Dick Clark

[OldiesCat]

After seeing Dick Clark on New Year's Rockin' Eve last night, I'm pretty torn.
On one hand, it was great to have him fight back from a devestating stroke and make his appearance to ring in 2006.

On the other hand, I was quite saddened to see how profoundly his speech was still affected AND that he insisted on being part of the broadcast (which he owns). At times, I simply could not understand him and felt like the legacy he's built is now likely to change for many. He surely did not HAVE to be on live last night.

What about you ladies and gentlemen?

 

[radiolover78]

> After seeing Dick Clark on New Year's Rockin' Eve last
> night, I'm pretty torn.
> On one hand, it was great to have him fight back from a
> devestating stroke and make his appearance to ring in 2006.
>
>
> On the other hand, I was quite saddened to see how
> profoundly his speech was still affected AND that he
> insisted on being part of the broadcast (which he owns). At
> times, I simply could not understand him and felt like the
> legacy he's built is now likely to change for many. He
> surely did not HAVE to be on live last night.
>
> What about you ladies and gentlemen?
>

I feel basically the same way as you. It was depressing to watch. I hope his therapy will continue to help him. If he is on next year, I'm sure he'll sound a lot better.

There is a poster on this board, Peter George, who suffered a stroke about 15 years ago. He might elaborate on what may happen to Clark since he is going through the same thing. I don't know if he posts on this board. I think Peter is discussing this on the National TV board too.

On the radio side of things, I heard he will not continue his programs. Not sure if thats true or not.

Best of luck to Clark, I sincerley hope the best to him. God Bless him.

 

[Mouth1390]

Like you, my initial reaction was surprise since you could hear the difference. On the other hand, I remember when my mother had her stroke and how profoundly her speech was affected. Stroke victims have to work very hard to get their speech back to the point where they can be understood. Dick Clark was clearly articulate and like Kirk Douglas, can be an inspiration to stroke victims not to give up.

It takes an awful lot of courage to put yourself out there, knowing you have limitations you didn't have before. Having given it some thought, one can only admire his determination and courage. I would still be hiding under the sheets.

 

[Eli Polonsky]

> Like you, my initial reaction was surprise since you could
> hear the difference. On the other hand, I remember when my
> mother had her stroke and how profoundly her speech was
> affected. Stroke victims have to work very hard to get their
> speech back to the point where they can be understood. Dick
> Clark was clearly articulate and like Kirk Douglas, can be
> an inspiration to stroke victims not to give up.
>
> It takes an awful lot of courage to put yourself out there,
> knowing you have limitations you didn't have before. Having
> given it some thought, one can only admire his determination
> and courage. I would still be hiding under the sheets.

Very true, and think of the man himself. Hosting New Years Eve for so many years meant a lot to him. I'm sure it was very disappointing to him that he was not in condition to do it last year, and that it was a great personal triumph for him to have appeared live this year, against the odds. He gave us a lifetime of service as an original mass media rock'n'roll broadcaster, and I'm sure that being able to appear and speak this past weekend was one of his most important personal moments of his career.

 

[gr8oldies]

I'd have to think he would want to be remembered as the vibrant, "oldest teenager" that he always was, rather than in his current condition. Unfortunately, it would have been better if he had passed on doing the show. <P ID="signature">______________
Have a Happy New Year!
http://www.thebig8.net/have_a_happy_new_year_with_cklw.mp3</P>

 

[Eli Polonsky]

> I'd have to think he would want to be remembered as the
> vibrant, "oldest teenager" that he always was, rather than
> in his current condition. Unfortunately, it would have been
> better if he had passed on doing the show.

I disagree. He's still alive, and he showed vital determination in making an appearance. He knows people will always remember him for the youthful image he had for many decades until last year, but he's not living in the past.

People will also now have an additional memory of him as a courageous survivor making a triumphant return against the odds of a debilitating condition, and I'd think he would hope that many of his longtime fans, also aging and possibly facing various physical challenges, would find his appearance inspiring.

