Kasem, Casey (1932—)

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Kasem, Casey (1932—)

One of the most identifiable voices in radio and television, Casey Kasem is known throughout the world as the personality behind radio's most successful countdown program, American Top 40. Born Kemel Amin Kasem in Detroit in 1932, Kasem dreamed of becoming a baseball player until his broadcasting career began at WJLB Detroit in 1954. While he appeared in several motion pictures, numerous commercials, and television cartoon series (most notably as the voice of Shaggy on the popular Scooby Doo series) Casey Kasem did not become a household name until the debut of American Top 40 on July 4, 1970. Considered to be the standard-bearer in modern count-down programs, Kasem revolutionized the format with his unique style and warm personality.

Kasem's trademark "teaser-bio" format, which he first employed at an Oakland, California radio station, became not only the hallmark of American Top 40 but also influenced countless disk jockeys and similarly themed radio programs. Kasem's "teaser-bio" technique allowed him to essentially "tease" the audience by discussing a recording artist's previous chart singles, biographical information, or any other relevant information before playing the actual song.

In addition, Kasem allowed listeners to send in personal letters with musical requests. These "long distance dedications" were then read on the air beginning with two words known throughout the world by radio listeners: "Dear Casey." Arguably the most popular and recognized segment of the program, Kasem's "long distance dedications" became as ingrained in popular culture as the songs ranked on the program.

To credit Kasem's contribution to popular culture based purely upon innovative formatting in radio programming would certainly be a sufficient legacy for most on-air personalities, but Kasem's most notable and identifiable characteristic is unquestionably his unique vocal delivery. With his warm voice and reliance on active words and phrases (such as "pole-vaulting," "leapfrogging," and "tumbling") Casey Kasem brought a friendly, sportsmanlike atmosphere to the competitive arena of record sales and airplay statistics that have won millions of fans.

The success of Kasem's American Top 40 on FM stations around the world resulted in several television series based around theAmerican Top 40 format. With the fragmentation of radio formats beginning in the early 1990s, Kasem kept pace with changing musical tastes and trends. In addition to American Top 40, Kasem has hosted a variety of countdown programs such as Casey's Hot 20 (for the adult contemporary market), all using the "teaser-bio" format.

Proof of Kasem's remarkable impact on radio and television is evident not only in his staying power at the edge of the twenty-first century but the numerous honors and awards he amassed. Casey Kasem's legendary status was cemented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.

—Michael K. Chapman