I dont make culture; I sell it Dick Clark once remarked. Indeed; the man who reigned as host of American Bandstand for nearly four decades may not have invented rock n roll; but he sold it to the American public better than anyone before or since. Before Clark; rock n roll was the step child of radio--which took to playing records as a cost-saving measure after television siphoned off radios most lucrative sponsors. But it was network television--and specifically Clarks Bandstand--that ultimately legitimized what was then viewed by most adults as vulgar; low-class music; broadcasting a sanitized vision of rock n roll straight into Americas living rooms five afternoons a week.Here is the first book to tell the full story of what happened in front of--and behind--the cameras on Dick Clarks American Bandstand; providing both a history of this landmark show and of the changing styles of rock n roll over four decades. Based on extensive interviews with music business figures; recording stars; and Clark himself; and featuring dozens of rare or never before published photographs; this is a riveting and uncensored account of a show that managed to survive countless revolutions in popular music. Jackson describes Bandstands humble beginnings in Philadelphias blue collar south side; the sex scandal that scuttled the first host of Bandstand and enabled Clark to launch his career; the glory days when an appearance on Bandstand was one of the most prized gigs in the music business and when teenagers lined up for blocks hoping to enter the studio; and memorable Bandstand appearances by rock n roll royalty from Chubby Checker and Frankie Avalon; to Jerry Lee Lewis and Jefferson Airplane; to Pink Floyd and Madonna. Here as well is a candid look at the backstage financial maneuvering that allowed Clark to launch a video and entertainment empire worth nearly $200 million dollars today. Voted Most Likely To Sell The Brooklyn Bridge by his high school classmates; Clark emerges as a cunning business impresario determined to make millions. Readers learn how Clark decided which eager young singers would appear on the show; how he managed to survive a 1959 Congressional payola investigation that destroyed the careers of many other popular disc jockeys; how much money he earned from his personal financial investments in many of the songs played on Bandstand; and his importance to ABC in its fledgling days as a national television network.As entertaining as it is eye-opening; Dick Clarks American Bandstand will bring back a flood of memories to everyone who lived through that era. It will fascinate everyone interested in popular American culture or in rock n roll history.
#1774594 in eBooks 2015-02-09 2015-02-09File Name: B00VM2F41K
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Yesterday; today; and tomorrow--living with Seattles topography.By Polly AirdI thoroughly enjoyed this book. Williams has an excellent knowledge of Seattle and its history and understands topography. It is fascinating to see how Young Seattle took it upon itself to become a functioning and successful city. And we are still doing it--with a new seawall and Bertha digging the new SR-99 tunnel. Williams is able to relate those earlier projects--filling in tidelands; creating Seattles waterfront; creating the canal; locks; and connection to Lake Washington; and removing Denny Hill (I had heard about the Regrade of Denny Hill for years; but had no idea the extent of the hill or how it was done). Our forebears were visionaries! We still need to worry about getting around; but in addition; we have to deal with rising seas and earthquakes. Williams is a good writer and moves along with the story; with maps and photos from archives. I cant imagine; though; reading this on a Kindle--you really need to see the maps full size.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Thoroughly thoughtful; informative; and entertainingBy Final FlightToo High and Too Steep; the latest book by David B. Williams; is thoroughly thoughtful; informative; and entertaining. His historical perambulations through Seattles topography; past and present; are an excellent commentary on how people adapt to their geology; geography; and environment until they demand their geology; geography; and environment adapt to them. This is a "must-have" addition to the library of every Seattle resident interested in their citys history.But Too High and Too Steep is also an important addition to the libraries of geographers; historians; and urban planners outside of Seattle. It will serve as a primer to understanding the role of topography in urban development. This new book by David B. Williams will also serve in understanding how far we will go to alter the landscape around us to suit our needs.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Bringing Seattles history aliveBy Jared R. StarrHaving lived in or around Seattle for most of my 85 years; I had thought often; but not deeply; about the areas history. That all came to an end when I picked up TO HIGH TOO STEEP from the new acquisitions shelf at the Seattle Public Library. After thumbing through the copy I knew I had to have my own and read it through so I bought it. It is a slow read because I have to close my eyes and try to visualize scenes from my memories but I can hardly put the book down. Also I keep having to turn back to maps and photographs as Mr. Williams describes features of the city. I am awed by the amount of research Mr. Williams has put into this book and it brings to life an amazing amount of the history and geology that made my home what it is. I would recommend walking around the waterfront from West Point to the Duwamish Head while using this book as a guide. I plan on doing this before I die.
