Pop Radio Icon, Casey Kasem, Dies At 82

The gentle voice radio disc jockey and voice-over actor, Casey Kasem, passed away at a hospital in Gig Harbor, Washington. He was 82 years old and had been suffering from dementia.  In the last few months of life, Kasem’s three older kids were in a legal battle against his second wife, Jean, over the control of his health care.

Despite the background chaos going on in Kasem’s life, his career achievements were loud enough to mute any negativity.  In July 1970, Kasem counted down the first “American Top 40”, which ended with Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told ME Not To Come” landing at no. 1.  It was his non-discriminatory acceptance of other genres of music that made Kasem a household name. Aside from pop music, Kasem included disco, punk, country, and even rap.

“When decades later I took over his AT40 countdown show, it was a surreal moment,” Seacrest said in a statement. “Casey had a distinctive friendly on-air voice, and he was just as affable and nice if you had the privilege to be in his company. He’ll be greatly missed by all of us.”

Kasem was also the voice of Robin in the “Batman” series and Shaggy on “Scooby Doo” cartoon.  He was of Lebanese descent, born in Detroit as Kemal Amin Kasem. Throughout his career he often championed discussions on the Arab-American culture and America’s need for acceptance.

R.I.P. Casey Kasem you will be greatly missed!