We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Updated 4.47pm
AMERICAN RADIO LEGEND Casey Kasem has died.
The broadcaster, who gained fame with his radio music countdown shows American Top 40, and Casey’s Top 40 and was also the voice of Shaggy in the cartoon Scooby Doo, passed away this morning aged 82 after a long battle with a form of dementia.
American Top 40 was syndicated across the world, and even on Ireland’s Radio Nova.
“Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken,” his daughter Kerri Kasem wrote on Facebook.
Following a lengthy legal battle over who had the right to decide Kasem’s care, a judge ruled Wednesday that Kerri Kasem had the authority to withhold food and fluids from her ailing father.
A ruling was reversed that stated that Kasem should receive food, fluids and certain medications until after a court-appointed attorney met with the former radio host and his doctors.
Medical records
Additional medical records were reviewed by the judge and concluded that Kasem would endure more pain if he was given food or fluids, an attorney said.
In 2013, his children filed a legal petition to gain control of his health care, alleging that Kasem was suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease and that his wife was isolating him from friends and family members.
Kasem also suffered from Lewy Body Disease, a form of dementia.
He was born Kemal Amin Kasem in 1932 in Detroit and began his broadcasting career in the radio club at Detroit’s Northwestern High School. He was soon a disc jockey on WJBK radio in Detroit, initially calling himself Kemal Kasem.
While many DJs convulsed their listeners with stunts and “morning zoo” snarkiness, Kasem would read “long distance dedications” of songs sent in by readers and introduce countdown records with sympathetic background anecdotes about the singers.
Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan. Originally published 4.02pm
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
I picked The Reason I Jump as I’m on the autism spectrum and have only recently learnt that most or many people wholly or partially relive (negative) experiences as they recall them, while I’ve simply labelled them with a score, which has led to a few awkward social situations, but now I understand why and I’m eager to learn more.
That said, Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci are both brilliant and the topic of Supernova is touching and significant, so I’ll definitely want to watch that too.
A cheery bunch.
One really wet day I watched Song for a Raggy Boy, Angelas Ashes and The Magdalene Laundries one after the other.
Had a couple of pints after.
I think I’ll listen to the new song from radiohead
What a sorry selection.
I’m heading to see….in the heights…has anyone seen it yet? I have heard good things!
@Gareth Miskelly: it’s brilliant, uplifting and refreshingly un-cynical plus the songs are all tunes
@Jake Kelly: I got excited and watched the trailer. It looks terrible. But then again I turned off Hamilton after 15 minutes. Rap musicals aren’t my thing. They’re cringe as hell.
@Thomas Smyth: Thomas, Thomas… you hurt my very soul with that comment. Im a Hamilton fanatic. Know almost all the lyrics.
Song for while I’m Away
Where is the “None” option, it applies to me at least.
have your say