"We're counting down the most popular songs in the land and the hits don't stop till we get to the top."


American Top 40 with Casey Kasem aired on radio from July 4, 1970 until August 6, 1988. This is a recording of a rebroadcast from internet radio.

In this broadcast:

Casey says this is the first time in chart history that the number one and number two songs were written and produced by a single individual.

There is a former top five song in the countdown inspired by a sleeping lady's-room attendant.

Casey says that a track on the British release version of the Beatles album, "Sergeant Pepper's" can't be played on the radio because it would be against FCC broadcast regulations and then gives the details.

In the history of the album chart, only three bands have had a number one album after breaking up and then getting back together. One of them is in this countdown.

A man writes in asking for a long-distance dedication, but forgets to choose a song, so the AT40 staff picks a song for him.

Two listeners ask the question; "Have different songs with the same title ever been in the top 40 at the same time?" Casey says it has only happened twice (with songs named Crazy Love and Superstar), and plays portions of each of the songs.

There is a band in the top ten who was offered a record deal without recording any demos or performing any auditions. Casey explains.

LW#1: Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler
40:    Foolin' - Def Leppard
39:    Can't Shake Loose - Agnetha Faltskog
38:    Heart And Soul - Huey Lewis & The News        
37:    Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive - Men At Work     
36:    Modern Love - David Bowie     
35:    What Am I Gonna Do - Rod Stewart    
34:    She Works Hard For The Money - Donna Summer
33:    It Must Be Love - Madness
32:    Uptown Girl - Billy Joel
31:    This Time - Bryan Adams
30:    Kiss The Bride - Elton John
29:    Don't Forget To Dance - The Kinks    
28:    Sitting At The Wheel - The Moody Blues
27:    Dead Giveaway - Shalamar
26:    Every Breath You Take - The Police
25:    If Anyone Falls - Stevie Nicks
LDD: Martha My Dear - The Beatles
24:    Human Nature - Michael Jackson
23:    Suddenly Last Summer - The Motels
22:    Sweet Dreams - The Eurythmics
21:    Big Log - Robert Plant
20:    Tonight I Celebrate My Love - Peabo Bryson
19:    Don't Cry - Asia
18:    Puttin' On The Ritz - Taco
17:    Delirious - Prince
16:    Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair) - Sheena Easton
15:    Burning Down The House - Talking Heads
14:    All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie
13:    Maniac - Michael Sembello
12:    How Am I Supposed To Live Without You - Laura Branigan
LDD: When I Need You - Leo Sayer
11:    Promises, Promises - Naked Eyes
10:    Far From Over - Frank Stallone
9:    One Thing Leads To Another - The Fixx
8:    The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
7:    Tell Her About It - Billy Joel
6:    Islands In The Stream - Kenny Rogers Duet With Dolly Parton
5:    (She's) Sexy + 17 - The Stray Cats
4:    True - Spandau Ballet
3:    King Of Pain - The Police
2:    Making Love Out Of Nothing At All - Air Supply
1:    Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler