Casey Kasem, born Kemal Amin Kasem on April 27, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, was an iconic American radio host, voice actor, and disc jockey, best known for creating and hosting American Top 40 (AT40), a syndicated countdown show that became a cultural staple. His warm, distinctive voice and engaging storytelling made him a beloved figure in broadcasting.
Early Career: Kasem began in radio during the 1950s after serving in the Korean War, working at stations in Detroit, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. He honed his skills as a DJ and developed a knack for music trivia and storytelling.
Launched in 1970, AT40 counted down the week’s top pop songs based on Billboard charts. Kasem’s conversational style, heartfelt dedications, and “long-distance dedications” resonated with millions. He hosted AT40 from 1970 to 1988 and again from 1998 to 2004, making it a global phenomenon.
Kasem was the voice of Shaggy Rogers in Scooby-Doo starting in 1969, a role he played for decades across various series and films. He also voiced characters in Transformers, Sesame Street, and numerous commercials, leveraging his versatile voice.
He hosted shows like America’s Top 10 and appeared in films and TV, including Ghostbusters (1984) and Battle of the Planets. Kasem was also a passionate advocate for Lebanese-American representation and animal rights.
Married twice, Kasem had three children with his first wife, Linda Myers, and one with his second wife, Jean Kasem. His later years were marred by family disputes over his care as he battled Lewy body dementia.
Kasem died on June 15, 2014, in Gig Harbor, Washington, at age 82. Legal battles between his wife and children over his estate and remains drew public attention.
Kasem’s smooth delivery and knack for connecting with listeners revolutionized radio countdowns, influencing formats still used today. His Scooby-Doo role and other voice work made him a pop culture fixture. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1992, Kasem’s archives are preserved at the Library of Congress. His sign-off, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars,” remains iconic.
