Casey Kasem Dead at 82 (1932-2014); American Top 40 Franchise (1970-2009)

Three Dog Night - Mama Told Me (Not To Come) 1970.

"Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars," was how Casey Kasem ended every program. "I just didn't want to say goodbye. Every station I was at, I never said goodbye," he later explained to the New York Times of his famous sign-off. "I don't know why."

His first #1 song that he announced was "Mama Told Me Not to Come" by in 1970.

On June 15, 2014, Casey Kasem died, surrounded by friends and family.

Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends. Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken. Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. The world will miss Casey Kasem, an incredible talent and humanitarian; we will miss our Dad.
With love, Kerri, Mike and Julie (children).
Kerri's statement on Facebook (6.15.2014 9:05 a.m.)

American musician, disc jockey, radio personality and actor Casey Kasem was best known for being the host of the music radio programs American Top 40, American Top 20 and American Top 10 from 1970 until his retirement in 2009, and for providing the voice of Norville "Shaggy" Rogers in the Scooby-Doo franchise from 1969 to 1997, and again from 2002 until 2009.

Casey Kasem founded the American Top 40 franchise in 1970 with Don Bustany, Tom Rounds and Ron Jacobs. He hosted American Top 40 from 1970 to 1988 and from 1998 to 2004. Between January 1989 and early 1998, he was the host of Casey's Top 40, Casey's Hot 20, and Casey's Countdown. Also beginning in 1998, Casey Kasem hosted two adult contemporary spin-offs of American Top 40, American Top 20, and American Top 10. Kasem retired from AT20 and AT10 on July 4, 2009.

In 2008, Casey Kasem was the voice of Out of Sight Retro Night which aired on WGN America, but was replaced by rival Rick Dees with Into the Night.


Rick Dees' Into the Night opening sometime after 2008.

A sample of American Top 40 in 1986 ...


American Top 40 Casey Kasem February 15 1986 Hours 1 & 2.