Plug-in required for flash audio

Thank you very, very much. Please sit down because having produced nine million award shows, I know Mr. [Curt] Gowdy, the producer, is up there saying "Hurry, say thanks fast."

You saw something that brings back a flood of memories to me. Gladys [Knight] and all [the] people of all ages, sizes, shapes, and colors appeared on that show.

I don't have time to thank every person that has helped me along the way. I want to thank a thing: American Bandstand -- because I grew up with it -- and most of you did.

Something -- You know...it's hard to explain how a silly little dance show with a guy playing records and kids dancing could have any long-lasting significance. And I don't want to get [unclear at :50] or heavy about this, but think about what happened there. For almost 40 years, kids got together in a social atmosphere. They got to know one another. They exchanged cultures. And they didn't hurt each other, and there wasn't any violence. And we could all learn a little something from that show. It was a good one.

Now, I gotta -- I must thank all the network people and the sponsors and the cable people and all the people that helped me live a lifetime dream.

I want to thank my mother and father, because a lot happened to me in my life, a lot of it good and some of it not so good -- and they taught me how to get through it.

I have three wonderful children, RAC, Duane and Cindy of whom I am very proud; and a woman to whom I am married who -- who works with me every day and helps me live out that dream and I hope that [if] the good Lord is willing, I can continue to do so. Thank you, Kari.

Thank you all very much. Thank you, academy.