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© 2012 by The Regents of the University of California
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Delmont, Matthew F.
The nicest kids in town : American Bandstand, Rock ’n’ Roll, and the Struggle for Civil Rights in 1950s Philadelphia / Matthew F. Delmont.
p. cm. — (American crossroads ; 32) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-520-27207-1 (cloth : acid-free paper) ISBN 978-0-520-27208-8 (pbk. : acid-free paper)
1. Philadelphia (Pa.)—Race relations—History— 20th century. 2. African Americans—Civil rights— Pennsylvania—Philadelphia—History—20th century. 3. Segregation—Pennsylvania—Philadelphia— History—20th century. 4. Civil rights movements— Pennsylvania—Philadelphia—History—20th century.
5. American Bandstand (Television program)
6. Minorities on television. I. Title.
F158.9.N4D45 2012
323.1196’073074811—dc23
2011038775
Manufactured in the United States of America
20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11
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In keeping with a commitment to support environmentally responsible and sustainable printing practices, UC Press has printed this book on Rolland Enviro100, a 100% post-consumer fiber paper that is FSC certified, deinked, processed chlorine-free, and manufactured with renewable biogas energy. It is acid-free and EcoLogo certified.