Began his career in 1945 in the mailroom of WRUN in Utica, New York, working his way up to weatherman and then newsman.

Graduated from Syracuse University in 1951 with a degree in business administration. When Bandstand was picked up by ABC in 1957, Clark changed its name to American Bandstand, ended the show's all-white policy, and began introducing black artists. By 1959, it was broadcast by 101 affiliates, and reached an audience of 20,000,000.

In 1959, the U.S. Senate began investigating the practice of payola, record companies paying radio personalities to play new records. Clark admitted he accepted a fur stole and jewelry and held financial interests in artists and songs that were frequently on American Bandstand. Even though Clark was cleared of any wrongdoing, he was ordered to either leave ABC or sell his interests; he sold.

He had 3 children; Richard Clark with first wife Barbara Mallery, and with 2nd wife Loretta Martin, was father to Duane and Cindy. His 3rd marriage was to Kari Wigton, from 1977 to his death in 2012.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Was the co-owner of Film Ventures International Pictures with Edward L. Montoro for several years.

(14 February 2002): Dick Clark Productions announced it will be acquired for $140 million by Mosaic Media Group, Inc., Capital Communications CDPQ Inc., and Jules Haimovitz, a senior television executive. Stockholders will receive $14.50 per share in cash. Clark himself will receive $12.50 per share in cash for a portion of his shares. Dick Clark Productions was founded in 1957.

Clark created Dick_Clark's_New_Year's_Rockin'_Eve in 1973, and hosted it from from 1974 through 1999, and 2001 through 2004.

He died April 12, 2012, of a heart attack after prostate surgery.

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