FanNation

     I'm sure some of you have thought of asking just how do I come up with these "True Media Stories" of mine. I'll clue you in on a dirty little secret: I never know, until I type it up.

     I'm not kidding. Literally, I think 'em up on the fly. Just like today's installment.

     Today marks an anniversary of a classic dance party show. But if you've read these "TMS" pieces (as you should be...lol), you know I always have a backstory. And, this one's no different.

     Back in '52, there appeared on WFIL-TV in Philadelphia a program devoted to teenagers dancing to the latest records on the "hit parade". A man named Lee Horn hosted the show originally, until he was fired in early '56. Why was he fired?? Simple: he got nailed on a DUI charge...the very week the Philadelphia Inquirer launched an anti-drunk driving campaign.

     Ouch.

     His replacement, Bob Stewart, fared even worse. He got canned after it was discovered he was, ahem, getting to know one of the dancers a little better. ("Schtupping", I believe, is the term.)

     Double ouch.

     So, the management at WFIL scrambled to find a replacement (and damned quick, too) to save face. Which they did, in August of '56. Just as the show began to be seen in Baltimore and Washington, as well as Philly.

     By now, you've caught on to my little scam. Yes, I'm talking about "American Bandstand"...and **** Clark. August 5, 1957...51 years ago today...the entire ABC network tuned in @ 2 in the afternoon, to the strains of Les Elgart's "Bandstand Boogie". (Oh, try to get that music out of your head, fellow baby boomers. I mean the instrumental, NOT Barry Manilow's butchering with vocals. So we're clear, you understand.)

     Yeah, it's a curse I have. All this knowledge I feel a need to impart...LMAO

     Anyway, there you have it. Till next time, I'm the Nut...and as always, thank you for reading.