 

[OldiesCat]

All very noble thoughts, but I think I'm leaning toward agreeing with gr8oldies.
If he (unfortunately) doesn't improve much but continues doing appearances, his legacy may become tainted (right or wrong as that may be).

It's not like he needs the airtime, the money or recognition- if he never worked another day, he's way beyond rich and is perhaps THE most influential radio personality ever.

Other than sheer pride, what would be the point?

>
> I disagree. He's still alive, and he showed vital
> determination in making an appearance. He knows people will
> always remember him for the youthful image he had for many
> decades until last year, but he's not living in the past.
>
> People will also now have an additional memory of him as a
> courageous survivor making a triumphant return against the
> odds of a debilitating condition, and I'd think he would
> hope that many of his longtime fans, also aging and possibly
> facing various physical challenges, would find his
> appearance inspiring.
>

 

[pqgeorge]

I was very proud of him. As a fellow stroke survivor, I know how important it was for him to be on the air for THIS special event. He showed great courage and was an inspiration for all us out there who have to live with a stroke or a disability. I would love to meet the man and to shake his hand. Believe me, I truly know what he is going through right now. He'll be even better come next New Year's Eve! I guarantee it!

73,

Pete


>
> I disagree. He's still alive, and he showed vital
> determination in making an appearance. He knows people will
> always remember him for the youthful image he had for many
> decades until last year, but he's not living in the past.
>
> People will also now have an additional memory of him as a
> courageous survivor making a triumphant return against the
> odds of a debilitating condition, and I'd think he would
> hope that many of his longtime fans, also aging and possibly
> facing various physical challenges, would find his
> appearance inspiring.
> <P ID="signature">______________
Peter Q. George (K1XRB)
Whitman, Massachusetts</P>

 

[bubba1]

The commentary on this on other radio boards seems to run along two different lines of thinking regarding the Dick Clark appearance. 1) Those who have been personally effected, or have a family member effected, by a major health tragedy applaud Dick Clark. 2) Others were unaware of his condition, were shocked by what they saw and heard and thought perhaps Dick Clark and ABC could have handled things differently.

The public was not prepared for what they saw and heard. I personally applaud Dick Clark for putting forth what had to be a monumental effort to get himself prepared for the broadcast. The stroke was obviously much more debilitating than most of us were aware. However, in the few minutes I watched, I found it more painful than invigorating. A struggle for him and his audience. Rather than finding his appearance motivating, I felt pity for Dick Clark. I don't think that is what he or ABC had in mind, but I believe it is the way many Americans felt.

I would have much rather seen Dick Clark and ABC present a documentary on the struggles of stroke rehabilitation at a more appropriate time instead of having him appear in the traditional new years eve setting.

Best wishes to all.






> All very noble thoughts, but I think I'm leaning toward
> agreeing with gr8oldies.
> If he (unfortunately) doesn't improve much but continues
> doing appearances, his legacy may become tainted (right or
> wrong as that may be).
>
> It's not like he needs the airtime, the money or
> recognition- if he never worked another day, he's way beyond
> rich and is perhaps THE most influential radio personality
> ever.
>
> Other than sheer pride, what would be the point?
>
> >
> > I disagree. He's still alive, and he showed vital
> > determination in making an appearance. He knows people
> will
> > always remember him for the youthful image he had for many
>
> > decades until last year, but he's not living in the past.
>
> >
> > People will also now have an additional memory of him as a
>
> > courageous survivor making a triumphant return against the
>
> > odds of a debilitating condition, and I'd think he would
> > hope that many of his longtime fans, also aging and
> possibly
> > facing various physical challenges, would find his
> > appearance inspiring.
> >
>

 

[radiolover78]

