My Memories of Dick Clark

I don't think that there is anyone in the entertainment industry who hasn't been impacted by Dick Clark. As you probably know by now, the legendary broadcaster and producer died earlier today at the age of 82.

My earliest memories of Dick Clark go back to being a kid, when New Years Eve was the one night that I was allowed to stay up late. Sure, every TV network had their own New Years Eve special, but if you ask me, "Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve" was the only one that mattered. Even as I got older and channel surfed to check out the performances and guests on the other networks, I'd always come back to Dick Clark as midnight ticked closer.

Even following his 2004 stroke, he was still there every December 31st to ring in the New Year. We all noticed that he looked and sounded ill, but he was there. He always showed up.

Dick Clark was also quite the mogul; aside from his on-air work, he was also a prolific producer and businessman. It's fitting that he handpicked Ryan Seacrest, himself a workaholic on-air presence as well as a behind the scenes businessman, as his heir apparent.

Even in the smallest way possible, as I "crack the mic" every day here at 92.7 WOBM, I'm proud to follow in the footsteps of a broadcasting and music pioneer.

We'd love to read your thoughts and memories of Dick Clark. Feel free to chime in on the comments section below.