August 5, 1957 marked the premiere of the American classic, “American Bandstand.” The program began five years earlier as a local show in Philadelphia. Dick Clark, then a disc jockey, took over as host at age 26 and held that position until 1989.
The show toured the country, putting on concerts or dances in various American towns. The concerts would consist of Mr. Clark introducing the current Top 40 songs, along with at least one major act performing. Stars that performed included Jerry Lewis, Run DMC, and the very popular Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon.
“American Bandstand” is the longest running American musical TV series and the first show dedicated purely to rock-n-roll. The show was cancelled six months after replacing Dick Clark with David Hirsch as host in 1989.
Explore the history and complexity of this American Classic here!
The nicest kids in town : American bandstand, rock ‘n’ roll, and the struggle for civil rights in 1950s
Other Events Today in History…
Bahamas: Emancipation Day
First English Colony in North America: Anniversary
Grenada: Emancipation Day
Marilyn Monroe’s Death Anniversary
National Underwear Day
US Women’s Amateur Golf Championship
Source:
Chase’s Calendar of Events 2013
Wikipedia