American Bandstand premiered in late September 1952 as Bandstand on
Philadelphia television station WFIL-TV Ch. 6 (now WPVI-TV), as a local
replacement for a weekday movie. The new show was hosted by Bob Horn
(below) who had a show with the same name on WFIL radio. Bandstand
mainly featured short musical films with occasional studio guests. Horn
changed the shows format to a dance program, with local teens dancing
along with the latest hits on camera. On July 9, 1956, Horn was fired after a
drunk-driving arrest and the show went to fellow WFIL radio DJ, 26 year old
Dick Clark. In late spring of 1957, Clark pitched Bandstand to the ABC-TV
network and it was picked up nationally, becoming American Bandstand on
August 5, 1957.
Bob Horn
Wonderful site. That’s Mary Beltrante in the top photo and you’ve got so many of the American Bandstand Regulars shown in the rest. In the bottom photo alone you have one of the Trott twins on the right standing with Bob Kelly. Becky LaSpada, Betty Romantini, Walt Grezlak and others are looking on. Much thanks.