Michael: To me, one of the more commendable things about Clark is when he conducts his short little between-song interviews — he always made certain everyone was included … or at least introduced. Very upstanding of him in my opinion.
Tara: And of course, any discussion of Dick Clark wouldn’t be complete without touching on what a lot of people are recalling about him most, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
Michael: Agreed. Because that was the Dick Clark I grew up with most. Ringing in the new year was never complete without Clark’s voice somewhere in the background of all the frolickry that was happening New Year’s Eve, wherever I was.
Tara: Here’s the ball dropping with Dick lighting the way in 2003 …
Tara: You can hear him but not see him. However with his radio announcer background? He still generates the excitement.
Michael: He’s like a hot cup of cocoa. Soothing and comfortable. And man … he was one good lookin’ dude, too. I had the pleasure of meeting him once during the Hollywood Walk Of Fame induction ceremony for Casey Kasem who received his star on the walk. Clark was in attendance as a guest and friend of Kasem. Afterward, both were warm, friendly and accommodating, chatting us up and allowing us some photo opportunities. Nice memory.
Tara: I’m glad he was nice to you, as I’ve heard some contrasting stories from a personal friend and some others who worked with him. Now, you know me. I’d rather have my tongue pulled out of my head than speak ill of the recently deceased. So, I’m just gonna say? I’m glad he was cordial to you.
Michael: You know as well as I do, Tara (especially being you were in the media spotlight with your radio career) there are two sides to every coin when it comes to personalities: The public persona and the private one. Why should he be any different? He wasn’t a god for Pete’s sake. I mean … he was divorced twice and married thrice.
Tara: I hear you. But sometimes I think people thought of him as godlike. With heaven being Dick Clark Productions. However, there is a difference between the man and the mogul. Right?
Michael: Ab. So. Lutely. If people would get that through their heads about, things would motor along a lot more smoothly.
Tara: Yep. To wrap this? Maybe we should remember Dick’s signature sign off and salute him with his own words:
“For now? Dick Clark … so long …”
Quotes:
“I don’t set trends. I just find out what they are and exploit them.” — Dick Clark
“Everybody needs a mentor. And mine, without doubt, was Dick Clark. His passion for music, boundless energy and his belief in the youth in this country made him a true American institution. It was back in 1957 that Dick Clark embarked on a journey that would change the very nature of the way we listen to and perceived pop music. On American Bandstand he would spin new records and bring new bands, making the show one of the most important music programs in television history. He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. With his success on American Bandstand, Dick would go on to create Dick Clark Productions, a company that produced a litany of top quality entertainment shows. But closest to all our hearts is Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, a tradition I had the distinct honor of being a part of. He was a remarkable man and left a rich legacy for television audiences around the world. Dick Clark will be missed.” – Ryan Seacrest on this week’s American Idol
“I don’t make culture. I sell it.” – Dick Clark
“With the passing of Dick Clark, we lost a real hero who had untold influence on both world culture and the art form we call rock and roll. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, Clark was a trendsetter who helped guide our tastes in music, dance and fashion for more than three decades. His show American Bandstand was instrumental in showing the world that rock and roll was here to stay.” – Terry Stewart, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
“If you fall down, get up and walk again. If you can’t walk, crawl. If that idea fails, have another one. There really is a lot to learn there. I have failed a lot in my life. You know, I’m making two or three pitches today. Maybe one of them will work, but I’ve made two or three. And I’ll do another four or five tomorrow. It doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a lot of hard work.” — Dick Clark
“GOODBYE DICK CLARK! YOU ONLY MAN IN AMERICA WHO ABLE TO DROP BALL AND MAKE IT LOOK GOOD!” – Drunk Hulk
“It’s hard to explain how a silly little dance show with a guy playing records and kids dancing could have any sort of lasting significance.” – Dick Clark
“Dick’s understated yet omnipresent personality created a new media format. With an understated on-air presence, he made the kids and their music the stars of the show. His genius was in his ability to use the power of television to help define how American teenagers saw themselves. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand spread the gospel of American pop music and teenage style that transcended the regional boundaries of our country and united a youth culture that eventually spread its message throughout the entire world. With his passing, Dick Clark deserves to take his place at the top in the pantheon of popular culture icons.” – John Oates of Hall & Oates.
“It’s real good to be back with you again this year. You and I have been a part of each other’s lives for so many new year’s Eves that I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” – Dick Clark
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on Apr 20, 2012 @ 00:30 EST5EDT
One of the former American Bandstand dancers is an online friend, and she has nothing but good to say about Dick Clark as a person. According to her, he really cared about the young people whose music made him the icon he became.
Forget about the millions, I want to know who inherits the picture in the attic that aged for him. Or, perhaps the picture was damaged and that brought on the heart attack. His apparent long-lasting youth also played a part in his on camera appeal. Same age as my dad, but always young at heart. He will be missed.
Very nice tribute to an amazing man.
Always watched the Pyramid shows growing up (and I still have my original home versions!), and I never missed Dick and Ed McMahon bringing us all of the Bloopers and Practical Jokes! I think that was one of the first network television shows to regularly show us those crazy outtakes from some of our favorite shows. Another groundbreaking genre he helped create. He is certainly an icon that will never be replaced … no matter how hard Seacrest tries.
Nice tribute! :o)