Wednesday, April 18, 2012
RIP Dick Clark
America has lost a man who has been integral to our culture for over half a century. Is it possible to have grown up in this country, or to have lived here any length of time, or even to have been here for a single New Year's Eve, and not know who Dick Clark was? Is there anyone in the entire country who didn't like and admire him? I read that he was apparently one of the wealthiest people in Hollywood; how many folks with that sort of savvy and success remain likable? And did you ever hear one whiff of scandal about him in all those years? So much as a drunk driving arrest or... anything?
Dick Clark represented much of what is best about the United States, from the time of our innocence in the 50's, when he helped midwife rock and roll, right through to the present, difficult years of the recession, when he inspired us with his strength and courage following the stroke that he only allowed to steal one New Year's broadcast from him despite the horrible damage it had done. We will go on without him, but his influence will always be felt, and he will be sorely missed.
Dick Clark represented much of what is best about the United States, from the time of our innocence in the 50's, when he helped midwife rock and roll, right through to the present, difficult years of the recession, when he inspired us with his strength and courage following the stroke that he only allowed to steal one New Year's broadcast from him despite the horrible damage it had done. We will go on without him, but his influence will always be felt, and he will be sorely missed.
