Origin and structure[edit]
Dick Clark observed that in the late 1950s, rock and roll had little acceptance as a form of live entertainment. Seeing an opportunity, he formed the Caravan of Stars, which, during its seven-year existence grew to gross nearly $5 million annually (more than $45 million in 2021 dollars).[1]
The concert promoted up to seventeen acts, each performing two or three songs, all backed by the same band. In the beginning, admission was $1.50 ($13.50 in 2021).[1] By 1965 the price had risen to $2.50 ($22.50 in 2021).
The summer tour went out from Memorial Day to Labor Day, sixty to ninety days on the road, nonstop.[1] Tours were added throughout the other seasons.
Headliners[edit]
The show always spotlighted a major artist, who closed the show, like Bobby Vee or Paul Anka.[1]
Other artists included Jewel Akens, Freddie Cannon, Brian Hyland, Little Eva, Lloyd Price, Linda Scott, and Johnny Tillotson,
Groups included The Coasters, The Crystals, The Drifters, The Premiers, The Skyliners, and The Supremes.
Reception[edit]
The August 30, 1959, concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, California, reflected the early success of the Caravan. The performance set an all-time attendance record at the Bowl, with more than 5,000 being turned away. Variety reported that police set up loudspeakers six blocks away to tell people the show was sold out.
A week later, at the Michigan State Fair, the show set another attendance record, surpassing the previous attendance record by more than 15,000 concert goers over the previous record in the 110-year history of the fair.