Casey Kasem hangs it up . . . .

[drlove]

Saw this article and thought it was worth posting/discussing, as at least for this disco fan . . . . I initially heard many a disco classic first thru American Top 40 countdowns (before my particular city's popular stations had picked up on 'em). Casey's distinctive tv voice ("Shaggy" on Scooby Doo) and radio jargon was a HUGE part of my childhood and teen years. Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Kasem !

(and by the way, has anyone seen the 1978 Disco Fever movie he starred in, out on VHS or DVD )

After 39 years, a final countdown for Casey Kasem

7/6/2009, 8:44 p.m. CDT
The Associated Press (AP) — LOS ANGELES - Casey Kasem has done his final countdown.
The 77-year-old DJ told "American Top 20" listeners across the country Saturday that the program would be his last.

Kasem launched his weekly countdown of the nation's most popular songs, the "American Top 40," on July 4, 1970. Ryan Seacrest took over the show in 2004, and Kasem went on to host two syndicated spinoffs, the "American Top 20" and "American Top 10."

Kasem said he "loved every minute" of his broadcasting career, but that he was leaving the show to "free up time I need to focus on myriad other projects."

[Salsoul1975]

I have wonderful memories of listening to "American Top 40" on WPLJ Power 95 in NY back in the '80s. I also remember when Shadoe Stevens took over as host, Casey hosted a show called "Casey's Top 40" (I think that was the title; this was around 1989). Some of the disco/club tunes I remember hearing on AT40 in the day were: "For Tonight"-Nancy Martinez, "Serious"-Donna Allen, "Nighttime"-Pretty Poison, "When We Kiss"-Bardeux, "Fascinated"-Company B, "Point Of No Return"-same title, different songs by Nu Shooz and Exposé, "Facts Of Love"-Jeff Lorber/Karyn White, "Candy"-Cameo, "We Connect"-Stacey Q, and so many others. Thanks for the memories, Casey.

[kdavid13]

I also loved the show...Listened to it every week.He also had a TV version going on at some point...didn't he ??

I remember my poor father was watching some sport show and I would come in the room and asked if we could watch "my show".
He would always oblige but years later - whenever he'd see Mr.Kasem's face on TV - he'd go...Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Now I know why !!!

[Salsoul1975]

Originally Posted by kdavid13

I also loved the show...Listened to it every week.He also had a TV version going on at some point...didn't he?

Yes he did--"America's Top 10"! I watched it every week as well back in the day. Casey would do a rundown of the top ten Pop (Hot 100), Soul (Black), Country and Albums (Hot 200) charts. There would be interviews, trivia questions and video spotlights.

[pepper1dancer]

Bless the awesome Casey Kasem and his Top 40 countdown. Like you drlove I grew up listening to the top records trying to record my favorites to my tape recorder from the radio. Sorry to hear that Ryan Dullcrest took his place a few years ago. Thanks for the memories........

[johnnyd1788]

Will he still do the 70s station on Sirius? I always thought those countdowns were made up in his head. lol