{{Short description|American music television series (1952–1989)}} {{original research|date=September 2024}} {{Use American English|date=March 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2018}} {{AI-generated|date=March 2026|partial=y|reason=this rewrite (possibly other of the deluge of "copyedits"); note WP:AISIGNS in undue emphasis on broader context, vocab distro typical of LLM output, AI-typical edit summary, etc.; note some meaning changes too}} {{Infobox television | alt_name = ''Bandstand'' {{no italics|(1952–1957)}} | image = American Bandstand.svg | caption = Logo used from 1969 to 1987 | runtime = {{Plainlist| * 90 minutes * 60 minutes (originally 2½ hours on WFIL-TV/Philadelphia only) }} | company = {{Plainlist| * Dick Clark Productions (1964–1989, 1992, 2002) * WFIL-TV (1952–1964) }} | genre = {{Plainlist| * Music * Talk show }} | creator = | presenter = {{Plainlist| * Bob Horn * Lee Stewart * Tony Mammarella * Dick Clark * David Hirsch }} | narrator = Charlie O'Donnell | country = United States | network = {{Plainlist| * WFIL-TV (1952–1957) * ABC (1957–1987, 1992, 2002) * Syndicated (1987–1988) * USA Network (1989) }} | first_aired = {{Start date|1952|10|07}} | last_aired = {{End date|2002|05|03}} | num_seasons = {{Plainlist| * 37 * (5–WFIL) * (30–ABC) * (1–Syndication) * (1–USA Network) }} | num_episodes = 3,002 }}
'''''American Bandstand''''',<!-- Do NOT change to "was" per MOS:TVNOW --> an American music and dance television program, aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fontenot |first1=Robert |title=American Bandstand Timeline |url=http://oldies.about.com/od/theculture/a/American-Bandstand-Timeline.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412222330/http://oldies.about.com/od/theculture/a/American-Bandstand-Timeline.htm |archive-date=April 12, 2014 |access-date=October 28, 2013 |website=About.com}}</ref> Its best-known incarnation was hosted and produced by Dick Clark,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Going National: Dick Clark and ABC's American Bandstand |url=https://collaborativehistory.gse.upenn.edu/stories/going-national-dick-clark-and-abcs-american-bandstand |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=West Philadelphia Collaborative History}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |last=Fong-Torres |first=Ben |date=1973-08-16 |title=Dick Clark: 20 Years of Clearasil Rock |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dick-clark-20-years-of-clearasil-rock-193995/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=1960-05-08 |title=Dick Clark's effect on popular music |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-virginian-pilot-dick-clarks-effect/113781818/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |work=The Virginian-Pilot |pages=97}}</ref> who served as the show's primary presenter for over three decades.
The program featured teenagers dancing to popular songs from the Top 40 charts.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Telling History: American Bandstand |url=https://www.krcu.org/show/telling-history/2024-01-08/american-bandstand |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=KRCU Public Radio}}</ref> It was originally broadcast from Philadelphia,<ref name=":4" /> where it remained from its debut in 1952 until relocating to Los Angeles in 1963.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Bandstand integration {{!}} The Pop History Dig |url=https://pophistorydig.com/topics/tag/american-bandstand-integration/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=pophistorydig.com}}</ref>
During its run, a wide range of musical acts appeared on the show, generally lip-syncing to one of their latest singles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-01 |title=When The Beastie Boys got censored on 'American Bandstand' |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-beastie-boys-censored-american-bandstand/ |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=faroutmagazine.co.uk}}</ref> Artists performed for a studio audience while the original recordings played for viewers at home. Freddy Cannon holds the record for the most appearances, with 110.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haag |first=Steve |date=2013-03-02 |title=Freddy Cannon |url=https://www.mmone.org/freddy-cannon/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=The Music Museum of New England}}</ref>
==History== ===1950s=== [[File:Dick Clark Myrna Horowitz American Bandstand 17th Anniverary 1970.JPG|thumb|Host Dick Clark talks to Myrna Horowitz, one of the original dancers when the program began in 1952, during the show's 18th anniversary in 1970|alt=]] ''American Bandstand'' premiered locally in late March 1952 as '''''Bandstand''''' on Philadelphia television station WFIL-TV Channel 6 (now WPVI-TV). Hosted by Bob Horn as a television adjunct to his radio show of the same name on WFIL, ''Bandstand'' featured short musical films produced by Snader Telescriptions and Official Films, with occasional studio guests. This incarnation was an early version of the music video shows that would increasingly appear in the 1980s.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |title=Dick Clark 20 Years of Rock N' Roll Yearbook |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Music-Miscellaneous/Dick-Clark-20-Years-of-Rock-n'%20Roll-1973.pdf |access-date=16 Mar 2025}}</ref>
