A Pyramid Of Memories!

Hello and Happy Thursday everyone!

Hope you're surviving the week well. Things are beginning to heat up somewhat here in North Texas, and not only because of the weather ahead. Excitement in the air as the Mavericks get a huge win at home while the Rangers continue an undefeated road trek. Detroit next for four. Should be fun.

My earliest memories of 'America's Oldest Teenager' goes back to 1973 as a nine year old kid. Saturday mornings were a ritual for watching cartoons in the morning.

At noon a dance show came on that had everything from fashion trends, rate a record, artists new and established, and an ebullient personality who defied logic by how young he appeared on screen. Yes I speak of Dick Clark.

It was in November 1974 on a snow day in Northern New Jersey I was watching a program on TV where you gave clues to a contestant and that person needed to explain what you were hinting on.

Celebrity guests and normal people interacting on 'The 10,000 Dollar Pyramid'. Dick Clark hosted that show.

On a side note old timers might remember that 'Wheel of Fortune' premiered in 1974 with a heavyset Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford. That Pyramid gig grew to be 100,000 dollars.

New Years Eve 1978 I was with family vacationing in Miami. We found a stray dog on the streets that we took back to Chicago. While celebrating that night a television set was turned on.

Rick James and the Village People performed on this program Live from Times Square. 'New Year's Rocking Eve' with...Dick Clark! The next 15 years I watched religiously.

If ever you watched 'The American Music Awards' that too was a Dick Clark production. I'm not sure entrepreneur even begins to describe that Dick Clark lived. A tireless worker who was constantly on the go. Sadly we lost our teenager friend early Wednesday after a massive heart attack. Clark was 82.

Much like Johnny Carson on late night television, there was a certain like ability and believability about Dick Clark. To the point of intimidation. So smooth, so flawless, so natural. His reach in music was such that so many boundaries were touched. There will never be another like him. The Howard Cosell of Teeny Bopper awareness minus the pomposity. I so idolized Dick Clark. I am very sad this day. What a life and what a difference he made...

Expect many many great tributes about Dick Clark and his life. All of it well deserved.

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will