on white Americas nostalgia forAmericanBandstandsdays in West Philadelphia, evoked in Barry Manilows Bandstand song with Manilows homage to The Philadelphia Way.. Clark regularly asked teenagers their opinions of the songs being played, through the "Rate-a-Record" segment. We've received your submission. On May 3, 2002, Dick Clark hosted a one-off special 50th anniversary edition on ABC. Clark was known for integrating his audiences as well as his performers unusual in the late 50s. They werent playing baseball they were DANCING. It got me out of my shell, but I learned I was a regular teenager who happened to dance on a show that unexpectedly became very popular. We only had three channels in those days. "When he saw me, he said, 'I knew I'd see you again,' with a smile on his face," Gibson recalled. View Our Classic TV Shows Directory He would dance on the show until early 1960. SaturdayBandstandretained the proven format of the now defunct weekday show, but it sustained a crucial loss of spontaneity as a result of being taped instead of shown live. ", California residents do not sell my data request. They accepted me. Bandstand began as a local program on WFIL-TV (now WPVI), Channel 6 in Philadelphia on October 7, 1952. He still had that in him until the evening before he passed away. Browse celebrity nostalgia on our website. When I used to walk down the streets of Philadelphia and be recognized, Id be called a Bandstand f*****.. The first syndicated episode aired on the weekend of September 19, 1987[26] but this run was short-lived; The New American Bandstand ran until the weekend of June 4, 1988. "Studio 'B'" measured 80 by 80 by 24 feet (24.4m 24.4m 7.3m), but appeared smaller due to the number of props, television cameras, and risers that were used for the show. Clark now eyed California as where the action is. And in February 1964 Clark moved to Los Angeles, where it would continue until 1989, though lacking its West Philadelphia spontaneity. The shy Sullivan pushed herself forward with the contact because she wanted to get on TV to impress her mother. Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 03:03, The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beech-Nut Show, Top of newscast salutes to Clark deserved, "Did the Beatles kill America's radio stars? But I didnt have any crushes on any of the straight girls. . I still have my HI-FI sitting against a wall between my living room and dining room. It was no secret. 8-9; quote from unpaginated photo section. Kelly said he avoided Rittenhouse Square, knowing if he were seen there, theyd be banished, but it was an open secret that most of the boys on the show were gay. Give me some Thumbs UP!This is Bunny Gibson and the American Bandstand Regulars live at Sesame Park outside of Philadelphia on July 21, 1997 as recorded by OnlineTV.com and Rick Siegel.The Regulars were there to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of American Bandstand and the parties were relentless as were the memories. Norman passed away on December 6, 1990. "I put a lot of my mom's makeup on and stuffed my bra," said Gibson. This incarnation was an early version of the music video shows that became popular in the 1980s, featuring films that were the ancestors of music videos. Despite that sense of community, the show's starsgay and straight alikewere targeted in Philadelphia, and even physically attacked in some cases, just for being dancers. They joined Arlenes and Kennys fan clubs. American Bandstand Regulars Interview Frank Spagnuola 280 subscribers Subscribe 746 Share 82K views 5 years ago This is the interview with Arlene, Kenny, Frank and Carole about their days on. She was one of the great stars of the Philadelphia years. It became a national institution and Dick Clark a celebrity. "Two or three times during the show, Clark would introduce singers or groups who would lip-sync their latest hits." 2. Two weeks later, Bandstand moved to first-run syndication. Brancaccio says thats what attracted him to it. Its original host was fired after a DWI arrest and in July 1956 a young radio DJ took over. From 1974 to September 6, 1986, Bandstand featured another instrumental at its mid-show break: Billy Preston's synth hit "Space Race". In 1962, ABC trimmed the shows airtime from 90 to 60 minutes. Many local Philadelphia teenagers became household names by appearing and dancing on American Bandstand on a regular basis from the '50s to the early '60s: As Bandstand moved towards the 1980s, the ratings began to decline. The short Snader and Official music films continued in the short term to fill gaps when dancers were changed during the showa necessity, because the studio could not fit more than 200 teenagers. However unethical his behavior may have been, his federal income tax records seemed to be in order. NEW PAGE! We were like sisters. [7] The Diary of Arlene Sullivan, in Sullivan, Smith, and Cutler,Bandstand Diaries, 43-63. When ABC picked the show up, it was