Desiring a pivot, Horn wanted to change the show to a dance program featuring teenagers dancing on camera as music records played. The radio show, ''The 950 Club,'' hosted by Joe Grady and Ed Hurst, inspired the format, which aired on Philadelphia's WPEN.<ref name=":3" />
On October 7, 1952, this new version of ''Bandstand'' debuted from Studio B, located in the original 1947 building in West Philadelphia. It was hosted by Horn and co-hosted by Lee Stewart from its launch in 1952 until 1955.<ref name=":1" />
Stewart owned a TV and radio business in Philadelphia and had an advertising account with WFIL-TV. He was included in the program to maintain the advertising account. However, as WFIL-TV grew financially and the importance of his advertising account diminished, Stewart's presence on the program was no longer necessary. Tony Mammarella was the original producer with Ed Yates as director. Snader and Official music films continued in the short term to fill gaps when dancers were changed during the show because the studio could not fit more than 200 attendees.<ref name=":2" />
On July 9, 1956, Horn was fired following a drunk driving arrest,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-21 |title=I remember Dick Clark |url=https://www.broadstreetreview.com/articles/dick-clarks-early-days |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Broad Street Review}}</ref> and he was also reportedly involved in a prostitution ring, for which he faced morality charges.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bob Horn |url=http://www.history-of-rock.com/bob_horntwo.htm |access-date=March 27, 2018 |website=History-of-rock.com}}</ref> WFIL and its co-owner, Walter Annenberg's ''The Philadelphia Inquirer,'' were running a series on drunk driving at the time of Horn's arrest. Mammarella temporarily replaced Horn before the job went to Dick Clark permanently.<ref name=":1" />
In late spring of 1957, ABC asked its owned-and-operated stations and affiliates for programming suggestions to fill their 3:30 p.m. ET time slot. In Philadelphia, WFIL was already pre-empting ABC programming with ''Bandstand''. Clark presented the show to ABC president Thomas W. Moore, and after negotiations, it was picked up for national broadcast, becoming ''American Bandstand'' on August 5, 1957,<ref name=":1" /> hosted by Dick Clark.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dick Clark and the History of 'American Bandstand' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/arts/television/dick-clark-and-the-history-of-american-bandstand.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=2025-04-15}}</ref> One show from this first season of ''American Bandstand'' on December 18, 1957, identified as the "Second National Broadcast," is preserved in the archives of the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 18, 1957 |title=American Bandstand - December 18th, 1957 {{!}} Full Episode |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_kaYJ-1thg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901064911/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_kaYJ-1thg |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=YouTube (Archive)}}</ref>
One market not broadcasting ''Bandstand'' was ABC's then-Baltimore affiliate WJZ-TV Channel 13 (formerly WAAM), which chose to produce its own local dance show in the same afternoon time slot. Local radio disc jockey Buddy Deane was chosen as the host of ''The Buddy Deane Show'' on WJZ-TV, and began a daily two-hour broadcast on September 9, 1957.<ref name="usat2">{{cite news |date=2003-07-16 |title=Radio pioneer Buddy Deane dies |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/2003-07-16-deane-obit_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030719114109/https://www.usatoday.com/life/2003-07-16-deane-obit_x.htm |archive-date=July 19, 2003 |access-date=December 26, 2023 |work=Associated Press via USA Today |location=Pine Bluff, Arkansas, United States}}</ref> This led to competition between ''American Bandstand'' and ''The Buddy Deane Show''. When performers who debuted on ''Bandstand'' first appeared on Deane's program, they were asked to not mention their prior appearance with Clark. ''The Buddy Deane Show'' aired on WJZ-TV until January 4, 1964.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cedrone, Jr. |first=Louis R. |date=January 7, 1964 |title=Buddy Deane Show Leaves WJZ-TV |url=https://baltimoresun.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-sun/31266050/ |access-date=December 26, 2023 |work=The Evening Sun |location=Baltimore, Maryland, United States}}</ref>
The show was briefly shot in color in 1958 when WFIL-TV began experimenting with the new technology. With the larger size of the color camera, it was only possible to have one RCA TK-41 where three RCA TK-10s<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pharis-video.com/p2853.htm|title=Chuck Pharis Web Page : RCA TK-10A|website=Pharis-video.com|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> had been used before, as production needed to maintain as much dance space as possible in the studio. WFIL reverted to the TK-10s two weeks later when ABC refused to carry the color signal and management realized that the show needed multiple black-and-white cameras to capture more angles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Generation.com |first=Eyes Of A. |date=2012-07-14 |title=An Interesting Story about TK41s and American Bandstand |url=https://eyesofageneration.com/an-interesting-story-about-tk41s-and-american-bandstandive-often-wondered-if/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Eyes Of A Generation...Television's Living History}}</ref> [[File:American Bandstand 1962 ticket.JPG|thumb|A January 1962 ticket for a broadcast of the show from Philadelphia]]
