Following surgery at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica on Tuesday night, Dick Clark suffered a “massive” heart attack and died.

Despite a stroke in December  2004, he continued performing.

Clark began his career at 17 as a radio announcer at WRUN in Utica, NY. “American Bandstand,” was on air 32 years (1957-1989). “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” started in 1972; now hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

“Dick Clark was significant in transforming the record business into an international industry,” said the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in a citation. “His weekly televised record hops — which predated MTV by 25 years — played an integral role in establishing rock and roll, keeping it alive and shaping its future.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.