Local Leaders Pay Tribute to Dick Clark

As the nation mourned the loss of American icon Dick Clark, local leaders paid tribute to the American Bandstand host who died yesterday of a massive heart attack at the age of 82.

David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Glendora’s House representative, was a close friend to Clark, and eulogized him on the House floor.

Dreier particularly noted Clark’s eagerness to pay his dues to the government, calling him a “proud taxpayer.“

“He regularly said, ‘Everyone should pay their fair share of taxes,’” said Dreier. “I said that I appreciated that because he knew it was paying my salary.”

Dreier also credited Clark for racially integrating popular music on his live music show.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich released a statement following Clark’s passing Wednesday afternoon:

"Dick Clark was an American icon – in music, broadcasting and business. With hard work, persistence and vision, he was a pioneer in music television who brought rock ‘n’ roll to the mainstream.  As a fixture on TV’s American Bandstand and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, he was a positive role model for a generation of young people.  He leaves an important legacy for future generations -- not only in music, but in the way he lived, worked and succeeded even with serious health issues in his later years.”

Clark hosted American Bandstand from 1956 to 1989, introducing music acts such as the Beach Boys, the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson and Run DMC. Clark also hosted New Year's Rockin' Eve from 1974 until his last New Year's taping in 2012.