Dick Clark reveals New Year's secrets

After 40 years, Dick Clark is synonymous with New Year’s Eve. This year, you can watch six hours of his musical party, including Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012 (10:00, p.m., ET, ABC) and ending with Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012, Part 2 (1:08 a.m., ET). So, who better than Clark himself to weigh in on resolutions, Rockin’s highlights and what to do when the party is over.

Most determined Rockin' guest:

Jennifer Lopez, 2009. “[She] performed live in the middle of Times Square wearing a sexy, skintight bodysuit. Even though it was raining, she performed immaculately.”

Most shocking Rockin' moment:

In 1985 “high atop a building in Times Square” Clark was ambushed by a reporter with a microphone, who asked him: ‘What are your thoughts about Rick Nelson?’ “I was somewhat taken aback and immediately flashed on his younger days when he was Ricky Nelson, a teen idol adored by every young girl,” says Clark. “It was then that this reporter told me of his tragic death in an airplane crash that day in De Kalb, Texas.”

Most unforgettable Rockin' moment:

During the Iran Hostage Crisis, as a personal protest, the owner of One Times Square threatened to stop the dropping of the New Year’s Eve ball [12/31/80] from his building. “We were able to persuade him to darken the ball for a portion of the evening and still have the traditional dropping of the ball at midnight.”

Priority Resolution:

“The most important resolution I ever made and kept was to count my blessings everyday and not let life’s disappointments get me down.”

Best way to spend New Year's Day:

“Sleep late and enjoy the Rose Bowl Parade on TV,” says Clark. “End the day by consuming your favorite junk food, while watching the countless football games that follow throughout the day.”