A fundraiser was held on July 15, 2009 to raise funds for
the original American Bandstand Studio at 46th & Market Streets in
Philadelphia. The Enterprise Center, a nonprofit organization that purchased
the building fourteen years ago is trying to raise funds to preserve the
historic site. The Bandstand floor is deteriorating because the Mill
Creek runs under the building.
Tommy McCarthy of WOGL radio was host and DJ of the event.
He gave a brief history of the Bandstand television show. The program
was started as a local show in 1952, hosted initially by Bob Horn and Lee
Stewart and then by Bob Horn alone. Dick Clark took over for Bob Horn in
July 1956. Bandstand went national in 1957 as American Bandstand and
continued to be broadcast from the Philadelphia studio until 1964, when it
moved to California.
Inside the Original Bandstand Studio this
Bandstand Mural was dedicated two years ago.
Photos and memorabilia now grace some of the
walls.
Rate-A-Record allowed teen dancers to
influence the fate of certain new recordings.
American Bandstand was an immensely popular teen dance show
that was responsible for introducing scores of singers and vocal groups to the
American public. Artists lip synced their latest records and Bandstand
made them hits. Some of the many vocal groups that appeared on Bandstand
were the Mellokings, Rays, Del Vikings, Hollywood Flames, Frankie Lymon & the
Teenagers, Dion & Belmonts, Huey Smith & the Clowns, Coasters, Jerry Butler &
the Impressions, Chantels, Cadillacs, Rivieras, Platters, Flamingos, Falcons,
Drifters, Eugene Church & the Fellows, Clovers, Mystics, Olympics, Crests,
Midnighters, Shirelles, Chimes, Zodiacs, Miracles, Echoes, Shep & the
Limelites, Little Caesar & the Romans, Cleftones, Marcels, Jarmels, Jive Five,
Ronnie & the Hi-Lites, Five Satins, Duprees, Cookies, Ronettes, Chiffons, Vito
& the Salutations and Crystals.
American Bandstand also promoted its share of local Philly
artists like Lee Andrews & the Hearts, Danny & the Juniors, the Revels,
Sensations, Silhouettes, Majors, Dovells, Orlons. It was wonderful to
see Steve Caldwell, bass of the Orlons and Joe Terry of Danny and The Juniors
at this benefit.
Steve Caldwell, original bass of the Orlons
and Pam
Charlie, Joe Terry from Danny & the Juniors
and Pam
Joe Terry from Danny & the Juniors
The teen dancers on Bandstand often became celebrities in
their own right. Many of the original Bandstand dancers were in
attendance. They told stories about their experiences dancing on American
Bandstand. Several dance contests were held. Charlie and I absolutely
enjoyed dancing swing with the Bandstand dancers. There was a silent
auction of memorabilia.
Two groups performed live at the benefit. The Accords a sextet with Bill Keith
of the (Philadelphia) Students, were resplendent in blue suits. They sang the first
and last sets. They harmonized “Stormy Weather” and Bill Keith sang lead on
“This Magic Moment”.
The Accords
The Accords
Accords' Bill Keith & Juniors' Joe Terry
Up next were The Phyllies Intruders with Tony Strong. They
paid tribute to the original Intruders. They vocalized “Cowboys to Girls”,
“I’ll Always Love My Mama”, and a great version of “Sad Girl”. This quartet dressed in white
suits, were personable and displayed expert chorography.
Enterprise Center President Della Clark
introducing Phyllies Intruders
Phyllies Intruders
Phyllies Intruders
Phyllies Intruders
More more information on the Original American Bandstand
Studio and how you can help to preserve it, contact the Enterprise Center's
website, through our Links
Page.
Copyright © Classic Urban Harmony LLC, 2009. All
Rights Reserved.
![[New!]](images/smallnew.gif){kind=small}