American Top 40's Golden Age

[JBXMRN]

What was the golden age of American Top 40? I'm sure must of you would say that it was sometime between the late 70's to the late 80's. It seemed like AT40 came of age during those years. I would love to know, what was the golden age of AT40?

[Jeffster]

Well, in terms of popularity officially, number of affiliates and all that, I think Rob's book indicated it was the early 80's right before the show was bought by ABC that it reached its peak.

Of course, I consider the "golden age" to be about 1989-1993 because that's when I listened to the show. Though we didn't have a local affiliate in 1991 or 1992 so i had to go to great lengths to hear the show during those years, like convincing my family to take spring break vacation at a lake that was close to an AT40 affiliate, and listening on my walkman for an hour in an airport while waiting to change planes, standing up holding an antenna in place on my stereo just to hear static-filled Shadoe's voice announcing "Mama Said Knock You Out" was up 4 places for the week. Ah, those were the days. ;D

Thankfully, we had a local station that carried AT40 again in 1993 (though they dropped it at the end of 93), those years being mostly my high school years were the years I was most interested in pop music, and by extension I guess, the best radio show counting 'em down.

later,

Jeffster

[Matt Cameron]

For me, the period from 1978 to 1984, because in my personal opinion that was the last great era for Pop music singles. Not that there haven't been great singles since, just a heck of a lot fewer of them.
Casey never sounded better than he did during this period. You could tell the show was thriving and he was enjoying himself. I also liked the #1 hits of the '60's and '70's extras that they played every week, plus the LDD was born during this period.

[Deleted]

I think as time goes by and we get further in the distance, you'll view the shows golden age as probably mid 70's-mid 90's

[Scott Lakefield]

I really think you're right, Paul. While I do listen to the modern AT40...and like I've said many a time, Ryan doesn't do a bad job...it's just not the same. I truly envision that the Casey shows will be the ones I listen to years from now (to be honest, I can't tell you the last time I listened to a Shadoe-hosted show...and I really thought he was excellent as host).

[Matt Cameron]

Casey is the guy for me. I liked Shadoe fine, but have no use for Seacrest. Just don't like what the show has turned into since Casey left. I'm partial to the music from 1978-1984 or so, because that's when I did most of my growing up. The latter part of the disco era, the second British invasion, and the birth of Mtv - just let me go back to that period, turn on the radio on Sunday mornings, and I'd be in heaven!

[nenad]

I agree with previous post, altough imho I'd have to prolong the era until 1987!
But first half of the 80's was definitly the best!!!

[Matt Cameron]

Amen, brother. Anybody that cuts down the music of the 70's and 80's either didn't live during the period or wouldn't know a good pop song if it bit 'em on the butt. But as long as Casey's the one counting 'em down, I'd listen to him count down Gregorian chants. Well, I'd try to, anyway.

[Scott Lakefield]

I dunno...I love Casey, but if he were hosting "Gregorian Chants Top 40," I might have to listen to the "scoped" (a radio term for music removed and just the DJ) version of the show.

[Deleted]

Scott said:

I dunno...I love Casey, but if he were hosting "Gregorian Chants Top 40," I might have to listen to the "scoped" (a radio term for music removed and just the DJ) version of the show.

keep in mind Scott, someone would actually have to LISTEN to it and cut out the music in order to come up with a scoped version.

[Matt Cameron]

I'd do it!!

[Scott Lakefield]

Paul said:

keep in mind Scott, someone would actually have to LISTEN to it and cut out the music in order to come up with a scoped version.

Oh yeah...good point, Paul.

[Deleted]

So, now two years later, how many people believe the golden age of AT40 was 2000-now?

[Radioman]

paul said:

So, now two years later, how many people believe the golden age of AT40 was 2000-now?

AT40 ended almost 2 years ago from now. So I can't refer the whole 2000's era until todate.
What is offered under the label "AT40" these days is just a different product, wrapped in an old box to make it right for at least some of the customers.

But to answer your original question: I do believe 2000-2003 was a very good time for AT40. Not the golden age, but at least the silver one ( golden belongs to the 80's, I believe everybody is going right with that ).
Except for the bib number of HipHop tunes, AT40 has some very memorable points during those 4 years ..... and lots and lots of good music as well.

[Scott Lakefield]

Actually, it's almost THREE years (second weekend in January, 2004) since Ryan took over for Casey on AT40...er, Casey was replaced by Ryan...er, OK, I'll be nice.

For what it's worth, we're about four months away from the three-year anniversary of AT10 as well!