Casey Kasem, American Top 40

One of the most fond memories I had growing up was listening to Casey Kasem's "American Top 40".  It was a syndicated show, aired every Saturday, and some Sundays, over radio stations worldwide.  Yes, NOT just stateside...Casey's show played on Armed Forces Radio and TV Services and variations thereof, for the troops overseas.  Back then, we didn't have the satellite links as we do today- the only way the show was heard was when the tapes were shipped to the particular radio stations in the theater of operations, or aired by shortwave on the Armed Forces Radio networks.

During my troubled youth, American Top 40, and Casey's smooth delivery thereof, was of comfort to me...as well as music in general and my dedication to KAAY, et. al.  I always searched for the unusual and I guess listening to this show both via regular stateside AM radio AND by shortwave on AFRTS sated my cravings.  Funny, how I could listen to this, and other shows, on my grandfather's old 1953 Zenith Transoceanic (of which I possess today!).

And, as a dedication to Casey Kasem, I've gotten permission from my friend Thom Whetston, of the AFRTS Archive blog, to post the American Top 40 Roundup for 1977...the year I graduated from high school.  Boy, these songs bring back some bittersweet memories:










There had been a rumor that this show was aired on KAAY, either before or after Beaker Street- but I don't get a response from the person who said it, nor can I find anyone who can confirm this.  As per David. B. Treadway. KAAY did not air syndicated material...

Casey Kasem went on to what some of us call "radio heaven" on June 5, 2014- but we can all remember what he said at the end of each and every show:

"Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!"

Thanks to Thom Whetston for this material, and the permission to post thereof.

Thank you, Casey, for soothing this savage beast...see you later....

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)