Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years, 1956-1963

Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years, 1956-1963 shares the fascinating story of how Dick Clark's American Bandstand and its millions of viewers catapulted its teenage dancers (called "the Regulars") to fame. These teenagers became the nation's first reality-TV stars--they received thousands of fan letters and were mobbed everywhere they went. Their adoring fans copied their fashions, fads, and dance steps. Then, when they turned 18, they disappeared from the public eye, except for occasional reunions and news stories. Fans have long wondered whatever became of Arlene and Kenny, Bob and Justine, Frani, Pat, Carole, Frankie, Billy, and so many of the others dancers, who are now in their late 60s and early 70s. Bandstand Diaries brings together all the stories, interviews, and rare photos in a full-color, nostalgia-filled book. You'll enjoy: A poignant introduction by Bobby Rydell Entries from Arlene Sullivan's personal diary Interviews with the living legends today Following Dick Clark's rise to fame Special Tributes for Pat Molittieri, Carole Scaldeferri, Myrna Horowitz, and others Information on special theme shows and reunions Fan club experiences Reliving the music and the performers including Annette, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Paul Anka, Danny and the Juniors. Charlie Gracie, Fabian, and more Learning how American Bandstand made rock 'n' roll respectable Bandstand Diaries features almost 700 photos from then and now in a coffee-table book. Purchase your copy of this Collector's Limited Edition and take a nostalgic walk through those memory-filled days when rock 'n' roll became the soundtrack of a generation, when television was in grainy black-and-white, and when a 45 RPM record cost less than 70 cents. It's back to the good old days with a modern interpretation.