> The commentary on this on other radio boards seems to run
> along two different lines of thinking regarding the Dick
> Clark appearance. 1) Those who have been personally
> effected, or have a family member effected, by a major
> health tragedy applaud Dick Clark. 2) Others were unaware
> of his condition, were shocked by what they saw and heard
> and thought perhaps Dick Clark and ABC could have handled
> things differently.
>
> The public was not prepared for what they saw and heard. I
> personally applaud Dick Clark for putting forth what had to
> be a monumental effort to get himself prepared for the
> broadcast. The stroke was obviously much more debilitating
> than most of us were aware. However, in the few minutes I
> watched, I found it more painful than invigorating. A
> struggle for him and his audience. Rather than finding his
> appearance motivating, I felt pity for Dick Clark. I don't
> think that is what he or ABC had in mind, but I believe it
> is the way many Americans felt.
>
> I would have much rather seen Dick Clark and ABC present a
> documentary on the struggles of stroke rehabilitation at a
> more appropriate time instead of having him appear in the
> traditional new years eve setting.
>
> Best wishes to all.

You all bring up good points.

Maybe he should have rested another year, but perhaps he was worried that ABC would quickly hand over the position to Ryan Seacrest. Ugh.

I'm sure Mr. Clark will good better and better. Obviously Peter George knows what he is going through, but we have to remember that he is much older.

> > All very noble thoughts, but I think I'm leaning toward
> > agreeing with gr8oldies.
> > If he (unfortunately) doesn't improve much but continues
> > doing appearances, his legacy may become tainted (right or
>
> > wrong as that may be).
> >
> > It's not like he needs the airtime, the money or
> > recognition- if he never worked another day, he's way
> beyond
> > rich and is perhaps THE most influential radio personality
>
> > ever.
> >
> > Other than sheer pride, what would be the point?
> >
> > >
> > > I disagree. He's still alive, and he showed vital
> > > determination in making an appearance. He knows people
> > will
> > > always remember him for the youthful image he had for
> many
> >
> > > decades until last year, but he's not living in the
> past.
> >
> > >
> > > People will also now have an additional memory of him as
> a
> >
> > > courageous survivor making a triumphant return against
> the
> >
> > > odds of a debilitating condition, and I'd think he would
>
> > > hope that many of his longtime fans, also aging and
> > possibly
> > > facing various physical challenges, would find his
> > > appearance inspiring.
> > >
> >
>

 

[OldiesCat]

I'm with you.
>
> The public was not prepared for what they saw and heard. I
> personally applaud Dick Clark for putting forth what had to
> be a monumental effort to get himself prepared for the
> broadcast. The stroke was obviously much more debilitating
> than most of us were aware. However, in the few minutes I
> watched, I found it more painful than invigorating. A
> struggle for him and his audience. Rather than finding his
> appearance motivating, I felt pity for Dick Clark. I don't
> think that is what he or ABC had in mind, but I believe it
> is the way many Americans felt.
>
> I would have much rather seen Dick Clark and ABC present a
> documentary on the struggles of stroke rehabilitation at a
> more appropriate time instead of having him appear in the
> traditional new years eve setting.
>
> Best wishes to all.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > All very noble thoughts, but I think I'm leaning toward
> > agreeing with gr8oldies.
> > If he (unfortunately) doesn't improve much but continues
> > doing appearances, his legacy may become tainted (right or
>
> > wrong as that may be).
> >
> > It's not like he needs the airtime, the money or
> > recognition- if he never worked another day, he's way
> beyond
> > rich and is perhaps THE most influential radio personality
>
> > ever.
> >
> > Other than sheer pride, what would be the point?
> >
> > >
> > > I disagree. He's still alive, and he showed vital
> > > determination in making an appearance. He knows people
> > will
> > > always remember him for the youthful image he had for
> many
> >
> > > decades until last year, but he's not living in the
> past.
> >
> > >
> > > People will also now have an additional memory of him as
> a
> >
> > > courageous survivor making a triumphant return against
> the
> >
> > > odds of a debilitating condition, and I'd think he would
>
> > > hope that many of his longtime fans, also aging and
> > possibly
> > > facing various physical challenges, would find his
> > > appearance inspiring.
> > >
> >
>

 

[OldiesCat]

His company actually owns the New Year's Rockin' Eve Show- it's HIS call.

