Bob Clayton was the love of my life when I was 10 years old. I told him that during our four telephone conversations. And then we would both giggle, sounding almost like giddy teenagers.
Like most of the Regulars I called, Bob screened his telephone calls. But he always called me back within minutes.
Bob’s bio in Bandstand Diaries was very candid. He held nothing back. He discussed his brief stay in Hollywood trying to become an actor after he and Justine Carrelli cut a 45 rpm record together. The two sides were “Drive in Movie ” and “Dream Girl.” Dick Clark never played either song on American Bandstand.
Bob retired after being in the shoe business and the chemical business, where he often worked 18 hour days. He co-owned a gift boutique with his second wife, Lutz is.
Bob had his last get-together with Justine at a Christmas party in his Delaware home in 2013.
I called him the week before our Bandstand Diaries book launch on November 4, 2016. to see if he would attend. As usual, he screened the call, but immediately called me back.
Bob told me he and his wife had sold their gift shop. She was now working at Neiman Marcus, and couldn’t take off to join the Regulars and their fans at the Philadelphia American Bandstand studio.
Very sadly, Bob passed away 2 days after our party, on November 6. I never had the chance to return his photographs. But I will treasure them always.
He was one-of-a-kind, my first boyfriend I never met…
Sharon Sultan Cuter
I grew up with Bob Clayton & Justine Carrelli. I’m so sad to hear of his passing.
Is Justine Carrelli well & what fills her time. Maybe grandkids.
I’d love to turn the calendar back.
My belated condolences to Bob’s family. Enjoyed him, Justine, Arlene, Kenny, and others every afternoon before my TV where guest performers, enthusiastic couples, and devoted audiences shared the most awesome experience in rock music. After my returned from Peace Corps service in Africa, the show had moved from Philly. Gone also was a unique magic that remains in our hearts.
Most of us from the Delaware Valley who are in our late 60’s or 70’s watched Bandstand. Justine and Bob along with Arlene and Kenny were the most popular although, all the regulars were special. The days of wine and roses–look at what we have now! What happened to America?
Loved watching AB.. my favorites were Justine and Bob. So sorry to hear of his passing. How is Justine doing?
Fran Giordano—-//-Loved her on American Bandstand back in the mid-late 59s
Bob was distant friend of ours. Ronnie Cheeseman,
Richard Murchison, Butch Albers and my self. Class of 1960.
His younger brother, George, was in our High School fraternity.
Bob would leave PS around 3’0 Clock and catch the train to Philly after school to get to Bandstand .
Bob came to very few of our High school Dances. But when he did ..WOW! he held us spell bound with how he could Dance.
Butch Albers kept us informed about Bob thru the years.
Does anybody know where he learned to Dance??
I learned at Ann Maries Dance Studio in Wilmington .
I learned how to tap dance yhrrr with my friends. PS 65