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The original WFIL building has become The Enterprise Center, an incubator for entrepreneurs. It opened in 1997 on the 40th anniversary of the first national broadcast of "Bandstand," according to president Della Clark. She is not related to Dick Clark.
Outside, a historic marker tells the story of the show's rise to national prominence, while memorabilia fills a conference room inside. Studio B, which is largely preserved and decorated with additional mementos, serves as a function room. There's still a satellite dish on the roof, she said.
Della Clark said Wednesday that the building's new mission seems appropriate considering Dick Clark's successful business career: He produced shows including "The $25,000 Pyramid," `'TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" and the American Music Awards.
His death, she said, "reminded me of the stewardship responsibilities of keeping this flame alive in terms of the birthplace of `American Bandstand.'"
Musicians with Philadelphia roots also praised Clark and his legacy. John Oates, of the pop duo Hall & Oates, told the AP in an email that Clark was more than just the host of "American Bandstand."
"With an understated on-air presence, he made the kids and their music the stars of the show," said Oates. "His genius was in his ability to use the power of television to help define how American teenagers saw themselves."
[Associated
Press;
Associated Press writers Alex Brandon, Matt Moore and Ron Todt contributed to this report.
Follow Kathy Matheson at http://twitter.com/kmatheson.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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