Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years, 1956-1963 by Arlene Sullivan, Ray Smith, Sharon Sultan Cutler

 Thanks to Marcy Manning of Winger Marketing, I am giving away 3 print copies of Bandstand Diaries.

Description of Bandstand Diaries by Sharon Cutler, Arlene Sullivan & Ray Smith

Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years, 1956-1963 shares the fascinating story of how Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and its millions of viewers catapulted its teenage dancers (called “the Regulars”) to fame. These teenagers became the nation’s first reality-TV stars–they received thousands of fan letters and were mobbed everywhere they went. Their adoring fans copied their fashions, fads, and dance steps. Then, when they turned 18, they disappeared from the public eye, except for occasional reunions and news stories.

Fans have long wondered whatever became of Arlene and Kenny, Bob and Justine, Frani, Pat, Carole, Frankie, Billy, and so many of the others dancers, who are now in their late 60s and early 70s.

Bandstand Diaries brings together all the stories, interviews, and rare photos in a full-color, nostalgia-filled book.

You’ll enjoy:

A poignant introduction by Bobby Rydell
Entries from Arlene Sullivan’s personal diary
Interviews with the living legends today
Following Dick Clark’s rise to fame
Special Tributes for Pat Molittieri, Carole Scaldeferri, Myrna Horowitz, and others
Information on special theme shows and reunions
Fan club experiences
Reliving the music and the performers including Annette, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Paul Anka, Danny and the Juniors. Charlie Gracie, Fabian, and more
Learning how American Bandstand made rock ‘n’ roll respectable

Bandstand Diaries features almost 700 photos from then and now in a coffee-table book. Purchase your copy of this Collector’s Limited Edition and take a nostalgic walk through those memory-filled days when rock ‘n’ roll became the soundtrack of a generation, when television was in grainy black-and-white, and when a 45 RPM record cost less than 70 cents. It’s back to the good old days with a modern interpretation.

About Arlene Sullivan, Ray Smith, & Sharon Cutler

Arlene Sullivan grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and was one of the most celebrated

Arlene Sullivan Sorts Through Fan Mail

Regulars on American Bandstand, appearing on the show from 1956 to 1960. She graduated from St. Monica’s Commercial School in South Philadelphia. Arlene worked at Dun & Bradstreet, and did a stint in the sales office of the Warwick Hotel. When gambling came to Atlantic City, Arlene became a blackjack dealer, and dealt cards for 31 years. Arlene has been featured in scores of magazines, and has been seen on many TV shows. 

Ray Smith was born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia. He graduated from John Bartram High School and attended Penn State as a Labor Management Major. It was not for him, so he moved to New York and studied dance and drama. He graduated from Hunter College Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Film Criticism. In 1967, he joined NBC News, and worked on the Today Show until his retirement in 2007. Ray won an Emmy as part of the show’s news writing team. He worked with Noche Flamenca Dance Company for many years, as well as Sachiyo Ito’s Japanese Dance Company. Ray is the co-author of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, and attended American Bandstand from 1957 to 1959, though he was never a Regular. 

Sharon Sultan Cutler grew up on New York’s Long Island, and was an avid American Bandstand fan.  She remembers running home from middle school back in 1957 to watch the show on her black and white television set. Like 20 million other fans throughout the country, Sharon couldn’t get enough of Kenny and Arlene, Bob and Justine, and many more of the regulars who jitterbugged and strolled their way into teenage America’s hearts. Sharon is a journalism graduate of New York University, and has worked as a copywriter for Simon & Schuster. She ran a Nanny-Housekeeping agency, and created Long Island’s first “50 Plus Expos.” Sharon lives in Chicago.

Giveaway of Bandstand Diaries by Sharon Cutler, Arlene Sullivan & Ray Smith

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on March 17, 2017 midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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