So he continued to call. She didn't recognize the number, so she didn't answer the phone. He had a going-away party, and she came. The Philadelphia high school Regulars who danced on Dick Clark's American Bandstand in the late 1950s and early 1960s became national celebrities and America's first reality stars. Country singer Lari White is 49. Bassist Wylie Gelber of Dawes is 26. Bandstand didn't just introduce America to the latest rock-and-roll musicians, it had the nation on its feet with the latest dance crazes, such as The Pony, the Jitterbug, and the Twist. For all those years, the two kids from the doo-wop, sock-hop days at Nashville's West High School (which is now a middle school) could only dream about seeing each other again. The Beach Boys were already the kings of surf pop by their first appearance on American Bandstand in 1964. "American Bandstand" was one of the most popular television shows for teenagers. A: Most likely, he was talking about Rockestra Theme from Paul McCartney and Wings 1979 album Back to the Egg. On Oct. 3, 1978, over 20 musicians met at Abbey Road Studios in London and recorded two McCartney compositions: Rockestra Theme and So Glad to See You Here.. The trio is best known for performing the original theme for the TV show Dance Fever, which ran in syndication from 1979-1987 and featured a weekly dance contest. He barely saw his old friend on that trip. Kenny Rossi and Arlene Sullivan, both from Philadelphia, met on the show and loved their days of Bandstand fame. Actress Candice Accola ("The Vampire Diaries") is 27. Here's what Caroline thought when she heard about Eddie's marriage: "What in the hell did she have that I didn't have. ", Mineo's big breakthrough as an actor was his role in the 1955 film "Rebel Without a Cause," opposite James Dean and Natalie Wood. He said he had plans to see an old friend, so he was coming to visit Nashville. Any place there's dancing, I'll still go, said Joe Fusco, who was 15 when he . On their third phone call, he told her he loved her. Years later, he said he just didn't feel like he was ready because he didn't have a full-time job or career. Eddie got Caroline's phone number from a mutual friend. What was the first song featured on the television show American Bandstand? Fifty years later, Bandstand fan Sharon Sultan Cutler wondered what had become of the "Regulars," the name given to the teens that showed up daily to dance. I know there are a lot of American Bandstand fans that will be very excited to see this. These 14- to 18-year olds like Arlene and Kenny, Justine and Bob . The songs "Near You" and "Time in a Bottle" played. Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years, 1956-1963 shares the fascinating story of how Dick Clark's American Bandstand and its millions of viewers catapulted its teenage dancers (called "the Regulars") to fame. She got out of the car. Eddie and Polly moved to California and had two sons. "I was so close to Eddie," Caroline said. Teenagers dance on an episode of Dick Clark's television program, 'American Bandstand,' 1950s. In December 1959, he decided to join the Air Force. And when Dick Clark took over on-air hosting duties in 1956 (from producer Bob Horn), he also became a household name and stayed with the show until the series ended in 1989. Their most recent album, Social Cues, was released last year and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Album. "I was her caretaker," he said. He drove her home and asked her permission to kiss her on the steps of her parents' house. A: Premiering in 1952, Bandstand (as it was originally called), began life as a local program on Philadelphia-based WFIL, which broadcast both radio and television programs. At just 13 and 16, respectively, the twosome became regulars on the Dick Clark-hosted show, dancing as a couple for almost three years before they parted ways. What she did tell me was the most exciting days during the show's taping was when famous names of the day dropped by to promote music, TV and film projects. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column, Killing of Indiana Senate Bill 424 causes riptide of emotion, Man nabbed filming woman in Kohl's dressing room, Portage cops say, NWI Business Ins and Outs: Crown Point Records and Chipotle opening; Sip, Red Nar and Mi Maria Bonita closing; Crown Point Toys and Collectibles relocating, Man charged with murder after body found at state wildlife area, officials say, Scammers found soliciting in Portage, police warn of increase as weather warms up, Indiana Dunes National Park names new vendors for busy beach season, Portage man faces felony after being nabbed with nearly 1,500 pills, police say, Cleveland-Cliffs reports $42 million loss in first quarter, Unsealed court records show man shut five children in nearby bedroom, then shot and killed girlfriend, Unfinished medical office building still in limbo after five years, Here are the Region's prep softball statistical leaders through April 26, 2023, Elderly Porter County man charged with holding shotgun to woman's face, pulling trigger, New charge filed against Portage mom accused of shooting husband, records show, Schererville man gets 60 years for his girlfriends murder, Lakefront landmark Ono's & Jo's Pizza revived and up for sale, A 'She Said, SHE Said' Mother's Day podcast: 'We're not raising kids, we're raising adults', Rosie ODonnell says that Madonna has always hit back at people who criticized her appearance, Sir Elton John says he won't give up performing after last tour, Melissa McCarthy would jump at the chance to make a 'Bridesmaids' sequel. American Bandstand didn't just introduce the country to the latest rock-and-roll musicians, it had the nation on its feet with the latest dance crazes, such as the Pony, the Jitterbug, and the . Bunny Gibson 9:08, Frani Giordano, 15:23As mentioned in the video, Id like to give a huge thank you to Uncle George and @jthyme for getting me this rare clip. 4151 Prospect Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 They had four top 10 pop hits and "Don't Worry, Baby" was the B-side to their first #1 "I Get Around." Steven and Sterling went on to form a singing group in the late 70s called the Triple S Connection. For anyone with "American Bandstand" memories, the gals of this trio would love to hear from readers by emailing author@onceuponourtimes.com. As details about Arlene's book, including a pub date, become available, I'll keep readers updated. Singer Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish is 48. Local Business . Arlene with singer Frankie Avalon at an American Bandstand event. This site is maintained by American Bandstand Dancers Hal L. Landau, Linda D. Gonzales & Bunny. Courtesy American Bandstand. or. She worked as the host of a Saturday morning television program called "Out Front." Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Jan 26, 2019 - Kenny Rossi--one of the most popular Regulars/Dancers to dance on early American Bandstand ( years late 50s/early 60s) Browse 1,013 american bandstand dancers photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Chubby Checker was doing the twist. Airdate: May, 30, 1970Which couple did you like best?Here is your first (and unfortunately last) look at all of the 1970 Dance Contest finalists from across the country. It had been 63 years since Caroline Wallace had last kissed Eddie Lamm. Musicians in the studio that day included Pete Townshend and Kenney Jones of the Who, Led Zeppelins John Paul Jones and John Bonham, and Pink Floyds David Gilmour. "But of them all, it was when Sal Mineo came in for segment for the show that had everyone the most excited. You can cancel at any time. She worked at a radio station. Create new account. Not now. Each year, they attended an aviation reunion so George could see his old pilot buddies in Hemet, California. In 2020, Eddie noticed Polly's head drooping. In fact, she was "the first female car racer at Cecil County Drag Strip . On Thursday, for the first time in a quarter century, 27 of the original Bandstand dancers, including Joe, Kenny, Arlene, Carole, Flossie and Jim, reunited to rehearse their steps for a rock 'n' roll celebration over Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. They have been living in his longtime home in Canyon Lake. I had to stop listening to the radio before I could hear the song. On Thursday, for the first time in a quarter century, 27 of the original Bandstand dancers, including Joe, Kenny, Arlene, Carole, Flossie and Jim, reunited to rehearse their steps for a rock 'n' roll celebration over Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. Q: Please settle a bet for me. (Mineo's life ended decades later after he was arriving home after a rehearsal on Feb. 12, 1976 and was stabbed to death in the alley behind his apartment building in West Hollywood, with the knife blade striking his heart, leading to immediate and fatal internal bleeding.). From that point on "I was known as Eddie's girl," Caroline said. Last year, Stevens twin brother Sterling came in 2nd place in the 1969 Dance Contest, winning a trip to Finland. "That kiss felt like home," she said. But she said she only had one happy year. Caroline said she had been seriously ill. She thanked Jesus for "keeping me alive.". 8,366 people like this. However, a bizarre chance encounter with a stranger following a show lead them to change their name. On April 23, 2022, Eddie called Caroline. Comedian Stephen Colbert ("The Colbert Report") and drummer John Richardson of The Gin Blossoms and actor Tom Verica ("American Dreams") are 50. Polly died Dec. 22, 2021. His military career was notable because he was part of the nuclear team that was ready during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Bradford Brady and John Maron are freelance music writers based in Raleigh, N.C. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Like Rick Pierce, Bandstand dancer Sandra Mae Dawson, who died Feb. 25, 2008, at age 66, was into car racing. Frani Giordano is still loved by American Bandstand fans almost 60 years after she stopped going to the show in 1960. Eddie was dropping out of college. Contact American Bandstand Dancers on Messenger. Up Around The Bend is at #5 today on the Billboard Hot 100 and will peak at #4 next week. Its like I lost my big brother. On the Record: What was first song on TV show American Bandstand? But on Dec.24, 1961, he had dropped another kind of bomb. He drove her home and . In addition, the show has performances by popular musicians and audience members rate songs. Stevens daughter (@Cheenjoo Pearl) commented here a few months ago and said that, sadly, both Steven and Sterling had passed away. She and Polly had been friends at West High. Author. Caroline and George established a fly-in community in Newborn, Georgia. This time, she had a great marriage to a World War II veteran named George Kennedy (not the actor). He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327. Schultz seized on it and convinced his bandmates to change their name. The show, which moved to Los Angeles in 1964 and was cut to one day a week in the mid-60s, stayed on ABC until 1987. He flew scouting missions in an "Old Birddog" (Cessna 140) in Vietnam in 1969-70. On the Billboard Hot 100 this week 1) Tossin and Turnin Bobby Lewis 2) I Like It Like That Chris Kenner 3) The Boll Weevil Song Brook Benton 4) Dum Dum Brenda Lee 5) Hats Off To Larry Del Shannon 38) Stand By Me Ben E. King The Bandstand Top 10 today (I can only see the first 8) 1) Lets Twist Again Chubby Checker 2) School Is Out Gary (U.S) Bonds 3) Last Night The Mar-keys 4) Dum Dum Brenda Lee 5) Pretty Little Angel Eyes Curtis Lee 6) Hats Off To Larry Del Shannon 7) Tossin and Turnin Bobby Lewis 8) I Like It Like That Chris Kenner Thank you for watching!