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Starting out as a local Philadelphia show in 1952, American Bandstand was the first network show that was exclusively dedicated to rock and roll. Originally just called Bandstand, host Bob Horn worked from a set that looked like a record store, and featured film clips of musicians and a live teenage audience dancing to the latest tunes.

 

Local DJ Dick Clark took over the host spot in 1956, and the following year, ABC picked up the program for 67 of it’s affiliates. Some broadcast the full 90 minutes, and other opted for 60 or 30 minutes. After being broadcast weekday afternoons, American Bandstand was given a primetime slot for 13 weeks in 1957. Clark changed the set from a record store idea to bleachers and a podium.

 

Clark also started featuring live musical guests who lip-synced their hits to the audience. The show featured repeat appearances by Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, and Fabian (although musical icons Elvis Presley and The Beatles never made an appearance on the show.)  He started the “Rate a Record” segment where teenage audience members could give feedback on the latest hot song. He also incorporated a weekly top ten chart and a yearly dance contest. 

 

In 1963 the show was moved to Saturday afternoons, and the following spring it moved to Los Angeles where Clark established Dick Clark Productions to promote concerts and create TV shows such as Where the Action Is and It's Happening (later titled Happening '68).

 

Clark left ABC in 1987 when the network decided to cut the show to only 30 minutes. He kept the 60 minute format in syndication for a year and a half, and then moved the show to the USA Network, replacing his hosting duties with 26-year-old David Hirsch. The show continued there for another 26 weeks.

 

American Bandstand helped bring the burgeoning rock and roll movement to American homes everywhere. And besides, it had a good beat and you could dance to it.