A man of music, entertainment host Dick Clark (1929–2012), “America's oldest teenager,” helped celebrate Rock and Roll and American culture for over 50 years.

On this day in 1957, Clark's popular television show, American Bandstand, aired its first national broadcast on ABC. The first song that rocked the show was Jerry Lee Lewis' classic hit Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On.

As the longest-running musical show in television history (1957–1989), American Bandstand showcased talents like Chuck Berry, Ricky Nelson, and Chubby Checker, giving artists a chance to share their talents nationally.

“Success in pop music is like being let into a bank vault with a shovel and you don't know how long you've got so you shovel like mad,” Clark once said.

The show’s success was a mix of Clark’s boyish charm, ability to adapt to evolving music trends, and inclusion of dancers from West Catholic and South Philadelphia High.

“It’s one of the pioneer programs on TV,” he told USA Today. “What happened with this show could never happen again.”

A shrewd businessman, Clark founded Dick Clark Productions and launched the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration from Times Square in 1972, now a televised tradition.

Born Richard Wagstaff Clark in Mount Vernon, New York, he earned a marketing degree and according to writer Fred Bronson, had “an uncanny ability to speak to teenagers.”

Hosting American Bandstand, Clark reflected, “It kept me in constant touch with people younger than I. That’s good for your head, it helps to keep you young, and keeps you invigorated... I miss it... They were great days.”

Dick Clark was a cultural force, one of those rare figures who didn’t just ride the wave of change, he helped shape it. He bridged generations by presenting music in a way that felt fresh yet safe, exciting yet accessible. He also knew how to stay young by staying curious. That’s timeless.