American Top 20

Casey Kasem's illustrious 39-year career in radio came to a close in 2009 with the final episodes of his countdown shows. Starting in 1970 with partner Don Bustany, Kasem's journey began humbly with just seven stations but grew into a beloved institution. His shows featured iconic segments like Long Distance Dedications, which began in 1978 and saw over 3,000 dedications read on-air. Despite a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia (initially thought to be Parkinson's), Kasem continued hosting until his retirement. The final episodes aired around the Fourth of July weekend, marking the anniversary of his first broadcast. They included a heartfelt dedication from fan Adam and Kasem reflecting on his career, from the early days to music trends over decades. He ended with wisdom on teamwork and success, signing off with his timeless phrase: "Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars." The last number one songs were Shinedown's "Second Chance" on AT20 and Taylor Swift's "Love Story" on AT10.