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Casey Kasem Hangs Up His Headphones

Legendary DJ, voice of Scooby-Doo counted down hits for 39 years

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 6, 2009 6:41 PM CDT

(Newser) – Casey Kasem counted down the week's hit songs on his radio show this weekend, then quietly dropped a bomb: He's through, effective immediately. Kasem, 77, introduced the countdown format, peppering his shows—"American Top 40," now hosted by Ryan Seacrest, was his signature achievement—with factoids, trivia, and famously sappy long-distance dedications. He may write a memoir, his wife, the actress Jeannie Kasem, tells ABC News.

"Charts are changing, stations are changing, the networks are changing, radio itself is changing, and I think, you know, the pendulum swings back and forth," says Jeannie Kasem. "You just have to be willing to jump ship and try something new."

Casey Kasem's America's Top Ten Hits.
Casey Kasem's America's Top Ten Hits.   (Photo: Business Wire)
Legendary DJ Casey Kasem arrives at the Museum of Television and Radio's gala tribute to Barbara Walters, November 15, 2004, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Legendary DJ Casey Kasem arrives at the Museum of Television and Radio's gala tribute to Barbara Walters, November 15, 2004, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Kookey90
Jul 7, 2009 12:52 PM CDT
Dang, I thought he'd retired years ago and Ryan Seacrest had taken over his sohw. Anyway, best wishes and thanks for teaching me to "keep reacihing for the stars".
Robert_Dada
Jul 7, 2009 12:17 PM CDT
He was a dung ball who perpetuated lame music. Thanks for nothing chuckles.
kokuaguy
Jul 7, 2009 5:24 AM CDT
KK made me sad--one had to put up with so much crap to hear a little good music.

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