American Bandstand 1963 -Follow The Boys Promo- Memory Lane, The Hippies

Airdate: March 11, 1963

Today’s clip comes from a Monday show, when American Bandstand aired every weekday at 4pm EST. From 1957 to Sept. 1961 the show aired for 90 minutes daily. From 1961 to Sept. 1962 it was shortened to 1 hour and from 1962 to Sept. 1963 it ran for only a half hour daily. Finally on Sept. 7, 1963 it was change back to 1 hour and moved to Saturday afternoon where it would remain for the duration of its run on ABC.

“Memory Lane” by the Hippies (formerly the Tams) must have been a regional hit as it barely cracked the top 100, but, as Dick Clark mentions, it is “one of the biggest request songs of the day” and some of the kids can be seen singing along to it.

“Follow The Boys”, Connie Francis’ follow up to her 1960 film “Where the Boys Are” was released about 2 weeks ago. It would be a modest success at the box office despite “raving critics and roaring crowds”. Incidentally, Connie frequently has given credit for her successful career to Dick Clark and her appearances on American Bandstand.

In the studio: If you look closely at Dick Clark’s podium you might spot the very subtle reference to Dentyne, one of today’s sponsors. Regulars dancing today: Mike Barone (2:49), Sandi Short (2:57), Ailyene Silverman (3:00), Barbara Warchol (3:09 and at the show’s opening in the map), Bobby Baritz (3:30), Danny Kelley (3:42), and Pat Carpino & Michelle Liebowitz (4:42).

…..And if “Memory Lane” doesn’t float your boat and you just happen to be in the UK next week you might want to pick up The Beatles very first album “Please, Please Me” which will be released on March 22.