A good while ago, in a post about Dick Clark, I mentioned that my favorite among the American Bandstand kids of a long-vanished era (the 1950s) was Pat Molittieri. Today, when I was going through a bunch of old junk (there's a lot of that around here, for some reason), I ran across this photo. I have no idea how I obtained it, and I'd completely forgotten I even had it. It was fun to run across it again and to be thrown for a moment into a veritable frenzy of nostalgia. I can hear the Bandstand theme song playing right now.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Pat Molittieri
A good while ago, in a post about Dick Clark, I mentioned that my favorite among the American Bandstand kids of a long-vanished era (the 1950s) was Pat Molittieri. Today, when I was going through a bunch of old junk (there's a lot of that around here, for some reason), I ran across this photo. I have no idea how I obtained it, and I'd completely forgotten I even had it. It was fun to run across it again and to be thrown for a moment into a veritable frenzy of nostalgia. I can hear the Bandstand theme song playing right now.
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22 comments:
Does this picture bring back the memories of when I was a teen. I once joined her fan club and she sent me I know 7 or 8 pics.(wallet size) I'm sure they sent them out to everyone who joined. She was always my favorite. So sorry when I heard years ago that she had passed away.I used to do that hop she invented and the stoll that they did on that show. That dates me. I still have the pics, but I couldn't tell you where they are now. I can't remember if there is a typed signed letter with that or not.
She was my favorite too. She is the person I wanted to be when I watched the show everyday after school. Pat was original and inventive and boy, could she dance.
I found this page by searching for information on Pat Molitieri, as well as other bandstand regulars. I was sorry to hear she had passed away at a young age. I loved watching her and the others dance on American Bandstand. Thanks for the memories.
I have an MP3 of a song she recorded. I wish I could put it on the blog, but I'm not competent to do it.
I first saw Pat Molittieri on TV while lying in an army hospital recuperating from a paralytic illness. Her dancing and her personality cheered me. We watched the show every day in the ward. I wish I could have known her. I wish she could have known how many people she touched. Maybe she does. Rest well, Pat. You did it right. --Dave
Thanks, Dave. Great comment.
I was finally able to obtain a DVD of an early American Bandstand show recently. There was Pat dancing to every song. She danced with a different guy each time which shows just how popular she was. She was clearly the best dancer on the show. She always had a smile and was obviously having a great time. It is so sad that someone who was so full of life died so young.
Too true. She was the first one I looked for when I turned on the show, and she always brightened my day.
Hi Guys,
Can you tell me how to get a copy of that DVD ? -Dave
I can't. I wouldn't mind having it, myself. I'll have to look around on the 'net.
I am the person who found the DVD on line at "thevideobeat.com". They list it under "Bandstand". It was a show that originally aired on 12/18/57. Many early regulars were on that show including Pat as well as Kenny and Arlene who hadn't gotten together yet. The picture quality isn't the best but it is very watchable. Besides, when the show originally aired I watched it on a 12 inch black and white TV with rabbit ears so the picture wasn't that great then either. The DVD also includes a great documentary about American Bandstand and includes interviews with several of the early regulars so you get to see what they look like now. Bill, I hope that Pat's daughter checks your site again so that she can get a copy and see why her mom was so loved by so many people.
Thanks for that info!
Hi Bill - Just curious as to whether you purchased the 1957 American Bandstand DVD and, if so, what were your thoughts.
It's on the way. Supposedly.
Hi Bill and Freddie,
I got my copy of the DVD and
thoroughly enjoy playing it. I would have loved to have been part of the dancing scene in Philly back then, but such was not to be. ...Sigh ! --Dave
Glad you got the DVD at least. Great fun.
Hi Dave - I'm glad that you received the DVD and enjoyed it. I watch mine from time to time and always get a real kick out of it. Bill, did you ever receive your copy? If so, what are your thoughts about it? - Jeff
Got it, love it. I did a couple of blog posts about it somewhere up the line.
https://youtu.be/3oJBFyu1mhs FROM THE TIME BANDIT AN OLD B S MEMBER
Thanks for the link!
Pat was my first crush at about 10 years old. I remember sending for the American Bandstand yearbook and couldn't wait to see my girl in her t-strap shoes and plaid skirt. By all accounts a dear, sweet lady, her life was way too short. Still crazy about her. RIP
Pat was my first love. I also watched on an old black and white TV with rabbit ears. Myself and other kids would gather at my Aunts home just to watch her on TV. She seemed so happy. Needless to say what a wonderful dancer she was.
Can or will anyone let me know how she died? She was so young.
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