<P> Featured artists typically performed their current hits by lip - syncing to the released version of the song . </P> <P> The only person to ever co-host the show with Dick Clark was Donna Summer, who joined him to present a special episode dedicated to the release of the Casablanca film Thank God It's Friday on 27 May 1978 . From the late 1950s and most of the 1960s, Clark's on - camera sidekick was announcer Charlie O'Donnell, who later went on to announce Wheel of Fortune and other programs hosted or produced by Clark, such as The $100,000 Pyramid . During this time, there were occasionally shows that were not hosted by Clark, in which case a substitute host (among them being Rick Azar) would be brought in to host in Clark's stead . </P> <P> Bandstand originally used "High Society" by Artie Shaw as its theme song, but by the time the show went national, it had been replaced by various arrangements of Charles Albertine's "Bandstand Boogie," including Larry Elgart's big - band recording remembered by viewers of the daily version . From 1969 to 1974, "Bandstand Theme," a synthesized rock instrumental written by Mike Curb, opened each show . From 1974 to 1977, there was a newer, orchestral disco version of "Bandstand Boogie," arranged and performed by Joe Porter, played during the opening and closing credits . </P> <P> From 1977 to the end of its ABC run in 1987, the show opened and closed with Barry Manilow's rendition of "Bandstand Boogie," which he originally recorded for his 1975 album Tryin' to Get the Feeling . This version introduced lyrics written by Manilow and Bruce Sussman, referencing elements of the series . The previous theme was retained as bumper music . </P>

Who wrote the theme song for american bandstand