Casey Kasem's final countdown
It’s the final countdown—again—for Casey Kasem. The radio legend will wind up his “American Top 40” spin-off programs, “American Top 20” and “American Top 10,” on July 4— a date of significance: He created the franchise on July 4, 1970.
“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.”
But that famous voice (he provided the vocals for Shaggy on the “Scooby Doo” cartoon series) will live on. His classic 1970s and 1980s “AT40” countdowns will continue to be distributed by syndicator Premiere Radio Networks.
The “King of the Countdowns’ ” departure from the adult contemporary-oriented franchise is nothing new. After contractual concerns in 1988 with the show’s owner, ABC Watermark, Casey left "AT40." But ownership reverted back to Casey and he returned in 1998 to host the revived version. He stepped down as host in 2004 and handed the duties over to Ryan Seacrest.
His “American Top 20” show airs on KBIG-FM (104.3) in Los Angeles and on KGMX-FM Lancaster.
--Yvonne Villarreal
Photo credit: AP
You Will Be still the greatest Top American 40 LDD Radio person ever as a over the road Lady trucker you made the miles go so much smoother and a Little bit faster as you for get how long you Sit and drive. Any how I will miss your shows and all the LDD you did for so many people for so long Hope you enjoy things youve been wanting to really get done
Thanks for your Years on the Radio
Posted by: Sherry | July 05, 2009 at 07:38 PM
To the greatest LDD Radio guy which brought so many wonderful memories to alot of fans and I hope what ever you are now going to do its just as rewarding as your have been to so ,so many people
Posted by: Sherry | July 05, 2009 at 07:40 PM
does anyone know how I can get the last kasey kasem countdown list of top 40 womens names in song? Thank you
Posted by: sally | July 09, 2009 at 01:57 PM