The Creator of “American Top 40” Dead at 77. (No, It’s Not Casey Kasem)

June 2, 2014 Alan Cross 0 Comments

There was a death in the radio business Monday. Tom Rounds, the producer who created the iconic American Top 40 radio show in 1970, passed away at age 77.

With Casey Kasem has the program’s host and with Rounds serving as the man behind the man behind the mic, American Top 40 debuted on July 4, 1970, and eventually became a ubiquitous fixture on hundreds of radio stations around the world. Listening to the show became a weekly ritual for untold millions. Reruns can still be heard on various SiriusXM channels.

Billboard has this tribute to Rounds. (Thanks to Dave for the link.)

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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