Born Richard Wagstaff Clark, "The World's Oldest Teenager" is a television legend.
Began his career in 1945 in the mailroom of WRUN in Utica, New York, working his way up to weatherman and then newsman.
Graduated from Syracuse University in 1951 with a degree in business administration.
When Bandstand was picked up by ABC in 1957, Clark changed its name to American Bandstand, ended the show's all-white policy, and began introducing black artists. By 1959, it was broadcast by 101 affiliates, and reached an audience of 20,000,000.
In 1959, the U.S. Senate began investigating the practice of payola, record companies paying radio personalities to play new records. Clark admitted he accepted a fur stole and jewelry and held financial interests in artists and songs that were frequently on American Bandstand. Even though Clark was cleared of any wrongdoing, he was ordered to either leave ABC or sell his interests; he sold.
Children with Loretta Martin, Duane and Cindy.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
19 December 2001: Clark filed suit in federal court in Los Angeles, alleging that Michael Greene, president and chief executive of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, maintains a "blacklist" policy that prevents stars - including Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Sean "Puffy" and Toni Braxton - from performing on both Greene's Grammy Awards and Clark's American Music Awards. The suit seeks $10 million in damages.
Was the co-owner of Film Ventures International Pictures with Edward L. Montoro for several years.
(14 February 2002): Dick Clark Productions announced it will be acquired for $140 million by Mosaic Media Group, Inc., Capital Communications CDPQ Inc., and Jules Haimovitz, a senior television executive. Stockholders will receive $14.50 per share in cash. Clark himself will receive $12.50 per share in cash for a portion of his shares. Dick Clark Productions was founded in 1957.
Child with first wife Barbara Mallery, Richard, Jr., was born 9 January 1957 in Philadelphia, PA.
Dick Clark was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1990.
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