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Dick Clark Dead: Entertainers React to Famed Music Host's Passing at 82

Posted Apr 18th 2012 4:25PM by Georgette Cline
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Dick Clark, famed television host of "American Bandstand" and the year-end countdown from Times Square on "New Year's Rockin' Eve," has died. The New York-born entrepreneur -- he created The American Music Awards in 1973, for ABC -- was 82 at the time of his death, AP reports.

Paul Shefrin, a spokesman for Clark, said he had a heart attack Wednesday morning (April 18) at Saint John's hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. His death comes just one day after he was admitted for an outpatient procedure.

Many hip-hop and R&B entertainers grew up watching Clark, born Nov. 30, 1929. He welcomed their idols and mentors to his shows. Some of them, like OutKast, even had the chance to meet "the world's oldest teenager," as he was so often called. A wealth of artists, music executives and even the lauded TV icon's mentee Ryan Seacrest have taken to Twitter to share their sentiments over his passing. Check out their words below.

Sending out prayers to Mr.Dick Clark's Family... May God keep & console you all🙏 lockerz.com/s/202344251
- Monica Brown (@MonicaBrown) April 18, 2012

R.I.P. Dick Clark... A true radio & television innovator
- DJ DRAMA (@DJDRAMA) April 18, 2012

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life.
- Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) April 18, 2012

With my friend Dick Clark..American Bandstand 1985 Sheila E Interview: youtu.be/s19O8bHqcLA via @youtube
- SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) April 18, 2012

RIP to another legend! We will miss u Dick Clark! Thank I for EVERYTHING u have done for us all!!!
- Boyz II Men (@BoyzIIMen) April 18, 2012

Dick Clark will be truly missed. We will carry on his legacy every New Year's Eve. twitter.com/Fergie/status/...
- Fergie (@Fergie) April 18, 2012

REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir
- Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) April 18, 2012

R.I.P Dick Clarkinstagr.am/p/JkwB6wL2hy/
- Big Boi of OUTKAST (@BigBoi) April 18, 2012

Dick Clark. A Great Philadelphian. Thank You Very Much!
- Questo of The Roots (@questlove) April 18, 2012

Dick Clark's profound contributions to music, television and popular culture will reverberate throughout time. R.I.P. Mr. American Bandstand
- LA Reid (@LA_Reid) April 18, 2012

youtu.be/WJJbNNjWw28 Run-DMC 1985 With Dick Clark. Crazzzy!
- Rev Run (@RevRunWisdom) April 18, 2012

Dick Clark changed the face of musical television. He was wonderful to many artists including our family. We will miss him. God bless.
- Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) April 18, 2012

Watch Beyonce Perform "I Was Here" on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve"