Clay Cole was an American actor and television host who is best known for “Twist Around the Clock,” “People,” and “The Clay Cole Show.”
Personal and Family Life
Born Albert Franklin Rucker Jr. on January 1, 1938, in Youngstown, Ohio, Clay Cole became a well-known personality in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania from 1959 to 1967. He hosted various shows, including “The Record Wagon” and a popular teen dance show on WPIX TV. Clay chose his stage name at the request of producers, taking after a cousin. In his personal life, he settled in Oak Island, North Carolina, after retiring in 2003.
Death and Legacy
Clay Cole passed away on December 18, 2010, in Oak Island, North Carolina, due to a heart attack. His contributions to television and music are remembered, particularly his influence on the teen dance movement of the 1960s. He was also known for being a member of the nominating committee of the Hit Parade Hall of Fame, celebrating musical talent and history.
Filmography
| Type | Title | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Twist Around the Clock | 1961 | Role: Clay Cole |
| Producer | People | 1978 | Executive producer, 1 episode |
| Soundtrack | Don’t Knock the Twist | 1962 | Writer: “Bucket Twist” (uncredited) |
| Soundtrack | Twist Around the Clock | 1961 | Performer and writer of several songs |