The Death of Dick Clark

It is kind of too bad that the teenagers of today have no idea of how important a figure Dick Clark was. For many of them he is only that older man who speaks as a stroke victim on New Year's Eve. And as he recovered somewhat and fought against the results of his stroke he was admirable and a role model for those dealing with adversity.

Still this is not Dick Clark. Dick Clark was, perhaps along with Elvis, the most important figure in the launch of Rock and Roll. The truth is that even for someone of my generation Dick Clark's greatest moments of influence were well before my time. The history of his influence in bringing rock and roll to the mainstream, first in Philadelphia, and then as his show became nationally syndicated was one that brought rock and roll legends in the making into the homes each afternoon.

Tell your children to go on Google, find some of the early clips from the fifties and sixties. Explain to them that this was the first time anyone ever did what he did. Explain to them how " it's got a good beat and you can dance to it " became a part of the American lexicon.

Dick Clark was a legend. He will be missed.

Springsteen on XM Radio

I have been listening to this channel for quite sometime on the XM/Sirius radio and for a Springsteen fan it can offer the occasional tidbit that you have not heard, or not heard in so long it is like a new experience. Late last night as the insomnia kicked in we heard The Promise and then a version of Johnny Bye Bye from a long ago concert. Bruce gave an into where he talked about Elvis and how he had seen him six months before he died in Philly and in Bruce's words the death of the King was not a surprise to him. It was quite a statement and an incredibly personal version of Johnny Bye-Bye followed.

We saw Bruce at Great Woods last August. It was an incredible night, an incredible show. With Bruce at least for me it never gets old. We took our oldest son who is 14 to the show. It was a night to remember. Not the first time I have said this and it will not be the last. Thanks Bruce.