When ABC picked up the game show ''Do You Trust Your Wife?'' from CBS in November 1957, they renamed the program ''Who Do You Trust?'' and scheduled the program at 3:30 p.m. ET, almost halfway through ''Bandstand''<nowiki/>'s slot. Instead of shortening or moving ''Bandstand'', ABC opted to air ''Bandstand'' at 3:00 p.m., cut away to ''Who Do You Trust?'' at 3:30 p.m., then rejoin ''Bandstand'' at 4:00 p.m. However, WFIL decided to broadcast ''Bandstand'' in its entirety and air ''Who Do You Trust?'' at a later time for local Philadelphia viewers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paese |first=Meagan |title=Tribute to Dick Clark (1929-2012) Pt 2 {{!}} The History of Rock and Roll Radio Show |url=https://thehistoryofrockandroll.net/american-bandstand-tribute-to-dick-clark-1929-2012-pt-2/ |access-date=2025-05-13}}</ref>
A half-hour evening version of ''American Bandstand'' aired on Monday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, beginning on October 7, 1957, preceding ''The Guy Mitchell Show.'' Both shows received low ratings and were cancelled shortly after their debut. The Monday night version aired its last program in December 1957, but ABC gave Clark a Saturday night time slot for ''The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show'', which originated from the Little Theatre in Manhattan, beginning February 15, 1958.<ref name=":3" />
The program was broadcast live on weekday afternoons, and by 1959, the show had a national audience of approximately 20 million viewers.<ref name=usatoday>Oldenburg, Ann. [https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/obit/story/2012-04-18/dick-clark-dies-at-82/54390716/1 "TV legend Dick Clark dies at age 82"], ''USA Today'', April 18, 2012</ref> In the fall of 1961, ABC truncated ''American Bandstand''<nowiki/>'s airtime from 90 to 60 minutes (4:00–5:00 p.m. ET), then even further as a daily half-hour (4:00–4:30 p.m. ET) program in September 1962. Beginning in early 1963, all five shows for the upcoming week were videotaped the previous Saturday. The use of videotape allowed Clark to produce and host a series of concert tours based on the success of ''American Bandstand'' and pursue other broadcast interests.<ref name=usatoday/>
===1960s=== On September 7, 1963, ''American Bandstand'' shifted from a weekday schedule to a weekly broadcast format, airing every Saturday afternoon in a reinstated one-hour time slot, returning to the format used in earlier broadcasts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Bandstand (TV) {{!}} EBSCO Research Starters |url=https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/arts-and-entertainment/american-bandstand-tv |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=Ebsco.com}}</ref>
thumb|''American Bandstand'' in 1973 When WFIL-TV moved to a new facility on City Line Avenue, the new facility lacked a studio that could accommodate the show, ABC moved production of ''Bandstand'' to the ABC Television Center in Los Angeles, now known as The Prospect Studios, on February 8, 1964. Prior to the move, ''Bandstand'' featured many of its up-and-coming acts from Philadelphia's Cameo-Parkway Records. The move to California coincided with a downturn in Cameo-Parkway Records' influence, which diminished the exposure many of its artists.<ref name=americasradiostars>{{cite web|url=https://radioinsight.com/ross/202078/did-the-beatles-kill-americas-radio-stars/|title=Did the Beatles kill America's radio stars?|first=Ken|last=Barnes|work=Radio Insight|date=February 9, 2021|access-date=February 20, 2021}}</ref>
The program was filmed in color starting on September 9, 1967. The typical production schedule consisted of videotaping three shows on a Saturday and three shows on a Sunday, every six weeks. The shows were usually produced in either Stage 54 or Stage 55 at ABC Television Center.<ref name=":3" />
In September 1964, ''Bandstand'' began using a new logo based on the ABC circle logo, reading "ab" in the same typeface followed by a number representing the year the show aired. This started with "'65" and continued annually through "'69" when each year arrived. On September 13, 1969, the ''Bandstand'' set was given a complete overhaul, and Les Elgart's big band version of "Bandstand Boogie" was replaced by a new theme composed by Mike Curb. The "ab" logo was replaced with the stylized "AB" logo, which remained in use and was used for the remainder of the show's run. This set and theme music were used until August 31, 1974, when the show unveiled a new set and an updated version of "Bandstand Boogie."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |last3= |title=RockPeaks - American Bandstand |url=https://rockpeaks.com/shows/405766/american-bandstand |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=RockPeaks {{!}} Music Video Community}}</ref>
