American Bandstand Video Showcase

I've lumped the two decades together because the show didn't debut until well into 1957, which means that there aren't many clips from the 50s. Dig these crazy fashions, though! How can you not love the transition from beehives and dresses to the far wilder late 60s? How adorable is Dick Clark, looking all of 19? There's a great clip of the show from a week when Aretha Franklin's Respect was the number one song, too!

Technically, The Jam appeared on American Bandstand in 1980 but the song first hit the US charts in 1979 so I've included it in this set. You may have gotten the idea, from the videos below, that The Jacksons appeared frequently on the show. They did, but in part people simply upload more videos of their appearances, especially since Michael Jackson's death, because they were so popular and were so fun to watch.

These interviews are with dancers who appeared on American Bandstand and, of course, with Dick Clark himself. They offer a glimpse into the eras during which the show was on the air. The TVLegends interview is half an hour long and is only part one of three, so if you want a thorough reminiscence, definitely try that video. You can also watch a fashion show of what dancers wore on American Bandstand over the decades (worn by people who were actually on the show in those years).

I couldn't find any videos including the synth and disco versions of the American Bandstand theme, Bandstand Boogie, but I did find a few great big band versions and a hysterical dance video using the Barry Manilow cover with the alternate lyrics that graced the show from 1977 through 1987, the years I remember best. I threw in the Ice Cream Truck video because it's so amazing, rather than because it has anything more than a tenuous connection to American Bandstand.