Episodes: 3,000 (approximate) (1 – 2.5 hours)
Seasons: 37
TV show dates: October 7, 1952 — October 7, 1989
Series status: Cancelled/ended
Performers include: Hosts Bob Horn, Tony Mammarella, Dick Clark, and David Hirsch
TV show description:
This musical variety show aired in various versions for more than 30 years. The show features teenagers dancing to top 40-type music and inspired other similar long-running music programs, such as Soul Train and Top of the Pops.
The series began on local television in Philadelphia and was hosted by radio host Bob Horn. It mostly featured precursors to music videos with occasional studio guests. Horn was replaced briefly by Tony Mammarella and then permanently by Dick Clark. The program was picked up nationally by ABC and aired weekday afternoons beginning in August 1957. Production moved to Los Angeles in 1964.
Clark would often interview teenagers about their opinions about the songs being played on the program. At least one featured artist would perform on each episode, usually lip-syncing to the released versions of their latest hits.
In 1987, the program moved to first-run syndication. Clark remained as host until April 1989 when the program moved to USA Network and comedian David Hirsch took over.
Episode (unknown)
David Hirsch is the host for the final program and The Cover Girls are the final musical guest. They performed “My Heart Skips a Beat” and “We Can’t Go Wrong.”
Hirsch signed off with, “Well it’s our last show here on Bandstand and I really want to thank the viewers who have kept American Bandstand on the air all these years. Dick Clark wherever you are, we miss you. I tried my best to fill your shoes and I hope I have lived up to what you were expecting of me. American Bandstand will be back someday I assure you. I’m David Hirsch and, on behalf of American Bandstand, I bid you, for the last time, goodbye.”
First aired: October 7, 1989.
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