Artist of the Month: American Bandstand

American Bandstand was an American music show that aired from 1952-1989 and was hosted by Dick Clark from 1956 until it’s final season, it premiered locally in March 1950 as Bandstand on Philadelphia television station WFIL-TV channel 6.Although the show had a change of hosts, it was Dick Clark that was chosen as the permanent host in 1956. Know simply as Bandstand it was until August 5 1957 that it was finally called “American Bandstand”. One show from the first season from December 18, 1957 indicated as the Second National Telecast, which is now in the archives of Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications.
Most of the programs were filmed in black and white with three RCA cameras. It was briefly filmed in color in 1958 when the then new technology was being experimented with. The new color cameras took the place of three black and white cameras and soon they had difficulties in filming with just one camera, noticing the program lost something, the studio went back to black and white cameras two weeks later. In total there are 883 episodes of American Bandstand. No dancer was a cent to be on the show. Many regulars were offered commercials, but anyone making money from being on the show was immediately thrown out. The regulars as well as the kids who appeared often, were admired around the country. But not so in Philadelphia. Even though the show was a rite-of-passage for many Philadelphians, the regulars were often bullied and beaten up. Then problems arose at the time when Dick Clark was involved in the Payola Scandal. During Clark’s testimony he sad that he had given up outside interests connected with the recording industry. Clark also admitted a $125 dollar investment in Jamie Records with a return profit of $11,900 and of the 163 songs he had rights to 143 were given to him. When questioned about Jamie Records it was discovered that $15,000 was paid out in payola. All Clark got was a slap on the wrist.
Find out more about American Bandstand as we feature some of the artists that performed there in the early years of Rock”n”Roll. This will be part one of Bandstand as part two will be later on KWMC’S 1490AM’s Little Red Rooster Show.
All information and known facts about the artist is by Wendy Johnson and all shows are produced by Javier Martinez.