Dick Clark Remembered
D
ick Clark, the ever-youthful television host who, more than any other personality, brought rock ‘n roll into the life and times of American culture has died. He was 82. His American Bandstand went from a local Philadelphia show to a national phenomenon by being very simple. He once said, “I played records, the kids danced and America watched.” The show was on ABC’s daytime lineup from 1957 to 1987.
Clark produced Our publication family and ultimately influencing integration. many game shows American Bandstand was a platform remembered Dick Clark: and was known for all artists like myself. Also special Senior events entertainer Ken for the year-end to me is the fact he was from PennsylBrady, of the original Casinos countdown from vania, like myself. He will be missed.” group, singer of “Then You Can Times Square. For a Tell Me Goodbye”: “He was Vicki Willis of Tampa was a teenager time in the 1980s, the the icon of music for everyone. in the ‘60s and says, “Every Saturday talk and game show Everyone who was anyone was I would hurry to finish my chores icon had shows on on his show. He was kind and and run to my girlfriend’s house to Ken Brady all three networks. gentle. There is no way anyone watch American Bandstand. It was As an iconic leader will ever come close to him. I always fun to see the newest styles in integration issues, he give black watched him every day. I watched and dances.” artists their due by playing original the dancers do ‘the Stroll’ for R&B recordings instead of cover From local singer James the first time on his show.” versions by white performers. Marvel: It was 1969 and I Clark endeared himself to fans across was with the band Mercy. Richie Merritt, formerly the country in 2004 Dick Clark had me on the with the Marcels and when he continued phone as his audience on a regular entertainer at performing even after American Bandstand was our events, said, “I am he suffered a stroke rating our song ‘Love so sorry to hear of Dick that affected his abilCan Make You Happy.’ Clark’s passing. He was James Marvel ity to speak and walk. Dick Clark said, ‘the an American Institution. with the band Yes, “the world’s kids love your song!’ The Dick was there before “Mercy,” late ‘60s oldest teenager” rest was history. Mercy there was a Motown. has died. He will went on to make the Top 10, second He was a visionary and a major Ritchie Merritt be missed. only to The Beatles’ ‘Get Back.’” force in changing pop culture
5th Annual Tampa Bay 55+ From $430 Per Month The newly renovated DeSoto Towers Blueberry Festival, Plant City!
O
n May 5 and 6, 2012, the Keel and Curley Winery invites everyone to the 5th Annual Blueberry Festival to celebrate the Florida Blueberry Harvest. Keel and Curley Winery and the festival grounds are located 15 minutes east of downtown Tampa at 5202 W. Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, FL 33565. Gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday with the festival closing at 6 p.m. each day. Admission is free. Visitors can “U-Pick” Blueberries on over 20 acres of fruit-filled Blueberry bushes. They can also taste all 12 Keel and Curley Winery varieties while listening to live music on the 2500 square foot deck overlooking a duck pond. This is a great event for children as well with free kid’s activities
including bouncy houses, slides and antique tractor display. The festival will also include over 50 local vendors including craft, food and commercial tables for all ages. Keel and Curley Winery has been producing wine in Hillsborough County since 2003 and currently produces about 300,000 bottles of blueberry, strawberry and other fruit wines every year on its 25-acre farm and winery outside Plant City. Its wines can be found throughout Florida in Publix, Walmart, ABC Liquor, Total Wine & More and Albertsons. If you would like more information on this event and venue, please call (813) 720-5474 or email clay@sixstarsbeverageco.com. More info at KeelandCurleywinery.com.
in Downtown Bradenton!
Included in rent: * Security around the clock * All Utilities paid by Desoto Towers * Cable TV included! * Maintenance at no charge * Social programs and exercise classes Public Transportation Available
This is a Senior Lifestyle Community. Call for qualifications and additional information.
DeSoto Towers
1523 6th Ave. W. • Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 748-2883
www.desototowers.com
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 27