Couples From '67 Cut A Rug To Neil Diamond Hit On American Bandstand

Jul 01, 2020 by apost team

American Bandstand was an immensely popular show on television for nearly four decades, in which teenagers danced to win competitions. In this clip from 1967, you can relive the show's glory, as teens dance to Neil Diamond's You Got To Me while also enjoying host Dick Clark's charming personality.

American Bandstand premiered for the first time on Philadelphia television station WPVI-TV in 1952. Initially, the show featured short musical films that were popular during those days and occasional studio guests. In 1956, Dick Clark became the primary host of the show, transforming the local Philadelphia show and himself into two of the most vital forces of the rock-and-roll era, according to Biography.com. When Dick took over the show in 1956, the American show remained a local hit, but it took Clark's ambition and determination to aid its breakthrough.

The show was renamed American Bandstand, and it contained new elements that were part of its trademark. The new features included the high school gym-like bleachers segment and the popular "Rate-a-Record segment," as Biography.com explains, where the guests would rate the latest jam from a scale of 25 to 98. During those eras, this show remained popular as it involved teenagers showing off their latest dancing moves and fashion.

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The show aired five days a week until 1963 when the show was relocated to Los Angeles. From the 1950s to the early 1960s, many teenagers became popular and famous by regularly appearing in the local TV show. This made teenagers from all over the country flock to the show hoping to be aired live on television.

The primary feature of the bandstand was dancing and singing. Kids who turned up regularly were known as The Committee and were familiar with the most prominent steps. These included the Slop, the Bop, and the Hand Jive. The Committee even went ahead to invent their styles, such as the Circle, the Stroll, and the Chalypso.

Performances on the show included world influential and famous musicians such as Gloria Gaynor, Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Supremes, among others. Through this show, many upcoming performers became popular and famous all across the country.

It was not only the musicians who garnered the spotlight; some members of the Committee became celebrities in their way. They had their fan clubs and went to the extent of appearing in the teen fan magazines. This paved the way for many dance teams to cut their record. After 37 years of entertaining teenagers, the show premiered its season finale in 1989.

In this video highlighting couples from a 1967 episode of the show, the spirit of American Bandstand can be fully enjoyed, as the teens dance to Neil Diamond's You Got To Me. From Dick's charm as a host to the ambitious couples cutting a rug on the dancefloor, this clip will allow you to relive it once again.

What did you think of this throwback clip from American Bandstand? Let us know in the comments below, then pass this on to anyone you think will enjoy a trip down memory lane!