American Bandstand : A Photo History

The stars who graced the stage on the seminal music show.

Dick Clark: (11/30/29 – 4/18/12) - Known as "the world's oldest teenager" for his baby-faced look, Dick Clark rose to be the American media mogul that he was due to the success of his television show American Bandstand. The wildly popular show featured teenagers dancing to Top 40 hits. Throughout the 28 years that American Bandstand aired on television, Dick Clark had the honor of highlighting and interviewing the nation's biggest pop stars, including a number of R&B and hip hop acts. Unfortunately, Clark passed away on April 18, 2012. His legacy, however, will live on through the artists he helped to make famous. Here's a list of some of the familiar faces you may recognize from the Bandstand archives.
Prince - At 19 years old, a very quiet Prince made his national television debut on American Bandstand. In his interview, Prince talked about turning down numerous record deals because the labels wouldn't allow him to produce.
Janet Jackson - A fresh-faced Janet Jackson made her television debut — musically that is — on American Bandstand with her performance of "What Have You Done for Me Lately."(Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)The Sylvers - At the height of the disco era, American Bandstand featured the Sylvers in a performance of their 1976 hit "Boogie Fever."(Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Next Gallery

12 Powerful Quotes from Black Women Athletes to Inspire Greatness

12 Photos

1 / 19

American Bandstand - Known as "the world's oldest teenager" for his baby-faced look, Dick Clark rose to be the American media mogul that he was due to the success of his television show American Bandstand. The wildly popular show featured teenagers dancing to Top 40 hits. Throughout the 28 years that American Bandstand aired on television, Dick Clark had the honor of highlighting and interviewing the nation's biggest pop stars including a number of R&B and hip hop acts. Unfortunately, Clark passed away on April 18, 2012, however his legacy will live on through the artists he helped to make famous. Here's a list of some of the familiar faces you may recognize from the Bandstand archives.

ADVERTISEMENT