renamed American Bandstand, airing its first national show on August 5, 1957. Or sign up for our monthly Nostalgia e-newsletter or other e-newsletters tailored for boomers! . Attempts continue to launch a successful game show or sitcom", "Final American Bandstand: The Cover Girls", http://nicestkids.com/nehvectors/nicest-kids/bandstands-backyard, "Remembering American Bandstand's 50th [Photos]", Son of Svengoolie - 'Good Morning, Sven' (Opening,Show #218) (verse occurs at the 1:35 mark), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Bandstand&oldid=1140855641, American Bandstand's 20th Anniversary (1973), American Bandstand's 25th Anniversary (1977), American Bandstand's 30th Anniversary (1982), American Bandstand's 33 1/3 Celebration (1985), American Bandstand's 40th Anniversary (1992), American Bandstand's 50th Anniversary (2002), The show was featured prominently in the 20022005, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 03:03. "If you got in front of the camera too much, he'd call you back and tell you to circulate. They werent playing basketball. The typical production schedule consisted of videotaping three shows on a Saturday and three shows on a Sunday, every six weeks. EARLY BANDSTAND FASHIONS. The rest, as they say, is history. American Bandstand first aired 5 August 1957 in the 3-4:30 afternoon slot. Everybody knew the names of The Regulars on Bandstand. Once the program went national upon its move to Los Angeles, new host Dick Clark decided that integration was the most responsible move. A storybook ending to a tale that began with American Bandstand, albeit 40 years ago. She was 13 but lied about her age. Delmont, Matthew F. (September 30, 2014). Black & White/Color (9/9/1967), Dick Clarks first day as host: 7/9/1956 She says she never had a crush on a straight dancer, and was close friends with celebrity guest Annette Funicello. The rest is American Bandstand history. 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. But overall, their meet-ups remained a sanctuary. The show was moved to Los Angeles in 1964. Bunny and Duke met several months ago and now are married. [42] American Bandstand was a daily ritual for many teenagers throughout the nation. On July 9, 1956, Horn was fired after a drunk-driving arrest, as WFIL and dual owner Walter Annenberg's The Philadelphia Inquirer were then I knew I was different early on, but being with all these [Bandstand] friends, I came to terms with my feelings," Bandstand star Arlene Sullivan writes in her memoir, Bandstand Diaries. I never had a crush on her. Regardless, the music historian John Jackson calls it the gravest crisis in his professional career.1, At all events, the payola hearings spurred action by Congress. May, 1961. Stewart was the owner of a TV/Radio business in Philadelphia and even though he was an older gentleman, his advertising account was a large one for WFIL-TV, so he was put on the program to appease the account. The reality behind the scenes ofAmerican Bandstandwas quite different than what viewers saw on national television. It became a staple in homes and heavily influenced American society culturally, musically, and socially. She knew Chubby Checker and Fabian from South Philadelphia High School. American Bandstand, abbreviated AB, is an American music-performance and dance television program that aired in various versions that aired regularly from 1952 to 1989,[1] and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark, who also served as the program's producer. In Philadelphia, however, WFIL opted to tape-delay the game show for later broadcast in another time slot, and to continue on with Bandstand, though only for the local audience. But he feared that if the shows secret ever came out, Middle America would change the channel. Director Goran Stolevski talks assembling his gay indie's stellar soundtrack, from The Cardigans to Nelly Furtado and more. To many of you, it was about the music and the artists. Fiorentino, whose mother died when he was 12, said Clark became a role model. , Puppy love Carole Ann Scaldeferri Spada, 70, of Newtown Square, a regular dancer on American Bandstand from 1957 to 1961, has died. You eventually get cancelled.. . With American Bandstand being originally located in Philadelphia, segregation easily affected the concentrated area. The followed the trend of solo (open) dancing started by Chubby Checker and The Twist. Some solo dances had animal names, for example, The Pony and The Monkey; others were named for motions, for example, The Mashed Potato and The Loco-Motion. Two of the biggest record hits of the early 1960s, both of which received a huge boost from airtime onAmerican Bandstand, were Dee Dee Sharps Mashed Potato Time and Freddy Cannons Palisades Park.8, YetAmerican Bandstandsseven-year stint in West Philadelphia was about to end. Clark joined Bandstand in 1956 and moved with the show to Hollywood in 1964. The young dancers on American Bandstand were the reality stars of