_______________________________ This is dedicated to my dad who, through our long car trips together listening to oldies radio (950 KJR Seattle) and by listening to his Turtles (and other) records when I was a kid, first inspired my passion for the wonderful music of the 1960s. She would catch Eddie daydreaming and she would accuse him of thinking about "that damn Caroline," he said. These teenagers became the nation's first reality-TV stars--they received thousands of fan letters and were mobbed everywhere they went. Clark was "determined" to keep the homosexuality of popular "Bandstand" regulars a secret, Smith said. Any place there's dancing, I'll still go, said Joe Fusco, who was 15 when he . Then my mother said, 'She looked just like you.'". {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, BY BRADFORD BRADY and JOHN MARON | ON THE RECORD, 29 nominations received for Gene "Pappy" Thompson Award for Excellence, PREP BASEBALL: Bristol eighth-grader Hayden Reed commits to Va. Tech, 7 bodies found during search for missing Oklahoma teens, New owner, new life for Abingdon yarn shop, Exit 17 completion now expected by late summer, Morgan Wallen fans upset about abrupt concert cancellation, PREP ROUNDUP: Atwood picks up 300th win for Eastside softball; Phillips, Lebanon baseball no-hits Patrick Henry, BHC BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Musick's work paid off at THS, PREP ROUNDUP: Chilhowie earns 16-0 baseball win over PH; Tazewell tops Marion in 11; Lebanon's Barton throws no-hitter, Honaker's softball team tosses two no-hitters; Rayne Hawthorne (Twin Valley), Porter Gobble (John Battle), Robbie Wilson (Wise Central), Caiti Hill (Ridgeview), Jordan Mooney (J.I. Happy 60th anniversary of the 4th anniversary of Bandstand going national! "I had no idea.". 8,237 people follow this. Please subscribe to keep reading. Years later, when Clark was asked whether any of the dancers had died of AIDS, he . They barely made it out of the airport parking lot when she pulled over at a FedEx facility. Dwight Eisenhower was president. May 16, 2019 - Here is Ed Kelly who was a dancer on American Bandstand from 1959-1961. You can cancel at any time. They loved going water skiing on Old Hickory Lake. "Bandstand" was hosted by radio DJ Bob Horn and featured local teenagers bopping to the current hits of the day as well as a vocalist or band performing a couple of songs. Forgot account? He couldn't afford commitment, he said. Clark produced it briefly in syndication and on cable. She dried her eyes and called Eddie. 4y; Most Relevant is selected, so some replies may have been filtered out. On Sunday at 2am, construction of the Berlin Wall will officially begin. Beach Boys on American Bandstand. Community See All. "But I never got hit.". She had two daughters, which was great. Airdate: May, 30, 1970Which couple did you like best?Here is your first (and unfortunately last) look at all of the 1970 Dance Contest finalists from across . Sullivan,70, is busy working on a new book about her "Bandstand" days with fellow "Bandstand" regular Bunny Gibson (also one of the most popular regulars on the show) assisted by authors Sharon Sultan Cutler and Cookie Tischler, the latter duo being the scribes behind the tome "Once Upon Our Times (Because Life Isn't A Fairytale): 65 Years Growing Up Baby Boomer." She worked in the travel industry in Nashville. In 2013, following the release of their third album, Melophobia, Parrish decided to leave the band and try his hand at production work. This site is maintained by American Bandstand Dancers Hal L. Landau, Linda D. Gonzales & Bunny. Im happy to add their names here in the description if you give them to me, but please include the time marker so I can ID them. They went to school dances and looked sharp together. For those that don't like the watermark or the timer on the screen, please send your complaints on the back of an envelope or postcard to American Bandstand, Philadelphia, PA. Hammond man sentenced to 60 years in East Chicago murder. He grew up watching American Bandstand and MGM movie musicals starring Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. "We didn't realize how many kids out there were watching the show until the mail . She was a beauty queen (Miss Nashville 1959), and he was a fly boy who would amass 5,000 hours as a pilot/bombardier in a career that included a tour in Vietnam. Just like he had the last time she had seen him. Originally titled "Bandstand," the first episode on October 7 featured New York transplant and former announcer Dick Clark playing records as the first-ever video DJ. They kissed underneath a security lamp post. Bassist Mickey Madden of Maroon 5 is 35. Of the two, Rockestra Theme received some radio airplay at the time. Dick Clark hosts a daily to weekly dance show that features the latest hit music for the attending teens to dance to. They might have avoided this whole lifetime-of-being-apart thing if Eddie would have simply given her his high school ring when Caroline was his best girl in the late 1950s. That ring "was too precious," she said. He had a going-away party, and she came. "I didn't like it.". You have permission to edit this article. On Oct. 9, 2022, they were married in a ceremony at Lake Arrowhead in the Southern California mountains.