I’m thinking this morning of two men, one sometimes referred to as “America’s oldest teenager,” and another who clearly thinks he is.
Dick Clark died of a heart attack Thursday at age 82. You can read the coverage here.
You’ll read about his hosting for years of the New Year’s Eve Celebration from Times Square in New York City.
And how he built an entertainment empire including the American Music Awards and 'The $10,000 Question.'
Don't fool yourself. To me, and really to everyone in this areay, Clark will always be remembered as the host of 'Bandstand.' A lot of young people today don't remember 'American Bandstand,' the national show that was broadcast from L.A.
So it's hardly surprising that much of the country does not realize that Clark - who lived for years in Drexel Hill - started his show at 48th and Market streets in Philadelphia.
Clark had an ear for music and a knack for picking out hits. His show soon became a must stop to any pop act looking to make it. Along the way he legitimized a lot of rock music.
But that's not what I will remember about him, and why I think he should be remembered.
If you get a chance to look at any of that old tape, you might notice something different, not about Clark, but about the kids and the performers on his show. Take a look at their faces. Many of them were black, something that was not always done in the '50s.
Maybe that's why so many soul performers yesterday, including legends like Smokey Robinson Jr., took the time to honor Clark.
The other gentlemen on my mind is an athlete. Not a Flyer, or a Phillie. And not a Sixer, or an Eagles draft pick.
Today I pay homage to Jamie Moyer. This week Moyer managed to win a Major League Baseball game for the Colorado Rockies at the age of 49.
This is not supposed to happen. Yet there is Moyer, the former Phillie who stuck to his dream after being out of the game for a year following elbow surgery.
He is my hero.
Jamie Moyer will not turn 50 until Nov. 18. How great would it be if the Rockies opened the 2013 season at Citizens Bank Park.
I can tell you who I would be cheering for.
Go for it, Jamie.
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