Time Magazine Recognizes Radio Host Casey Kasem

posted on: Jul 7, 2009

On July 4, Casey Kasem counted down the hits one last time. Thirty-nine years to the day after he premiered his American Top 40 program — playing the most popular songs, calling out listeners’ long-distance dedications and paving the way for the American Top 20 and American Top 10 spin-offs — the velvet-throated DJ with the unmistakable voice has turned off his mike for good. “Hosting various versions of my countdown program has kept me extremely busy, and I loved every minute of it,” Kasem, 77, said in a statement. “However, this decision will free up time I need to focus on myriad other projects.”

What is perhaps most remarkable about Mr. Radio’s decision to abdicate the broadcasting throne is the fact that he held onto it for so long — a stretch during which he weathered technological upheaval, receding ratings and splintering musical tastes. Kasem has always transcended industry trends: he created American Top 40 in 1970 when the genre was said to be dying, and embraced corniness as Vietnam-era cynicism peaked. Through 2,000 cartoon episodes, 10,000 commercials and nearly four decades of radio hits, he has maintained his signature earnest style. “I’m Casey Kasem,” he crooned July 4. “Now, one more time, the words I’ve ended my show with since 1970: Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”

Laura Fitzpatrick
Time Magazine