1960: On this day testifying before Congress, America’s perennial teenager, Dick Clark admits he took “payola” (money and/or gifts) to play certain records. Because he owns up to it and agrees to sell off his interests in certain records and record companies, he is allowed to stay on as host of American Bandstand.
Unlike pioneering rock ‘n’ roll DJ Alan Freed, who never admits taking payola (although all evidence clearly indicates that he did) and is driven from the airwaves.
