Dick Clark, an American television phenomenon whose iconic American Bandstand show broadcast teenage and rock n’ roll culture to households across the country from 1957-1989, has died from a heart attack at the age of 82.

The list of well-known performers who were seen on American Bandstand spanned generations: from Ritchie Valens to Luther Vandross; from the Monkees to Madonna; Dusty Springfield, Elvis Presley, Mariah Carey and more. Dick Clark hosted every show and introduced new dances (like the “pony,” “twist” and the “Watusi”) to scores of young people nationwide.

“At that moment in time, the world realized that kids might rule the world,” Mr. Clark once said. “They had their own music, their own fashion, their own money.” The 1988 movie Hairspray was based on American Bandstand and especially its role in breaking down race relations through music.

Clark also produced and hosted New Year’s Rockin’ Eve from 1973, hosted innumerable awards shows, comedy specials, series based on TV outtakes and the game show $10,000 Pyramid. He also made guest appearances on dramatic and comedy series, usually playing himself. He also executive produced a number of award shows like the Golden Globes, the Academy of Country Music Awards and the American Music Awards.

Mr. Clark’s first two marriages ended in divorce and he is survived by current wife Kari Wigton and three children, Richard, Duane and Cindy.

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