Clark auctions memorabilia

Fifty years after his first appearance on the TV show that became known as “American Bandstand,” Dick Clark let go of the microphone.

The famed host auctioned off a number of items from his personal collection of musical memorabilia, including a microphone he used beginning July 9, 1956 -- his first day on the show that made him famous. The microphone went for $33,000 Wednesday at Guernsey’s auction house.

Other items sold in the two-day auction included Madonna’s bustier worn during the video for “Open Your Heart,” for $11,400; a cape belonging to Elvis Presley, for $24,000; and Bob Dylan’s harmonica, which went for $18,000, said Arlan Ettinger, auction president.