American Top 40 1981 June 13th

As I share this file, it is with a sad spirit that I report the passing of Casey Kasem (April 27, 1932 - June 15, 2014). He wasn't just another disc jockey or famous voice, he was an "on the seen" historian. For a few hours each week and for nineteen years he chronicled the musical evolution of America. He gave us a detailed "play by play" of our favorite artists, bands, producers, and record labels.

For a few hours each weekend, he was a traveling companion to those on the road, company for those who found themselves alone, and a comfort for those stationed overseas but longing for home. He played our long-distance dedications, answered our questions concerning chart records and oddities, and remembered all the number one songs of the 60's and 70's. He reminded us of our roots, and made each new song seem special in its own right.

If there's a rock 'n' roll heaven where everybody's got a song to sing and everyone's a star, they just welcomed a legend who can tell them how those songs are doing on the heavenly music scene.

Now, as Casey would say, "on with the countdown."


American Top 40 with Casey Kasem aired on radio from July 4, 1970 until August 6, 1988. This recording is a rebroadcast from internet radio.

In this countdown there is a trio of country firsts. Rosanne Cash has her first top 40 hit with "Seven Year Ache" (at number 36), Dottie West has her first big hit on the pop chart, "What Are We Doin' In Love" (at number 51 with Kenny Rogers), and there is the first top 40 hit for a country band that took its name from the first US town to build a nuclear power plant.

"I Don't Need You" by Kenny Rogers debuts in the hot 100 all the way up in the number 33 spot, and the highest debut of the week in the Top 40 is "Hearts" (at number 24) by Marty Balin.

There is another installment of "I didn't know he ever hit the chart!" Casey plays a bit of "Stand By Me" as recorded by Cassius Marcellus Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali.

"Watching The Wheels" by the recently departed John Lennon is at number 25. As a RocketMan Extra, I have included the acoustic demo just in case you've never heard it.

A listener wants to know how many songs in chart history have had the double distinction of hitting #1 on the pop chart and winning the Academy Award for best song. Casey reports the number as twelve, but says only one failed to make the chart after its release, later received an Oscar, and then made it to number one.

LW#1: Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
40: Stronger Than Before - Carole Bayer Sager
39: I Can Take Care Of Myself - Billy Vera & The Beaters
38: Sweet Baby - Stanley Clarke & George Duke
37: Gemini Dream - The Moody Blues
36: Seven Year Ache - Rosanne Cash
35: Time - The Alan Parsons Project
34: Boy From New York City - Manhatten Project
33: I Don't Need You - Kenny Rogers
32: Say What - Jesse Winchester
31: Fool In Love With You - Jim Photoglo
ARCHIVES: Soul & Inspiration - The Righteous Brothers
30: Still Right Here In My Heart - Pure Prairie League
29: Modern Girl - Sheena Easton
28: Elvira - The Oak Ridge Boys
27: Theme from "Greatest American Hero" - Joey Scarbury
26: Winning - Santana
25: Watching The Wheels - John Lennon
LDD: Just Remember I Love You - Firefall
24: Hearts - Marty Balin
23: Nobody Wins - Elton John
22: Angel Of The Morning - Juice Newton
21: Is It You - Lee Ritenour
ARCHIVES: Good Lovin' - The Young Rascals
20: Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield
19: The Waiting - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
18: Too Much Time On My Hands - Styx
17: You Make My Dreams - Daryl Hall & John Oates
16: How 'Bout Us - Champaign
15: What Are We Doin' In Love - Dottie West
14: The One That You Love - Air Supply
13: I Love You - The Climax Blues Band
12: This Little Girl - Gary U.S. Bonds
11: Just The Two Of Us - Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers
10: Sweetheart - Frankie & The Knockouts
ARCHIVES: Monday Monday - The Mamas & The Papas
9: Take It On The Run - REO Speedwagon
8: America - Neil Diamond
LDD: Hey Jude - The Beatles
7: All Those Years Ago - George Harrison
6: Living Inside Myself - Gino Vanelli
5: A Woman Needs Love - Ray Parker Jr & Raydio
4: Being With You - Smokey Robinson
3: Sukiyaki - A Taste Of Honey
2: Medley - Stars On 45
1: Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes