Superstars launched by Dick Clark

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Superstars launched by Dick Clark

Superstars whose careers were launched by Dick Clark

Singer Tony Orlando, January 1977. Tony Orlando and Dawn was a pop music group that was popular in the 1970s and, like many entertainers of that era, appeared on American Bandstand early on in their career.

American rock and roll singer Buddy Holly performs in the 1950s. American Bandstand was among the first of many TV appearances made by the iconic Buddy Holly and The Crickets during the late 50s.

Chubby Checker is photographed in 1986. Checker, who got the name "Chubby" from Clark's wife, first appeared on Clark's television show April 29, 1959 and did the Twist Sept. 29, 1960.

Singer Frankie Avalon shown with his trumpet June 1959. Avalon rose to fame on Dick Clark's Philadelphia-based television show American Bandstand. He had 31 charted U.S. Billboard singles from 1958 to late 1962. The program's format was simple: Singers mimed to their records, and the show's teenage audience danced.

Television's Dick Clark helps cut his 47th birthday cake during a break in rehearsals for an upcoming television special in Santa Monica, Ca., December 1, 1976. Helping him celebrate are (l) singer Barry Manilow and comedian David Brenner. Clark is wearing a smock to protect him while he is madeup.

Entertainers Cher and Sonny are shown in costume from their movie "Good Times" in May 1966. The couple appeared on American Bandstand in the 1970s.

Pop star Cyndi Lauper holds her two American Music Awards, which she won for Favorite Female Artist Pop/Rock and Favorite Female Video Artist Pop/Rock. Lauper appeared with Dick Clark on American Bandstand. She achieved much of her success in the mid-1980s.

Spinners from left John Edwards, Bobby Smith, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson and Billy Henderson pose for photographers during a Rhythm & Blues Foundation news conference in New York. Jackson died in 2008. He was 70.

Members of the top American group The Beach Boys, pose in Essen, Germany, Oct. 30,1966. The group, from left: Bruce Johnston, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, and Mike Love were on tour in Germany, with a stop in Essen. In 1964 the Beach Boys appeared on American Bandstand for the first time. They performed their song, "Don't Worry Baby."

The five Jackson brothers who sing as the Jackson 5, above, are about ready to resume school after a summer vacation on August 31, 1971, that took them to 40 cities in 60 days, playing concerts that attracted as many as 160,000. At top are Marlon, 14; left, and Michael, 12. Below are, left to right: Jackie 20; Tito 17, and Jermaine, 16. Diana Ross had introduced Dick Clark to The Jackson 5 and in 1970 the band appeared on American Bandstand.

Rock star Madonna sings on Wednesday, April 10, 1985 in Seattle as she opens her first national tour. An American singer, songwriter, actress and entrepreneur, Madonna has sold more than 300 million records worldwide. She appeared on American Bandstand with Dick Clark January 14, 1984, performing the tune "Holiday."

Singer Connie Francis is shown in 1964. On January 1, 1958, her famous song "Who's Sorry Now?" debuted on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand." By mid-year, over a million copies had been sold, and Francis was suddenly launched into worldwide stardom.

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Singer Tony Orlando, January 1977. Tony Orlando and Dawn was a pop music group that was popular in the 1970s and, like many entertainers of that era, appeared on American Bandstand early on in their career.

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