===1970s=== For a brief time in 1973, ''Bandstand'' alternated its time slot with ''Soul Unlimited'',<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Twin Cities Rock 'N' Roll TV Shows |url=https://twincitiesmusichighlights.net/tvshows/ |url-status=dead |access-date= |website=Twin Cities Music Highlights |publisher= |quote= |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218222625/http://twincitiesmusichighlights.net/tvshows/ }}</ref> a show featuring soul music that was hosted by Buster Jones. ''Soul Unlimited'' faced criticism from some African-American viewers who questioned Clark's role as a white producer and accused the show of reinforcing racial stereotypes. Don Cornelius, the creator-producer and host of ''Soul Train'', along with Jesse Jackson, publicly opposed Clark's involvement in the new program, and it was canceled within weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=EURPublisher01 |date=2023-03-24 |title=When Dick Clark Tried to Derail 'Soul Train' with Knockoff 'Soul Unlimited' {{!}} EUR VIDEO THROWBACK |url=https://eurweb.com/2023/when-dick-clark-tried-and-failed-to-derail-soul-train-eur-video-throwback/ |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=EURweb}}</ref> Set pieces from ''Soul Unlimited'' were utilized by ''Bandstand'' for its 1974–1978 set design.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Bandstand PureHistory |url=https://purehistory.org/american-bandstand/ |date=6 September 2013 |access-date=6 September 2013 }}</ref>
=== 1980s === During the early 1980s, ''American Bandstand'' experienced a steady decline in ratings. This was largely due to increased competition from emerging music television formats such as MTV, as well as a growing number of music programs across other networks. Many ABC affiliates began preempting or rescheduling the show, further reducing its viewership. Additionally, the show's time slot was frequently overtaken by college football broadcasts, which had expanded significantly following a 1984 court-ordered deregulation.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}
==== 1985: 33 1/3rd anniversary and 1989 cancellation ==== On December 1, 1985, American Bandstand aired a special 33 1/3rd anniversary broadcast on ABC. The show featured performances by numerous recording artists, guest appearances, and archival footage from past screenings. Performing artists included Rod Stewart, Dionne Warwick, and Donna Summer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Washuk |first=Bonnie |date=1985-12-07 |title=Proclamations – There's a cause for everyone; Do you want it to be official? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-journal-proclamations-days-to-honor/167892615/ |access-date=2025-04-09 |work=Sun-Journal |pages=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Van Matre |first=Lynn |date=1985-12-01 |title=200 recording artists on 'Bandstand' tonight |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lima-news-200-recording-artists-on/167941609/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |work=The Lima News |pages=49}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Holloway |first=Diane |date=1985-12-01 |title='Perry Mason Returns' uses familiar formula |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-american-bands/167941700/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |work=Austin American-Statesman |pages=228}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=John |date=1985-11-15 |title=Tube Talk |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leader-post-tube-talk-by-john-wilson/167941805/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |work=The Leader-Post |pages=118}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=1985-12-01 |title=Saturday Program Highlights |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-american-bandst/167941653/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |pages=364}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1985-11-03 |title=Forever Youthful Dick Clark Turns 56 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vicksburg-post-forever-youthful-dick/167892968/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |work=The Vicksburg Post |pages=34}}</ref>
On September 13, 1986, ABC reduced ''Bandstand'' from a full hour to 30 minutes<ref>{{cite news |last=King|first=Susan|date=May 10, 1992|title=Clark and 'Bandstand' Break the Top 40 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-10-tv-2148-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|location= |access-date=}}</ref> at Clark's request. On September 5, 1987, the final ABC installment<ref>{{YouTube|title=American Bandstand (1987 Closing Credits - ABC Finale)|id=scrD7KxR1gU}}</ref> (with Laura Branigan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/shows/american-bandstand/laura-branigan-final-abc-show-243640/ |title=American Bandstand, Season 30, Episode 38: Laura Brannigan (Final ABC show) |website=TV.com |access-date=December 15, 2013}}</ref> performing "Shattered Glass"<ref>{{YouTube|title=Laura Branigan - Shattered Glass & Interview - AB (1987)|id=YX0zchsd-7Y}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|title=Laura Branigan – Shattered Glass|id=NphmoA__GhE}}</ref>) aired.
