PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Fans continue to pay tribute to music and television legend, Dick Clark. Wreaths and flowers decorate his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Here in this area, the host of American Bandstand was remembered by stars that appeared on his show and those who were influenced by him.

“It’s a thing called ‘Since I Don’t Have You.’ They’re the Skyliners.” With those words, Clark introduced the Pittsburgh group to a national audience. More than 50 years later, lead singer Jimmy Beaumont remembers the host as “very gracious.”

Those thoughts are echoed by the pop star known as Fabian. In his Fayette County home, the one-time teenage idol reminisced about a man who was a mentor and friend to so many and commented on his passing.

“All the people he’s helped, through all the eras, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. It’s a horrible, devastating loss,” said Fabian.

Pittsburgh rocker Joe Grushecky said American Bandstand fostered the dreams of his youth.

“I watched it constantly. I was just totally enamored with the music thing. I couldn’t get enough of it. And music was very rare on television in those days,” said Grushecky.

Fabian had the final word.

“I don’t think there’s a person out there in our business that’s lasted so long, given breaks to so many people and didn’t want anything in return,” Fabian said. “And he should be remembered for that.”

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