Bandstand Diaries co-author Arlene Sullivan wrote about meeting Kenny in script. Here is a short recap of her recollections.
“When I first met Kenny Rossi he was sitting way up in the stands I noticed his curly black hair, blue suit, beautiful brown eyes. He was adorable.”
Arlene asked him to dance and thus Arlene and Kenny happened.
Arlene and Kenny first danced to “Why Don’t You Understand” by George Hamilton IV.
Arlene learned that Kenny had a “particular fondness for parties” as he liked the attention when he was dancing. They enjoyed walks in the park , and going to the drive-in movies with Barbara Leveick and her boyfriend at the time.
Kenny loved to sing. In particular, Arlene remembers him singing “Because of You” by Tony Bennett. She thought he was a great singer. Kenny was approached by a record company they wanted him to record and released “Problem Child”, his first of many to follow.
After being told by Dick Clark that as a recording artist “a professional” he could no longer dance on American Bandstand. Kenny left. Upset, but knowing what he wanted to do, Kenny told Arlene “he would miss me and the show. But I would still be his girl.”
Unfortunately, that was the beginning of their separation.
Kenny went on tour and was away a lot. They lost touch over the years. Arlene heard that Kenny got married and had a daughter named Nicki. After his first marriage ended, Kenny eventually remarried and had a son, Jonathan.
Kenny and Arlene met up again in the late 70’s and to this day remain close friends.
They will always be my favorite couple. I met Arlene in 1961 she was very sweet.Unfortunely I never got to meet Kenny.
What a Beautiful love story..Kenny and Arlene were my favorite couple on Bandstand..
Mine too alwYs rushed home fron West Catholic High to watch bandstand.
It was great to be young and having fun
like all normal kids in the 50’s and 60’s.
A lot of good time, super songs and singers.
Televisions shows had meaning and was part of
our family as well. The kids of today missed out.
Bandstand Dairies has made my golden years even
better to remember the SOLID GOLD DAYS.
I hope more people of the past can enjoy their
past by checking Bandstand Dairies,looking things up on the computer and contact your old fiends. Thank you
Arlene for given us a second turn of the”Gold Yeays”and
new meaning of my “Old Years. God bless friendships !!!
Loved the show at 15 I learned to dance also copied dress and hair style. (1957)
Kenny Rogers and Arlene Sullivan were my favorites on American Bandstand. They were a beautiful couple
I named my daughter Arlene in 1958, I enjoyed watching them so much, would hurry up and come home from school to watch AB
Kenny & Arlene were: “The Couple” of American Bandstand!!!! No other dancers or couples even came close to comparing to them!!! Together–a certain magic radiated from them when they were dancing!!! To this day, oh so many years have passed, and yet I still feel the magic of Arlene and Kenny!!! Sullivan & Rossi forever!!!
I enjoyed watching Arlene & Kenny on the dance floor of American Bandstand.Arlene had such a special look when she danced with Kenny. I can still remember them to this day.
Would love to connect with my teenage couple idols Arlene Sullivan and Kenny Rossi. Where can I buy Bandstand Diaries?
How am I able to get a copy of the book Bandstand Diaries?