{{blockquote|Hey, our thanks to Laura Branigan for joining us here on ''American Bandstand'' today. I hope you've had a good half-hour. Come and join us two weeks from today for an hour version of ''American Bandstand'' on Saturday, September 19. We'll see you then. In the meantime, have a wonderful week or two. We'll see you the next time on ''American Bandstand''. For now, Dick Clark on ABC, so long.|Dick Clark's final message on the final episode of ''American Bandstand'' to be broadcast on ABC from September 5, 1987.}}
Two weeks later, ''Bandstand'' moved to first-run syndication.<ref>{{cite book |last=Jackson|first=John|author-link= |date= June 3, 1999|title=American Bandstand: Dick Clark and the Making of a Rock 'n' Roll Empire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=29jhBwAAQBAJ&dq=USA+Network+1989+American+Bandstand&pg=PT319|location= |publisher= Oxford University Press|page= |isbn=978-0-19-028490-9}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|title=American Bandstand (Show Promo) - 1987|id=8hD803JX8mk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bates|first=James|date=May 5, 1987|title=Dick Clark's On a Roll : He Tunes In to TV Trends|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-05-05-fi-4076-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|location= |access-date=}}</ref> Dubbed as ''The New American Bandstand'' and distributed by LBS Communications, the series' tapings were moved from the ABC Television Center to the Hollywood studios of Los Angeles's PBS member station KCET,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kcet.org/tv-talk/american-bandstand-and-kcet|title=American Bandstand and KCET?|last=Bower|first=Cathy|date=April 18, 2014|website=KCET|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> with a new set similar to that of ''Soul Train''. Clark continued as host of the series, which was returned to a one-hour format,<ref>{{cite news |last=Fleck|first=Carole|date=September 24, 1987|title=Dick Clark celebrates American Bandstand's 35th|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/09/24/Dick-Clark-celebrates-American-Bandstands-35th/9854405544950/|work=UPI|location= |access-date=}}</ref> and aired on KYW-TV in Philadelphia and WWOR-TV in New York City<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/retro-fairbanks-alaska-october-24-1987.513871/|title=Retro: Fairbanks, Alaska (October 24, 1987)|last= |first= |date=September 12, 2007|website=Radio Discussions|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> (a Superstation status that also gave the program further national exposure), KTLA in Los Angeles, WMAQ-TV in Chicago, WDIV in Detroit, WEWS in Cleveland, WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/retro-northern-wisconsin-sat-july-9th-1988.707934/|title=Retro: Northern Wisconsin, Sat. July 9th, 1988|last= |first= |date=February 2, 2018|website=Radio Discussions|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> and WCIX in Miami.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/retro-request-sat-10-31-11-7-and-sun-11-1-1987.578441/|title=Retro Request: Sat 10/31 & 11/7 and Sun 11/1, 1987|last= |first= |date=March 15, 2010|website=Radio Discussions|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> The first syndicated episode aired on the weekend of September 19, 1987.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/shows/american-bandstand/ab-now-in-syndication-jody-watley-dan-hill-david-spade-243642/ |title=AB now in syndication: Jody Watley, Dan Hill, David Spade |website=TV.com |access-date=October 28, 2013}}</ref> The run was short-lived, lasting until June 4, 1988.
