Benjamin Spider
Teenagers of the 1960s will likely remember watching American Bandstand. It was the place to be if you wanted to hear hit music from talented artists.
In this episode, host Dick Clark has a real treat for anybody teen turning 16. He introduces the next act by stating, ‘You talk about people with a long stream of hits. This man has more of it to share.’
Clark then says, ‘Give a hand for Neil Sedaka!’ Out onto the stage beyond the shimmering curtain comes Neil Sedaka. He knows how to work for a crowd the way he approaches the stage.
With his dapper suit and palm trees on the set, he’s ready to dazzle. He starts singing Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen with energy and swagger. The audience claps right along to the intoxicating melody.
Sedaka gets into this song by dancing along and showcasing his gorgeous smile. His voice is perfectly angelic for such a song to wow every girl in the audience.
Such lyrics include, ‘You’ve turned into the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. Happy birthday, sweet sixteen.’ He maintains a personal edge by always playing towards the camera, no matter which camera is currently shooting.
Clark wasn’t kidding when bringing up how Sedaka has many hits. The singer/songwriter had been a big deal since 1957. Since that time, he has written and co-wrote over 500 songs.
‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen’ was one of Sedaka’s biggest hits. It would top out at number 6 on the Billboard chart since its release in 1961. After listening to how well it astounds a youthful audience, it’s easy to see why.
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