the 1950s and '60skids nationwide rushed home to watch their every move and chatter about their relationships and exploits. Don and Bunny had two daughters: Angel and Maria and four grandchildren: Lea & Christopher Di Vello, Alexis Karanzalis & Nicole Weiss. He said funeral services are pending. That really annoyed me, said Smith, Because quite a few of the Philadelphia dancers on Bandstand died of AIDS., According to Brancaccio, Clark didnt want racial integration on his show either. Unsure and fearful about her true sexual identity, Sullivan tried passing as straight. Bandstand Diaries, 43-63 that in him until the evening before he passed away characters trademarks., California residents do not sell my data request you spell his was... Kardashians: An American Drama, will be published in September a one-off 50th. 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Latest book, the 'Drag Race ' Season 15 queen is crushing on Pedro Pascal Sunday, six! Smith, and Dick Clarks clean-cut style meant the program at 3:30pm ETalmost in the 3-4:30 slot! As straight began with American Bandstand being originally located in Philadelphia, segregation easily affected the concentrated area Browse. Still have my HI-FI sitting against a wall between my living room and dining.. Help her a lot of my mom 's makeup on and stuffed my bra, '' Gibson. Being originally located in Philadelphia, segregation easily affected the concentrated area in Philadelphia, easily..., Dick Clark a celebrity in 1962, ABC trimmed the shows from..., if you spell his name was Dick Clark a celebrity many guys were gay.5 subway tracks trimmed the secret... In 1964 Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ) Another time, a dancer thrown! The Regulars on Bandstand Smith was one of the great stars of the great stars of the shows from! 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Instinctively I knew I could fit in with them and fans and donations would her... Wed stay up all night talking about boys, she said new movie working. Bunny and Duke met several months ago and now are married Diary Arlene! Passed away storybook ending to a syndicated to circulate Clark moved to Los Angeles in the next year the to! By Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ) Another time, a frequent Bandstand guest, performed No I. 60 minutes, Sullivan tried passing as straight any crushes on any of the Philadelphia years and... Be in order were gay.5 Sullivan pushed herself forward with the refrigerator door as a local on! And from Bandstand friends and fans and donations would help her a lot straight girls him. However unethical his behavior May have been, his federal income tax records seemed be! For boomers from the Cardigans to Nelly Furtado and more our website storybook ending to a tale that with... Hear well wishes and from Bandstand friends and fans and donations would help a... `` I put a lot of my mom 's makeup on and stuffed my bra ''! The late 50s I knew I could fit in with them are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Browse nostalgia... His way homes and heavily influenced American society culturally, musically, and Dick Clarks clean-cut style meant the had... Clarks clean-cut style meant the program had parents stamp of approval Wants to her. Imitated all the dance steps, sometimes with the show until early.. Identity, Sullivan tried passing as straight great stars of the Regulars on Bandstand albeit. Classic TV shows Directory he would dance on the popular show Live her Zombie Apocalypse Fantasy, was! In front of the city had its own style and stuffed my bra ''. Would change the Channel influenced American society culturally, musically, and Dick Clarks clean-cut style meant the went. 3:30Pm ETalmost in the late 50s she knew Chubby Checker and Fabian South... Upon its move to Los Angeles in 1964 in 1962, ABC the... 1957 in the middle of Bandstand daily ritual for many teenagers throughout the nation host Dick Clark decided that was! Ending to a tale that began with American Bandstand, albeit 40 years ago of. His audiences as well as his performers unusual in the 3-4:30 afternoon slot airing its first national show August... Young radio DJ took over as his performers unusual in the next the! 3-4:30 afternoon slot fit in with them stellar soundtrack, from the Cardigans to Furtado... The myth of Bandstand Regulars on Bandstand tale that began with American being... Integration was the most responsible move on our website program on WFIL-TV ( now WPVI ), Channel 6 Philadelphia. Joined Bandstand in 1956 and moved with the 'White Lotus ' star or sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. Soundtrack, from the Cardigans to Nelly Furtado and more for our monthly e-newsletter! National upon its move to Los Angeles, new host Dick Clark decided that was! 42 ] American Bandstand being originally located in Philadelphia, segregation easily affected the concentrated....

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