Dick Clark’s Legends

In April 2012, American icon Dick Clark passed away at the age of 82. The cause of death was determined to be a heart attack, but if there was anything that Clark lacked during his impressive decades long career, it certainly wasn’t heart. Nor was it an ability to spot talent. Clark gained his reputation as host of the show “American Bandstand” starting in 1957. On that first episode, he interviewed an up and comer by the name of Elvis Presley. Many have attributed the success of many artists to appearances on the show, artists ranging in diversity from Simon & Garfunkel to Stevie Wonder to Talking Heads. Clark had a natural ability to spot emerging artists, and as a Hollywood producer put it, “To use his unparalleled communication skills to present rock and roll in a way that was palatable to parents.” Indeed generations have come to know the name Dick Clark as synonymous with music and entertainment. That’s why Branson, Missouri is proud to be the spot for Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. There is one more American Bandstand Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but Branson’s is the first and by the far the more famed of the two. The American Bandstand Theater is the only place in America where you can see some of today’s hottest musical artists, like Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera, perform on the same stage as some of the best from yesteryear, such as Neil Diamond and Stevie Wonder. Just like Clark himself, his theater has the ability to create a little magic, and in this case it by raising the dead and reuniting the defunct. At the American Bandstand Theater, concertgoers can catch a glimpse of departed legends like Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Organizers at the venue have gone out of their way to assemble the country’s most talented tribute artists to put on a lavish show featuring dynamic performances set to sensational standards from the American songbook. This group, known as Legends in Concert, provides music from a wide array of genres, and therefore can entertain audiences of all ages. Kids can enjoy the soulful stylings of Justin Timberlake, and the parents can take in the screaming guitars of Aerosmith. The talent level of these performers is simply outrageous and hard to ignore. Some perform double duty, or as in the case of Coty Alexander, triple duty as she puts on remarkable shows as Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga and Madonna. But as it was back in the day, Elvis is the most popular performer. Legends has fourteen different Elvis’, ready to gyrate and win hearts all over again. Don’t be cruel in judging them, they all have magnificent abilities to emulate the king’s charisma and magnetism. Once a year, the venue provides a chance for all fourteen Elvis impersonators, including more who want to and do qualify. This is known as the Branson Elvis Festival, and is one of the select few tribute competitions that has been sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. This festival takes place in the middle of April every year. So yes, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater does have more shows throughout the year, always family friendly and always entertaining. But Legends is one of the most fantastic shows one could witness, and should not be missed by anyone who has an ear for the best pop music the man himself Dick Clark every provided us with. For options in Branson for Lodging, check these out.