>
> Maybe he should have rested another year, but perhaps he was
> worried that ABC would quickly hand over the position to
> Ryan Seacrest. Ugh.
>
> I'm sure Mr. Clark will good better and better. Obviously
> Peter George knows what he is going through, but we have to
> remember that he is much older.
>
> > > All very noble thoughts, but I think I'm leaning toward
> > > agreeing with gr8oldies.
> > > If he (unfortunately) doesn't improve much but continues
>
> > > doing appearances, his legacy may become tainted (right
> or
> >
> > > wrong as that may be).
> > >
> > > It's not like he needs the airtime, the money or
> > > recognition- if he never worked another day, he's way
> > beyond
> > > rich and is perhaps THE most influential radio
> personality
> >
> > > ever.
> > >
> > > Other than sheer pride, what would be the point?
> > >
> > > >
> > > > I disagree. He's still alive, and he showed vital
> > > > determination in making an appearance. He knows people
>
> > > will
> > > > always remember him for the youthful image he had for
> > many
> > >
> > > > decades until last year, but he's not living in the
> > past.
> > >
> > > >
> > > > People will also now have an additional memory of him
> as
> > a
> > >
> > > > courageous survivor making a triumphant return against
>
> > the
> > >
> > > > odds of a debilitating condition, and I'd think he
> would
> >
> > > > hope that many of his longtime fans, also aging and
> > > possibly
> > > > facing various physical challenges, would find his
> > > > appearance inspiring.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

 

[Matt]

> I'd have to think he would want to be remembered as the
> vibrant, "oldest teenager" that he always was, rather than
> in his current condition.

Now for something that no disc jockey will ever admit...

Radio professionals have idolized Dick Clark ever since American Bandstand made its way to national TV. When they have seen him on any venue, be it hosting A-B, or Pyramid, Bloopers or The Other Half, so many of us (yes, I include myself here) psychologically placed ourselves in those shoes and on that stage.

The inspirational role model of youth, energy and ageless appearance have perhaps been Dick Clark's greatest contributions to our society. Like the Beach Boys, in our minds he has been locked perpetually into an "Endless Summer."

Seeing Dick Clark this past New Year's Eve, frail and slurring of speech, perhaps not only shattered our pristine image of him...but also our projected image of ourselves as well. Admittedly, 50 years of radio professionals must now come to terms with the fact that we cannot lift ourselves out of his shoes very easily.

After all of this time of being psychologically welded to the image of Dick in his prime, perhaps the healthiest thing for us to do is come to terms with our own mortality as we see his mortality played out on the TV screen.

Pass the prunes, please...
Matt Smith, Station Manager
WGSR-TV "Star-39"
Reidsville, NC

 

[tk]

> However, in the few minutes I watched, I found it more painful than
> invigorating. A struggle for him and his audience. Rather than finding his
> appearance motivating, I felt pity for Dick Clark. I don't think that is
> what he or ABC had in mind, but I believe it is the way many Americans felt.
> I would have much rather seen Dick Clark and ABC present a documentary on the > struggles of stroke rehabilitation at a more appropriate time instead of
> having him appear in the traditional new years eve setting.

Amen to that. It was very uncomfortable to watch...a bad decision. You wanted to smile, ring in the New Year and celebrate the occasion...but here was this fallen icon that made you feel very sad. Perhaps the wrong setting at the wrong time....

 

[tk]

> Maybe he should have rested another year, but perhaps he was
> worried that ABC would quickly hand over the position to
> Ryan Seacrest. Ugh.

You bring up another good point. Another gig that Seacrest has not earned
and does not deserve. Guys I just don't see the talent here. Just a pretty
boy in the right place at the right time! If he has is ability at all,
I haven't seen it. About as plain and straight ahead as they come!