Ryan leads tribute to Dick Clark
Ryan led the Daytime Emmys tribute to Dick Clark with an introduction about American Bandstand and what it did for popular music:
“Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. What a daytime legacy. And because of Dick Clark and Bandstand, daytime television did more for popular music than any other form of entertainment. There aren’t enough hands to count all the artists who owe their careers to Bandstand. All you need to do is ride down the strip here in Las Vegas and look at the marquees; Bandstand performers are still packing them in. Let’s take a look at how we rocked, how we sang along and how we danced along to Bandstand.”
“Every afternoon for almost 40 years, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year, American Bandstand provided the soundtrack to our lives, bringing to America all the new musical trends. From rock and roll, to rap, to disco, to heavy metal, kids danced to the latest beats thanks to Bandstand.”
This was followed by performances from artists who got a break on Bandstand: The Spinners, Jersey Boys representing The Four Seasons, Marie Osmond, Tony Orlando and Chubby Checker, then recorded messages from Garth Brooks, Simon Cowell, Cher, Donny Osmond, Frankie Avalon and Barry Manilow.
The most touching part of the tribute was when Ryan sat with Dick in the audience and spoke about working with Dick as people around them started to stand up to show their respect:
“A few years ago when I had the opportunity to cohost Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve with the man whose name is above the title, it was said I’d be Dick’s eventual successor. Believe me, if I live to be 300, I could never fill your shoes. I personally want to thank you for what you’ve done for our industry, for music, and for me. I’m proud to be your friend and I love you, Dick.”
Ryan looked choked up as Dick thanked him and joked about writing Ryan’s speech, then said a few words thanking the artists who’d appeared on Bandstand over the years.
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The tribute closed with a performance of Bandstand Boogie and a lot of love from the audience and Ryan held it together as the cameras focussed on an emotional Dick Clark.
I didn't, the moment we went to commercial-tears! RT @JonsBlueSnuggie: Dick clark broke my heart @RyanSeacrest how did u keep from crying?
Ryan Seacrest
RyanSeacrest
It was a very moving and respectful tribute; Ryan and everyone else involved did a great job.
More photographs of Ryan Seacrest at the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards
