American Bandstand 1964 - Can You Do It by the Contours

“Can You Do It?...Yes, “You Can Dance To It” (though sometimes it’s pretty difficult, lol) a catchphrase heard many times on one of my favorite shows, American Bandstand - as in “It had a great beat and you can dance do it” or “it was easy to dance to”. This was was the start of my channel dedicated to dancing to the great music of the 1960’s when it was brand new, especially clips rarely seen of American Bandstand in this era.

I heard this song on a 60’s radio show a while back and thought it was cool so I overdubbed it to a clip I had from Bandstand. They are actually dancing to Bobby Freeman’s “Come On And Swim” but I thought the music matched well and sounded better than the original audio. “Can You Do It” peaked at #41 in 1964.

For the record, this is the only clip I’ve ever posted where I overdubbed a different song than the one they are actually dancing to.

Airdate, Aug. 1, 1964

[arealmench]

Figure these kids are about 16 years old in 1964 - I'm writing this and it's just about 2020 - many of them are now grandma and grandpa. The 60s really wasn't that long ago. Life sure does go by in the blink of an eye.

[jerrygil]

Look how everyone is ACTUALLY happy and having a good time

[veronikalake]

I grew up in the 60s and it was so much fun! I watched American Bandstand every Saturday...I'm so lucky to be part of this era

[darlenedowning]

Oh how I wish I could travel back in time and find that first guy in the dance line on the left in the sport jacket & tie dancing with that energizer girl with the extravagant bun/hairdo - I think he is the ultimate cool guy. Great dancer. The epitome of uber-kewl. Where oh where has he been all my life!! How I wish I knew his name & where he has gone!…I l❤ve him. Teleport me back to Philadelphia, 1964! 😭😭

[bluewaters]

This was the start of my teenage years and dancing. We went to teen clubs every Friday and Saturday night to dance. We had such a good time. I am 66 and still love music and dancing!!

[patticrichton]

I was 17 in 1964, brings back so many memories

[w.a.c.]

so sad to watch this. All gone now. Wish I had a time machine.

[jenniesanchez]

1964, I was 14, living in Lodi, CA, watched AB everyday & learned all the latest dances. When we'd visit our relatives in Fresno, CA, I'd teach all my Aunties in HS how to dance the newest steps. We'd be up until late every evening, outside, under the stars, blasting the 45's from the window. Grandpa lived on a ranch & it was much fun!!! Those are the greatest memories of all my fun lovin Aunties, Uncles & Cousins ... Grandpa would love to watch us & would laugh up a storm, supplying us with sodi-pop!

[kalebchavez]

This is literally my new obsession... OMG.. these beautiful people.. beautiful time.. beautiful music.. I'm so JEALOUS!!!!

[glennprince]

What a walk back in time! This is the year I graduated High School and I use to watch American Bandstand as often as I could. Many fond memories.

[Anglynn]

I miss my mom. she was 16 in 1964, she did all these dances. later on was on a local NJ tv dance show. she passed 3 yrs ago March 12th. I feel lost quite often without her.

[ossier]

Yeah, my generation, I was 17 and loved American Bandstand. That’s where I learned the latest dances.

[patrickcrotty]

All the young men wearing ties and the young ladies wearing skirts at the knees or lower. Good days!!

[pauloandrade]

Time pass fast, but the best stayed the rock and roll, the Countours the best American Black rock and roll, hugs all rockers!

[paulcashshow]

I was 7 years old. I love this stuff so much. If I had a time machine, it would not be the 80's or 90's I would visit, it would be the 60's or 70's for

[gomezesmorticia]

I was 16 in 1964 and loved this music.

[Themaddprof]

This video can be described in one word- Joy!

[thepainfulhand]

Clark had Black Kids on the show in 1957 when it became National. And dancing together with white kids.... Clark was awesome

[patgavigan]

This was such a great dance song! Don't know why it didn't go high in the charts. So many (boss) cool songs from that era.

[zipoutduck]

I was 14 in 1964....it was SO EASY to dance to this song! How? We just followed the music, and just grooved to it. We just DANCED and had a blast. Everybody dressed well and really and truly had FUN. Of course, love was ALWAYS in the air. ALL of us guys were looking for a girl to dance with and then be with after the dance. Making out was the goal and it was mutually beneficial and desired. It was a rockin' era and love was definitely in the air and in our minds & bodies. Just look at the kids here, look at their faces, look at the excitement....it was the mid-1960s and we were enjoying it!!