After a ten-month hiatus,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/shows/american-bandstand/ab-moves-to-usa-network-244515/ |title=AB moves to USA network |website=TV.com | access-date=October 28, 2013}}</ref> ''Bandstand'' moved to cable on USA Network<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=March 22, 1989|title=Clark ends long-playing spin on bandstand|url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DS19890322.2.13&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN--------1|work=Desert Sun|location= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author-link= |date= June 24, 2009|title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w8KztFy6QYwC&dq=USA+Network+1989+%22American+Bandstand+Music%22&pg=PA45|location= |publisher= Random House Publishing|page=45|isbn=9780307483201|last1= Brooks|first1= Tim|last2= Marsh|first2= Earle F.}}</ref> on April 8, 1989,<ref>{{cite news |date=March 22, 1989|title=Clark Steps Down as 'Bandstand' Host |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |agency=Associated Press|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2IxfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9i8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2919%2C1808689&q=8|newspaper =Lewiston Morning Tribune (Maine)|location= |access-date=July 12, 2024}}</ref> with comedian David Hirsch<ref>{{cite news |last=Seymour|first=Gene|date=April 8, 1989|title='Bandstand' Has a New Young Leader|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1989-04-08-8904080232-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|location= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=April 8, 1989|title=On 'Bandstand,' Dick Clark Says Goodbye|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/08/arts/on-bandstand-dick-clark-says-goodbye.html?mtrref=www.google.com&gwh=306E9EAAD5889CC4FC8D7D3A497A551E&gwt=pay|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=March 31, 1989|title=Dick Clark quits American Bandstand|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/03/21/Dick-Clark-quits-American-Bandstand/8976606459600/|work=UPI}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hochman|first=Steve|date=March 25, 1989|title=A Last Dance With Dick Clark|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-25-ca-437-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wilker|first=Deborah|date=July 7, 1989|title=Ageless Clark Still Stand for the 'American' Band|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1989-07-07-8902190838-story.html|work=Sun-Sentinel|location= |access-date=}}</ref> taking over as host. In another format shift, the show was shot outdoors at Universal Studios Hollywood.<ref>{{cite news |last=Borcover|first=Alfred|date=June 30, 1989|title=Bears Watching|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-07-30-8902210507-story.html|work=Chicago Tribune|location= |access-date=}}</ref> Clark remained with the show, serving as its executive producer.
This iteration of the show, however, was also brief, lasting 26 weeks before it was canceled. Its final show, with The Cover Girls performing "My Heart Skips a Beat" and "We Can't Go Wrong", aired on October 7, 1989,<ref>{{cite news |last=Medearis|first=John|date=November 28, 1989 |title=Hits Prove Hard to Find at Dick Clark Productions : Entertainment: Performance has been mediocre since the company went public in 1987. Attempts continue to launch a successful game show or sitcom.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-11-28-fi-127-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|location= |access-date=}}</ref> ending the show's 37-year run.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/american-bandstand/ |title=TV Series Finale – American Bandstand |website=TV Series Finale |date=March 17, 2011 |access-date=October 28, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/shows/american-bandstand/final-american-bandstand-the-cover-girls-244541/ |title=Final American Bandstand: The Cover Girls |website=TV.com |access-date=October 28, 2013}}</ref>
The show was a ratings success from 1957 to 1979 but by the early and mid 1980s ratings had started to decline. By the late 1980s the show's ratings had dropped significantly, its traditional live format of teenagers dancing to popular hits increasingly viewed as outdated compared to newer music programs such as MTV and Soul Train, which offered music videos, artist interviews, and more edgy content. The show was finally canceled in 1989.
{{blockquote|Well, it's our last show here on ''Bandstand'' and I really want to thank the viewers who have kept ''American Bandstand'' on the air all these years. Dick Clark, wherever you are, we miss you. I tried my best to fill your shoes and I hope I have lived up to what you were expecting of me. ''American Bandstand'' will be back someday, I assure you. I'm David Hirsch and, on behalf of ''American Bandstand'', I bid you, for the last time, goodbye.|Dave Hirsch signing off for the last time on ''American Bandstand''{{'}}s final regular episode on October 7, 1989.}}
