It’s safe to say that music in America may not sound the same today had it not been for the early efforts of Philadelphia disc jockey Dick Clark.
We lost an American original today. Nobody lives forever, but deep down, most of us thought that the world’s oldest teenager would live forever.
Everyone has memories of Dick Clark. Whether it’s our parents remember watching American Bandstand in glorious black and white or being home from school on a “sick day” watching the $25,000 Pyramid…or, perhaps the biggest and brightest memory, watching Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve live from Time Square in New York City. Dick Clark touched all of our lives and it’s because of him that radio and television are what they are today.
My fondest memory of Dick Clark is this double LP: “Dick Clark – 20 Years of Rock and Roll! It was released in 1973. 
This record was played in my house a LOT when I was a kid. It’s probably why I am so fond of oldies music to this day.
Check out this track list:
SIDE A (yes, it’s a RECORD…with SIDES!)
1. Crying In The Chapel – The Orioles
2. Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream) – The Crew Cuts
3. Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley and the Comets
4. Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
5. I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash
6. I’m Walkin’ – Fats Domino
7. Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On – Jerry Lee Lewis
8. Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy
SIDE B
1. AllI Have To Do Is Dream – The Everly Brothers
2. Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka
3. Why – Frankie Avalon
4. Sweet Nothings – Brenda Lee
5. Runaround Sue – Dion
6. Soldier Boy – The Shirelles
7. Peppermint Twist – Joey Dee
8. Louie, Louie – The Kingsmen
(The inner fold of the double album)
SIDE C
1. Leader Of The Pack – Shangri-La’s
2. Wooly Bully – Sam The Sham And The Pharoahs
3. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling – The Righteous Brothers
4. Hang On Sloopy – The McCoys
5. Do You Believe In Magic – Lovin’ Spoonful
6. Good Lovin’ – Young Rascals
7. Browd-Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
8. Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding
SIDE D
1. Crimson and Clover – Tommy James
2. Oh Happy Day – Edwin Hawkins
3. Candles In The Rain – Melanie
4. Superfly – Curtis Mayfield
5. So Nice You’re Leaving – Al Green
6. Nice To Be With You – Gallery
Incredible. Such an amazing collection of timeless classics…from the FIRST 20 years of rock and roll. Dick Clark helped launched ALL of these acts in to superstardom…and this is just a sample of that. The number of bands and artists goes on and on. Without Dick Clark, who knows what radio would have sounded like today.
(The back of the album jacket)
It goes without saying that Dick Clark is a true legend; an icon; relevant until the day he left us. His contributions to music, radio, television, and new year’s eve will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Dick.
