Influence

Today, TIME Magazine released their 100 Most Influential People of the last year.  Just like last year, I did not make the list.  As usual, though, there were the standard politicians, economists, philanthropists, celebrities and athletes.  And though someone wasn't listed for the previous year, it turns out that someone needed to be added to the list.  A person that influenced not only popular culture over the past sixty years but influenced television, radio and the music industry.

That person is Dick Clark.

The legendary television icon and producer died today at age 82 from a massive heart attack.  It's sad, for certain, but the last few years of Clark's life were sad as well.  In 2004, Dick Clark had a stroke that paralyzzed the right side of his body.  This caused his speech to be slurred once he was able to start talking again as well as difficulty moving.

I still remember watching the New Year's Rocking Eve show when 05 became 06 and how difficult and uncomfortable it was watching Dick Clark trying to stumble through the words that he wanted to say.  I felt bad for him and wondered why he would want to show himself off to the world in that condition.  And then I realized it.  It was because it was important to him.

Going back to yesterday's post about passion . . . .

Dick Clark was passionate about New Year's and the show that was produced every year.  Even if he didn't have much say in the process any longer, he was still happy to be there and he wanted to be there.  He was even willing to work with Ryan Seacrest, whom people have said is like this generation's Dick Clark.  He did it for the event and the joy that he knew it brought to the people that watched.  Sure, his voice was harder to understand now and he couldn't move very well, but the passion was still there.

Dick Clark was an amazing person.  Because of him and his show, American Bandstand, the youth of America (and everyone else that watched) were introduced to such singing sensations as, Brenda Lee, Cyndi Lauper, Gladys Knight and even Madonna.  It's because another of his shows, TV's Funniest Bloopers, that people started to enjoy blooper reels.  It was probably even the forebear of America's Funniest Home Videos (I don't have a valid fact of that, but I could totally understand if that were the case).

An icon passed away today and he will be missed.  Celebrities of all kinds submitted messages of thanks and applause for the man that made an influence on their life in one way or another.  I think TIME Magazine needs to change their list and simply have Dick Clark as the Most Influential Individual in Entertainment.

As he would say, "For now, Dick Clark, so long."  And so it will be until we see him at the Bandstand in the sky.



Until tomorrow.