american bandstand

When I was a kid growing up in the Cornhill section of Utica in the 1960s, we didn't have MTV or VH1 to see rock 'n roll on TV. We watched shows like "American Bandstand", "Shindig" and Hullabaloo". Yes, there actually was a show called, "Hullabaloo".

If you're a baby boomer, you probably remember rushing home from school and tuning on the TV to watch "American Bandstand". On this day in 1957, the show debuted on national TV on ABC, hosted by Dick Clark, who started his career in Utica radio and TV before moving to Philadelphia.

As hard as it is to believe, Madonna has not been around forever, and on this day in 1984 she made her debut on "American Bandstand". Madonna performed her hit, "Holiday" which was released the year before and peaked at #16 on the "Billboard" charts. And not to give away my age, but I remember playing the song when it was new!

On Aug 29, 1986, the former "American Bandstand" studio was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dick Clark celebrates his 81st birthday today. In honor his honor today is also Perpetual Youth Day. So we have found a rare video to celebrate both events. Click Read More to see an even younger look Dick Clark and meet his parents all the way from Utica, New York!