NJ Couple Who Met On 'American Bandstand' Recall Friendship With Dick Clark

By Robin Rieger

HADDONFIELD, N.J. (CBS) -- Brian and Deborah Murphy's marriage is a match made in music.

In December of 1963, Deborah danced as a teenager on Dick Clark's American bandstand. The couple met there in 1962. He watched the bands and she liked to dance. She even still has some of her old fan mail.

"The men knew how to dance you around to get you back to the camera, and dick Clark was always so nice" said Deborah, who currently lives in Haddonfield.

Brian Murphy says Dick Clark was a friend. His death Wednesday hit them hard.

"It was the start of my marriage, my children," he said, choking back tears.

Murphy says he and Clark shared a love of collecting music memorabilia at flea markets. Murphy says he worked for him briefly getting memorabilia together, when Clark opened restaurants in the 1990's.

He last saw Clark in California six months ago, but called him Monday. Clark, he says, was headed to a doctors appointment

"I asked him how he was. I told him the tomatoes would be there July. He was addicted to Jersey corn and tomatoes, I'd send him a box every ten days."

Now he looks through items he says Clark has sent him over the years and reminisces.

"Those are actual passes he used Backstage, these are the programs they sold," he said holding up books and cards.

He says it will take a while for the loss to sink in.

"Part of the foundation of rock and roll and music today has been taken out from under the house," said Murphy.

Murphy says he's not sure what he will do with some of his memorabilia, but says even if he were to donate some of it, his memories of Dick Clark and their friendship will always remain.