TV producer and host Dick Clark died in Los Angeles of an apparent heart attack Wednesday at age 82, according to the Associated Press.
Clark had a long career on both sides of the camera, hosting the New Year's Eve special from Times Square as well as American Bandstand, $25,000 Pyramid and specials such as the Miss U.S.A. pageant.
In 2004, Clark suffered a stroke and had been coping with the effects since. He had remained determined to appear on his New Year's Eve show, now hosted by Ryan Seacrest, who often cites Clark as the model for his own career.
"Dick Clark was significant in transforming the record business into an international industry," the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said in a citation. "His weekly televised record hops — which predated MTV by 25 years — played an integral role in establishing rock and roll, keeping it alive and shaping its future."
