What was the title of the first television special in Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve series, broadcast in 1972?

The first television special in Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve series was Three Dog Night's New Year's Rockin' Eve, broadcast in 1972.

The program was created as an alternative to Guy Lombardo's long-running New Year's Eve broadcasts, which had dominated American television with big-band music and ballroom performances. Dick Clark's production emphasized contemporary popular music and a younger audience.

The first special aired on December 31, 1972, welcoming 1973. The title referred to the American rock group Three Dog Night, whose performances helped anchor the program's identity at launch.

The series later became strongly associated with the Times Square countdown, although Clark initially hosted from a studio and the format evolved over time. Ryan Seacrest eventually succeeded Clark as the principal host, while Clark remained involved for years after a stroke affected his on-camera work.