(Play the Youtube Video, it features the theme song, Bandstand Bogie)
American Bandstand
We all remember American Bandstand hosted by Dick Clark and his sidekick Charlie O’Donnell. We hurried home from school during the late 1950’s and 60’s to watch the show that aired at 3PM, and cut away for “Who Do You Trust” from 3:30PM until 4PM.
It was during that half hour my sister, Mariellen, and I danced the Lindy with the refrigerator, humming the latest, Paul Anka, Frankie Valli, or Neil Sedaka song and using a dish towel to fake a partner’s extended arm. We impressed ourselves with twirls and a basic breakaway. The air steps and aerials performed by Bandstand regulars wearing Poodle skirts, Bobbie socks and Saddle shoes were not in our repertoire.
At 4PM, we were back sitting on the floor in front of the TV, watching ads for Dentyne and Heines White Vinegar; hoping we did not miss the Rate-a-Record segment when selected audience members attached a number to the beat, lyrics and likability of a new song.
We recently discussed why we chose dancing the Lindy with the refrigerator or a bedroom door rather than each other and concluded; it was to avoid a fight over who would lead.
Oh, the dancing with the fridge, that is the same as singing into a hair brush.
…just saying
This has been one of the most entertaining blog posts I’ve read. As my wife is from the area around Philadelphia, she speaks often of the Bandstand show, and I’ve heard her mention many time about the various events on the show. I called her over and read this post to her and she found it quite entertaining and intertaining. She says that not many folks seem to remember that Dick Clark was not the original host of Bandstand, as there was one on their earlier that was ushered out because of rumors tht he was exploiting some of the youner female show participants.
I think your comments were wonderful, especially where you discussed why you danced with the fridge, instead of each other! This is priceless. I was overseas in the Navy when that whole thing started, so I never had the experience until much later.
Thanks.
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Thank you and happy you enjoy the post. My family moved to the Catskill Mts. when I start HS and the rabbit ears didn’t pull in this show, so my experience was limited as well.
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Yes, I remmeber those days. Ole Dick died this year I think. What a huge contribution to the music scene he made for Many years. A good looking blond guy named Bobby was my fav. nena P.S Have contract on my log cabin but it ain’t over til the fat lady sings.
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Nena, Memories to keep us company. It’s a beautiful cabin she’ll sing!
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Boy does this bring back fond memories. I remember American Bandstand and how we just couldn’t wait to get home to watch it. I actually had a few friends who were able to be on the show and it was so cool watching them. I never did learn the Lindy, but I very much enjoyed watching others do the dance. The Beatles were just coming on the scene at that time so our attention was draw elsewhere. The dances changed substantially after that. 🙂 Thanks for making me smile. :-)))
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Susan, Never learned the Lindy, that is like never eating pizza. The dances did change quickly to dancing separately or with another female and we didn’t have to wait to be asked by a boy.
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How funny! Can’t say that I’ve ever danced with a frig. Headin’ to the kitchen now. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Maybe not.
Hugs,
Kathy
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Kathy, You may be a little too young. We needed a partner to dance and stayed connected throughout the dance routine by touching and holding hands, the break-a-way was the introduction of dancing on your own and then came back together.
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Really enjoyed this very much. It certainly brought back memories of those very special times. Eddie Kelly (former American Bandstand Regular)(1959-1961). Please visit theprincesand princessesofdance.com to see the latest and most up to date info about the regulars, Dick Clark, music and artists. You won’t be disappointed.
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Eddie, I’m thrilled to have a real live regular comment. Thanks for leaving you URL so others can check it out. You never said, did you dance with the fridge?
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Sisters. What a wonderful memory. The fact you both wanted to lead made me smile.
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just another walk down memory lane …..thank you!
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For us it was the doorknob that was the partner – great memory
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I can see you now…..what fun, what wonderful memories….
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Sorry, Claudia, but I do not remember watching these shows back in the 50’s and 60’s. ;p But I enjoyed this post nonetheless. Who knows, maybe I’ll watch the instructional video and start dancing the Lindy with my fridge too!!
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Jeff, LOL
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Love this cousin. Thanks for the memories..
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