I'll Give It an 83, Dick...

"...because it has a really good beat and it's easy to dance to." Hundreds, probably thousands, of new pop songs were rated this way over the years, thanks to his show.

An American pop music icon left us yesterday. Dick Clark made an indelible mark upon music culture in America with the American Bandstand TV show watched by teens across the land, including yours truly. He always had one musical guest performing (usually lip-syncing) their latest hit. This clip of Jerry Lee Lewis on the show will give you the idea.

Oh, they don't write 'em like that any more! (I'll bet your toe was tapping, though, wasn't it?)

I spent many afternoons tuned in to hear the latest in Rock-n-Roll, watch the kids dancing, and to see a hot group or individual perform their latest hit.

Good times; thanks, Dick.