The most significant……the most valuable program

[Caseyfan4everRyanfanNever]

Speaking of the missing part of the 2nd show and all other AT40, Casey or related countdown shows missing--I have a feeling that they will appear when we least expect them and that they are out there somewhere. So let's all keep our eyes open and alert Pete if any of us find them.

[jdmatthews]

Shannon also sells some great copies of the older shows. All around great resource.

[stevet45]

Interesting questions, Pete... I've thought about this a while (maybe too long) and I cast my vote with the Lennon tribute show for these reasons:
I approached the question concerning a show sent to the Library of Congress to consider which "AT40" program might be considered the "quintessential" AT40, or the most typical.
Well, my personal music preferences aside (I'd go for early to mid 1970s myself), a quintessential AT40 would include all the elements that the show is known for... first off, Casey himself (no guest hosts), teases, chart trivia, at least one question letter (assuming the early QL that was cut out is restored), human interest features and, of course, long-distance dedications, which would leave out almost all the three-hour shows... factor in a very heartfelt tribute to Lennon and you've got a very good example of why we all love "AT40."

By definition, a quintessential AT40 would preclude specials, which were, of course, special but not typical of the show.

As far as the question about owning a master copy... Well, I'd take almost any one from my preferred early to mid-70s period (or, indeed, any of them at all), but I'd go for 12-4-71 or 9-7-74, as those represented, respectively, the first show that I sat down and wrote down all the songs, and then, after not hearing the show for a couple of years as it was not aired in the St. Louis market, in a bit of serendipity, stumbling onto the opening theme from a station in Mount Vernon, Ill.

I'd also like to add something to the discussion that Pete didn't necessarily ask for but has been touched upon in replies.... I'd like to maintain that NOW is the golden age of "American Top 40" for these reasons:
1. Anyone with satellite TV and/or a computer can listen to four different broadcasts of "AT40" each weekend... and record them with relative crystal-clear clarity for posterity.
2. Casey's still doing his thing with two current shows every weekend, and anyone with a computer can listen. No matter that it's not on a local station anymore.
3. I haven't listened to the Ryan Seacrest "AT40" for years, but at least Casey and Don Bustany's brainchild is still around.
4. The books by Pete and Rob Durkee. I know a lot more about the shows I listened to as a kid and young adult now than I ever knew back then.
5. Message boards such as this. For years, I thought I was the only one who was affected by this radio program. Now, I know that there are many more who share, and even surpass, my love for "AT40.'
6. Boards such as RadioInsight that allow others to share programs, and technology such as FTP and file download services that grease the skids for that.

When I first started listening to AT40 in the very early 70s, I could hear only one show a week (albeit with much anticipation). Now, with trading, CD burning, streaming, etc., I can literally listen to AT40 -- any show that I can put my hands on -- any time of the day and night.

That's why I believe that NOW is the golden age of "AT40."

Of course, that's just my opinion. Thanks for allowing me to share it with you.

[mrjukebox]

Thank goodness we have folks like Rob Durkee,Shannon Lynn,& Pete Battistini who are as passionate about "AT40" as the rest of us-I'm also happy that Premiere Radio Networks airs the classic countdowns from the 70's & 80's every weekend.

[stevet45]

I was remiss in not mentioning Shannon Lynn's work in the earlier post. (It was on my mental list from the get-go; it just didn't get typed).

I've found the Charis Music Group Web site invaluable. (And the chance to purchase restored programs... what a great thing to have!) Another reason why I believe we're living in the golden age of AT40. Thanks, Shannon, for all you've done and continue to do.

[freakyflybry]

I'm going to put in a nomination here for 9/14/85. The "dead dog dedication" that inspired Casey's infamous profanity tirade was on that show, and that alone merits being a pick for question number two.

Of course, there was a lot of great music on the show too, but when the dead dog dedication is there, that's beyond the point

[mrjukebox]

The "dead dog dedication" is on You Tube-Definitely a keeper!

[tacomalo]

Feb 19, 2009 12:44:37 GMT -5 stevet45 said:

Interesting questions, Pete... I've thought about this a while (maybe too long) and I cast my vote with the Lennon tribute show for these reasons:
I approached the question concerning a show sent to the Library of Congress to consider which "AT40" program might be considered the "quintessential" AT40, or the most typical.
Well, my personal music preferences aside (I'd go for early to mid 1970s myself), a quintessential AT40 would include all the elements that the show is known for... first off, Casey himself (no guest hosts), teases, chart trivia, at least one question letter (assuming the early QL that was cut out is restored), human interest features and, of course, long-distance dedications, which would leave out almost all the three-hour shows... factor in a very heartfelt tribute to Lennon and you've got a very good example of why we all love "AT40."

By definition, a quintessential AT40 would preclude specials, which were, of course, special but not typical of the show.

As far as the question about owning a master copy... Well, I'd take almost any one from my preferred early to mid-70s period (or, indeed, any of them at all), but I'd go for 12-4-71 or 9-7-74, as those represented, respectively, the first show that I sat down and wrote down all the songs, and then, after not hearing the show for a couple of years as it was not aired in the St. Louis market, in a bit of serendipity, stumbling onto the opening theme from a station in Mount Vernon, Ill.

I'd also like to add something to the discussion that Pete didn't necessarily ask for but has been touched upon in replies.... I'd like to maintain that NOW is the golden age of "American Top 40" for these reasons:
1. Anyone with satellite TV and/or a computer can listen to four different broadcasts of "AT40" each weekend... and record them with relative crystal-clear clarity for posterity.
2. Casey's still doing his thing with two current shows every weekend, and anyone with a computer can listen. No matter that it's not on a local station anymore.
3. I haven't listened to the Ryan Seacrest "AT40" for years, but at least Casey and Don Bustany's brainchild is still around.
4. The books by Pete and Rob Durkee. I know a lot more about the shows I listened to as a kid and young adult now than I ever knew back then.
5. Message boards such as this. For years, I thought I was the only one who was affected by this radio program. Now, I know that there are many more who share, and even surpass, my love for "AT40.'
6. Boards such as RadioInsight that allow others to share programs, and technology such as FTP and file download services that grease the skids for that.

When I first started listening to AT40 in the very early 70s, I could hear only one show a week (albeit with much anticipation). Now, with trading, CD burning, streaming, etc., I can literally listen to AT40 -- any show that I can put my hands on -- any time of the day and night.

That's why I believe that NOW is the golden age of "AT40."

Of course, that's just my opinion. Thanks for allowing me to share it with you.

Outstanding post, probably one of the best I've ever read on this site. I feel particularly blessed that I stumbled onto this site several years ago. I had no idea about the XM shows, the current shows, and the huge group of people willing to help you build your collection.

I'm now able to load 2-3 shows per day onto my jump drive, plug in the drive at work and have Casey as background music all day every day--it has made work so much better!

So yes, I would heartily agree that we are in the golden age!

[stevet45]

Tacomalo, a belated thanks for the compliment.

[tarobe]

The show I would want is from May 29, 1976. that was the first time I ever heard American Top 40. I remember thinking that the announcer sounded a lot like Robin from the Batman cartoon show that ran on CBS 1969-1970.