A Talent that Spanned Generations

Upon the death of a prominent entertainer, it’s not often that there is so much public admiration and respect for the person without any qualification having to be made about behavior and character.
 

 A star shines on Hollywood's "Walk of Fame."
(Credit, Screenshot from Fox News)

Yet, a few remain.  Such is the case with Dick Clark, a giant in the entertainment industry who passed away today at the age of 82 from a massive heart attack, after being admitted to a hospital for what was described as an “outpatient procedure.”
 
Clark became a living legend with his signature TV blockbuster, American Bandstand – the one that I most remember from my youthful days.  He also was highly successful as the founder of Dick Clark Productions, a company that generated a score of popular TV hits.

 
He became one of the first positive factors for U.S. race relations within the entertainment world when – without fanfare – he welcomed minority entertainers and teenage dancers to American Bandstand. 
 
As the flood of testimonials began to pour in today, those in showbiz who commented upon his life emphasized Dick Clark’s genuine charisma and the ease with which he made people feel comfortable.
 
Dick Clark – the world’s oldest teenager – was an icon of civility in the entertainment world – a trait that sorely needs rehabilitation in today’s public square.
 
The remembrance of his life as it is now being chronicled in most of the media outlets and blogs reminds me of a refreshing spring zephyr circulating among downbeat news stories.