We Remember Casey Kasem (1932 – 2014)

One of the most legendary voices in the history of radio and television has been tragically silenced: Casey Kasem passed away Sunday at the age of 82.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on April 27, 1932, Kasem was inspired by the 1940’s program Make Believe Ballroom to pursue a career in radio. Drafted into the United States Army in 1952, Casey’s first DJ/announcer gig was on the Armed Forces Radio Korea Network.

When Kasem returned to the states, he did some voice acting on radio dramas. This would lead to what we at BubbleBlabber will remember him for most: the voice of some of our most beloved childhood cartoon characters. Most notably, Casey provided the voice of Shaggy in the Scooby Doo franchise for almost the entire existence of the show, from 1969 to 1997, and again from 2002 to 2009. He also voiced Peter Cottontail in 1971’s Here Comes Peter Cottontail, several voices for Sesame Street, Robin in the Super Friends shows, Alexander Cabot II on Josie and the Pussycats, Mark on Battle of the Planets, and numerous characters on the classic Transformers series.

However, most people knew him best as the voice of American Top 40 (or 20, or 10) introducing the country to countless artists over his forty years on the airwaves, bringing everyone the wonderful gift of music with his smooth, calm voice, which sounded both friendly and familiar – even to someone who never heard him before. His long distance song dedications made every stranger’s request sound like it was coming from a personal friend of his, and I’ll never forget him starting every letter with, “And he writes…” (or “And she writes…”) His knowledge of music history and trivia was among the most encyclopedic the world has ever known, and he used it to further entertain as he spun his tunes for the world. His broadcasts and their music became so iconic that XM/Sirius and Premiere Networks both started airing reruns of the 1970s and 1980s shows.

Although Casey is now gone, his contributions to today’s society and culture will always be felt, and for those who had the pleasure to hear him – regardless of which voice he was using – he will never be forgotten. Just remember to “Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.”