R.I.P. Radio Icon Casey Kasem Dies

The honeyed voice that urged America to reach for the stars for decades has been silenced, according to NBC News.


Casey Kasem, the legendary radio DJ whose syndicated radio show was the most popular radio program in history, passed away Sunday — Father's Day — at 3:23 a.m. in hospice at St. Anthony's Hospital in Washington after a battle with Lewy Body dementia.

He was 82.

Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends. Even (cont) http://t.co/G4mxcmGWch
— Kerri Kasem (@KerriKasem) June 15, 2014

Casey Kasem Profile

Birthdate: April 27, 1932

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Beginnings: In 1962, he found a discarded magazine – "Who's Who in Pop Music" - in a trashcan at the station he was working at. He went on the air, reading bio information about recording artists and the format led to his most famous show: "American Top 40"

Syndication: Originated "American Top 40", July 4, 1970. Also hosted "American Top 20" (Adult Contemporary Hits) and other programs and specials.

Awards: Kasem has his own star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame.

In 1997, Billboard Magazine presented him with its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Plus, Billboard Magazine recently presented both his Top 40 and Top 20 shows with the Network/Syndicated Program of the Year Awards, an honor he has received many times.

In 2003, he was honored with the "Radio Icon" award at the Radio Music Awards.

In 2004 he received the "Clear Channel’s Lifetime Achievement Award"

Claim To Fame: The youngest member ever inducted into the National Association of Broadcaster's Radio Hall of Fame.

Another Claim To Fame: The Voice of "Shaggy"

(H/T: about.com)