Editor note: The following article has been provided to AMAC Foundation and our readers as a general public service by freelance writer and AMAC Foundation volunteer, Lorelei Teninty. Lorelei is an aspiring writer and entrepreneur. She enjoys reading, writing, swim, and spending time with her dogs!

New Year’s Eve Legacy, Dick Clark

Happy New Year everyone! The adventures of 2024 already begun! As fun times and obstacles come our way this 2024, I am acknowledging a time honored tradition when celebrating the new year – watching the ball drop on Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve, in New York’s Time Square. It is an honor to recognize the legacy of Dick Clark in this tribute.

I know I am not the only one who enjoys this program. Whether in person, live tv, or streaming, 22.2 million viewers joined with me in watching it just the other night. This was an increase upward 30% of their ratings from last year alone, and their highest ratings since 2020.  

But how did Dick Clark’s celebration begin?

Let’s take a look. 

Clark began the iconic television special in 1972, as competition to Guy Lombardo’s specials appeal to younger audiences.  Clark at the time was the host of The American Bandstand, helping boost his initial popularity with New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, originally hosted by Three Dog Night and George Carlin from 1972-1975. The typical showcase from the first broadcast to today is a lineup of the most popular musical artists of the year and some more classic cultural spotlights, this year’s being early 2000s British rock band Green Day. Of course at the end of the broadcast we always see the Ball drop at midnight every year without fail.  

Iconic Moment

One of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’s more iconic true blood American moments was the 9/11 tribute in 2001, when Clark chose to play Irvin Berlin’s ‘God Bless America’ during the Ball drop leading us into a new start. 

“They’re playing ‘God Bless America,’ because everybody remembers the last year with great reverence, great support, great sympathy…It was not the happiest year in America’s life, but we are pressing on. And New Yorkers are with it, they are dynamic people, they are ready to go, they are ready to look forward to the year 2002.” 

This year, as in every other, the memory of Dick Clark brought us further into the future with fun, color, and inspiration to better ourselves. Happy New Year from everyone on the AMAC Foundation team! 

‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ 2024 Delivers 30% Audience Jump (variety.com) 

The History & Legacy of ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ (msn.com) 

‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024′ – Hosts & Performers Lineup Revealed! | 2024 New Year’s Eve, Jelly Roll, Jessie Murph, Megan Thee Stallion, new years eve, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla | Just Jared: Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment 

9 Unforgettable Moments From ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ (tvinsider.com) 

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