RIP Casey Kasem

It was impossible not to see the passing of American Top 40 legend Casey Kasem coming, with his transition to comfort based measures on June 6. Kasem passed two Sundays ago at a convalescent home in Washington state. This clip from a (probably) 1987 Jerry Lewis telethon shows Casey's basic humanity shining through, as he asks Jerry if he can address a special message to kids as Shaggy, his Scooby-Doo alter-ego. Rest in peace sir. I spent many an enjoyable  Sunday afternoon listening to AT40 in the mid-80s on Edmonton's then 96 K-Lite FM. You seemed to really care both about the hits you counted down and the Long-Distance Dedications you were able to fufill. Now free of earthly concerns and secure in the knowledge that the positive energy that you sent out over five decades will continue to be with us for some time, may you revel in your ability to now literally be able to reach for the stars. Zoinks, that must be cool, man!

MTMG