===2002: 50th anniversary=== thumb|''American Bandstand''{{'}}s 50th anniversary reunion in 2002 On May 3, 2002, Dick Clark hosted a one-off special 50th anniversary edition on ABC. Michael Jackson, a frequent ''Bandstand'' guest, performed "Dangerous." The Village People performed their signature song "YMCA" for the audience in Pasadena, California. Other performers, including Brandy, members of Kiss, Dennis Quaid and his band The Sharks, Cher, and Stevie Wonder performed in honor of the long-running program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Remembering American Bandstand's 50th [Photos] |url=http://wcbsfm.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2012/04/18/remembering-american-bandstands-50th-photos/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123653/http://wcbsfm.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2012/04/18/remembering-american-bandstands-50th-photos/ |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=2015-12-07 |website=Wcbsfm.cbslocal.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Program features== ===Rate-a-Record=== Clark regularly asked teenagers their opinions of the songs being played through the "Rate-a-Record" segment. During the segment, two audience members each ranked two records on a scale of 35 to 98. After which their two opinions were averaged by Clark, who then asked the chosen members to justify their scores. The segment gave rise to the catchphrase "It's got a good beat and you can dance to it."<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5Y9IBwihU4w Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20120418224751/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y9IBwihU4w&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y9IBwihU4w#t=02m39s|title=Rate a Record|last=grandmastafunk92|date=March 20, 2009|access-date=March 27, 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
===Hosts=== [[File:Dick Clark American Bandstand 1961.JPG|thumb|Dick Clark in a promotional image for ''American Bandstand'' in 1961]] [[File:Charlie O’Donnell.jpg|175px|thumb|Charlie O'Donnell, the show's announcer]] Donna Summer was the only singer to co-host the show with Dick Clark, joining him on May 27, 1978, for a special episode dedicated to the release of the Casablanca Records film ''Thank God It's Friday''. From the late 1950s and most of the 1960s, Clark's on-camera sidekick was announcer Charlie O'Donnell, who later went on to announce ''Wheel of Fortune'' and other programs hosted or produced by Clark, such as ''The $100,000 Pyramid''. In occasional shows not hosted by Clark, a substitute host (among them Rick Azar) was brought in.<ref>Pergament, Alan (April 19, 2012). [http://stilltalkintv.com/2012/04/top-of-newscast-salutes-to-clark-deserved/ Top of newscast salutes to Clark deserved] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505034842/http://stilltalkintv.com/2012/04/top-of-newscast-salutes-to-clark-deserved/ |date=May 5, 2012 }}. Retrieved April 19, 2012.</ref>
===Theme music=== ''Bandstand'' originally used "High Society" by Artie Shaw as its theme song, but by the time the show went national, it had been replaced by various arrangements of Charles Albertine's "Bandstand Boogie," including Les Elgart's big-band recording. From 1969 to 1974, "Bandstand Theme," a synthesized rock instrumental co-written by Mike Curb, opened each show. From 1974 to 1977, there was a newer orchestral disco version of "Bandstand Boogie," arranged and performed by Joe Porter, played during the opening and closing credits. Elgart's version was released as a single in March 1954 (Columbia 40180) as well as Curb's theme (by "Mike Curb & The Waterfall") in October 1969 (Forward 124).
From 1977 to September 6, 1986, the show opened and closed with Barry Manilow's rendition of "Bandstand Boogie,"<ref>{{cite news |last=Bobbin|first=Jay|date=August 20, 2000|title=- A friend and I were recently...|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-08-20-0008200347-story.html|work=Chicago Tribune|location= |access-date=}}</ref> which he originally recorded for his 1975 album ''Tryin' to Get the Feeling''. This version introduced lyrics written by Manilow and Bruce Sussman, referencing elements of the series (the previous theme was retained as bumper music). From September 13, 1986, to September 5, 1987, Manilow's version was replaced at the close of the show by a new closing theme arranged by David Russo, who also performed an updated instrumental arrangement of "Bandstand Boogie" when ''Bandstand'' went into syndication.
From 1974 to September 6, 1986, ''Bandstand'' featured another instrumental at its mid-show break: Billy Preston's synth hit "Space Race".<ref name="billboard2">{{cite book |last1=White |first1=Adam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w0xLAAAAYAAJ |title=The Billboard Book of Number One Rhythm & Blues Hits |last2=Bronson |first2=Fred |publisher=Billboard Books:Watson-Guptill Publications, New York |year=1993 |isbn=9780823082858 |page=125 |author-link2=Fred Bronson}} [https://archive.org/details/billboardbookofn0000whit/page/n147/mode/2up Alt URL]</ref>
==Civil rights and discrimination== Originally located in Philadelphia, ''Bandstand'' was influenced by racial segregation laws in nearby Maryland and Delaware. Although the show was never explicitly segregated and featured Black R&B performers such as The Chords, producers sought to increase marketability in segregated states and avoid alienating white viewers by effectively segregating the audience beginning in 1954. Policies to limit Black attendance included abolishing first-come, first-served ticketing for local residents, favoring repeat attendees in ticket allocation, promoting tickets in majority-white suburbs, and only responding to mail-in ticket requests from individuals with European surnames.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://nicestkids.com/nehvectors/nicest-kids/protesting-segregation-on-bandstand|title=The Nicest Kids in Town: "Observers Note a Lack of Negro Participation"|website=Nicestkids.com|access-date=December 16, 2025}}</ref>
