The gravel-voiced Detroit native of Lebanese descent didn't spend too much time in radio just north of Detroit in Flint, before being drafted into the Army, and then moving to the West Coast after his discharge, making a name for himself on Armed Forces Radio during his tour of duty in Korea.
He would bounce between coasts before landing at Los Angeles AM rock powerhouse KRLA in 1963, before the launch of nationally-syndicated "American Top 40" in 1970. He would go on as the program's host until 1988, when he was replaced by Shadoe Stevens, and would return a decade later and host the show for another four years, when Ryan Seacrest assumed the role. He would host several other nationally syndicated programs until retiring from the mic for good in 2009.
I haven't named this guy, because if you don't remember him on the radio, you would on Saturday morning television. He was the original voice of "Shaggy" on Scooby-Doo, and "Robin" on Superfriends.
Kemal Amin Kasem. Better known as "Casey".
Casey stands alone in the history of Top 40 radio, as did Dick Clark in the early days of rock 'n roll. His long distance dedications effectively connected him with his listeners, rather than the detachment his peers favored, often pushing off fan mail to answering services, or simply never read.
Casey valued his fans, and would have preferred to go on forever. Unfortunately, the heavy hand of time shows no mercy on any of us, regardless of stature or wealth.
Casey is no exception to this, and it was made public in October, following a lawsuit by the esteemed disc jockey's caregiver that was ultimately dismissed. His three children from his previous marriage are also petitioning the court for the right to visit him, as Jean Kasem, Casey's wife of 33 years, has reportedly blocked all such attempts. Casey, now 81, signed over power-of-attorney rights to Jean in 2011.
This has all but ripped a family to shreds, as the radio icon battles advanced Parkinson's disease, and the loss of the voice that drew millions to their radios every week. Reports have also surfaced that Kasem is battling Alzheimer's disease, but the family has yet to confirm this. Other reports of elder abuse, thankfully, have been found to be baseless.
It's terrible to see the ramifications of aging on a family, divided over a loved one's best interests. More so, think about how much it goes on every day in our society with families of the not-so rich and famous.
I hope that Casey and his estranged family members will find a common ground and come to a truce so that he can live his last days in peace before leaving this world.
Until then, I'll continue to keep my feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.
You taught us that, Casey. The importance of staying grounded no matter how far you go in this life.
You didn't just teach it, you lived it.
Thank you.
NEXT WEEK: Keep on' truckin'
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