(MUSIC)

Dick Clark, at upper left, is surrounded by teenage fans on his nationally televised dance show "American Bandstand" in 1958

"American Bandstand" became the most popular dance party in America. Every week, young people danced to the latest songs in front of the TV cameras.

(MUSIC: “Twilight Time”/The Platters)

But it wasn’t all rock and roll. Whether on Bandstand-type television programs or at local “record hops,” or at home, young Americans – and their parents – danced cheek to cheek to romantic ballads as well.

Television in the nineteen-fifties included dramas acted live on TV.

And there were quiz shows, and game shows, and comedy programs.

(MUSIC: “I Love Lucy” theme)

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If Elvis was the king of rock and roll, Lucille Ball was the queen of comedy. During the nineteen fifties, millions of Americans watched "I Love Lucy." Lucille Ball starred with her husband Desi Arnaz. They played Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. Ricky is a Cuban bandleader in New York. Lucy is a housewife who wishes she could be famous like her husband.

LUCY: "What’ll I have to do?"

RICKY: "You gonna get me back on the television show."

LUCY: "How?"

RICKY: "I don’t know how. But, if you don't, I’ll …"

LUCY: "I will, Ricky. I’ll get you back on the show. Don’t even think of what you’ll do if I don’t."