In response, Black teenagers began requesting tickets under assumed names to gain admission, but often faced harassment and conflicts with white audience members. Concerned about the potential impact of these incidents on advertisers and audience participation, ''Bandstand'' producers petitioned the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to investigate. Bob Horn and other producers testified that the show did not have any discriminatory policies, and in 1955 the Commission concluded that although admission policies and the resulting conflicts led to "the absence of Negroes from attendance," there were insufficient grounds for a discrimination lawsuit.<ref name=":0" />
Dick Clark claimed in his autobiography that he was responsible for desegregating the show's audience shortly after taking over in 1957. However, review of footage of the show's audience reveals that it remained almost exclusively white until it relocated to Los Angeles in 1964.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kay |first=Jonathan |title=The colour of Dick Clark's cash: Jonathan Kay on American Bandstand, race, and money in 1950s Philadelphia |url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/the-colour-of-dick-clarks-cash-jonathan-kay-on-american-bandstand-race-and-money-in-1950s-philadelphia |work=National Post}}</ref>
==Revival plans== In 2004, Dick Clark, with the help of Ryan Seacrest, announced plans to revive the show in time for the 2005 season; although this did not occur (due in part to Clark suffering a severe stroke in late 2004),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-11-22 |title=Dick Clark recalls having his stroke |url=http://www.today.com/popculture/dick-clark-recalls-having-his-stroke-1C9427706 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=TODAY.com}}</ref> one segment of the revived ''Bandstand'' eventually became the series ''So You Think You Can Dance''.
Dick Clark died on April 18, 2012, at the age of 82.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dick-clark-dead-heart-attack-82-years-old-stroke-313743/ |title=Dick Clark Dead of Heart Attack at 82 |date=2012-04-18 |access-date=2024-12-03 |first=Duane |last=Byrge|website=The Hollywood Reporter }}</ref>
==Legacy== {{Infobox PAhistoric | name = American Bandstand | PAhistoric_type = PA | designated_PAhistoric_type = August 5, 1997 | image = | alt = | caption = | coordinates = {{coord|39.9585|-75.21259|display=inline}} | locmapin = Philadelphia | map_alt = | map_caption = Location of ''American Bandstand''{{'s}} filming at 4548 Market St. in Philadelphia | location = 4548 Market St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | built = | demolished = | architect = | architecture = | governing_body = }} ''American Bandstand'' served as an early national television platform for artists such as Prince, Jackson 5, Sonny and Cher, Aerosmith, and John Lydon's PiL—all of whom made their American TV debuts on the show.<ref name="American Bandstand and its Legacy">{{Cite web|title = American Bandstand and its Legacy|url = http://scripts.cac.psu.edu/users/u/x/uxn5001/art101/assignment6/index.html|website = scripts.cac.psu.edu|access-date = 2015-12-07|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222112410/http://scripts.cac.psu.edu/users/u/x/uxn5001/art101/assignment6/index.html|archive-date = December 22, 2015|url-status = dead|df = mdy-all}}</ref> ''American Bandstand''<nowiki/>'s Top 40 hits were matched with routines performed by teenagers, which were designed to appeal to that demographic. It also influenced later musical television programs, including MTV and Fox's reality-competition show ''American Idol''.<ref name="American Bandstand and its Legacy"/>
==See also== {{Portal|Philadelphia}} * List of acts who appeared on ''American Bandstand'' * ''Bandstand'', Australian version loosely based on the American version * ''Top of the Pops'', a similar British music program * ''The Buddy Deane Show'' * ''Soul Train'' * ''The Midnight Special'' * ''The Clay Cole Show'' * ''Electric Circus'' * ''CD USA''
==References== {{reflist}}
==Further reading== * Matthew F. Delmont, [http://nicestkids.com/nehvectors/nicest-kids/index ''The Nicest Kids in Town'': American Bandstand, ''Rock'n'Roll, and the Struggle for Civil Rights in 1950s Philadelphia.''] Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2012. * Murray Forman, ''One Night on TV is Worth Weeks at the Paramount: Popular Music on Early Television.'' Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2012.
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{IMDb title|id=0049993|title=American Bandstand}} * [http://www.museum.tv/eotv/americanband.htm The Museum of Broadcast Communications – ''American Bandstand''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803075751/http://www.museum.tv/eotv/americanband.htm |date=August 3, 2018 }}
{{Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Special Class Series}} {{Children's programming on the American Broadcasting Company in the 1960s}} {{Children's programming on the American Broadcasting Company in the 1970s}} {{Children's programming on the American Broadcasting Company in the 1980s}} {{USANetwork Shows}} {{Authority control}}
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