Definitely a vintage Top 40 theme from the '70s. However, I don't believe this particular version was used from 1970 to '75 -- I recall the show using a variation on this same tune around 1973 or '74.
It's hard to describe in words, but although it was still played on a synthesizer, the version I remember didn't have the "wah-wah" sound -- it simply covered the notes in a smoother, less playful fashion.
The version you are speaking of was used as the closing theme in the first 2 hours of AT40 when the Shuckatoom theme was introduced at the very end of the program in October 1975...they kept the version you are speaking of until October 1978 when AT40 was expanded to 4 hours & they incorporated a disco sounding closing out the first 3 hours of the program while keeping the Shuckatoom as the opening of every hour & final closing of the fourth hour.
I have a few of the shows on CD that play the version you are speaking of with Casey voicing over the first 10 seconds with the rest of the approximately 90 seconds clear & it is clearly different than the one posted here..
One show I have is from 1976 & the other is from 1978.
The one I have from 1978 plays that intermission song longer.
WOW! Does that take me back.Thank you very much.I've been trying to find the ORIGINAL theme for many,many years now.Last time I heard it was at the rock and roll hall of fame ten years or so ago.From the age of 10 through my teens,every sat.night from 9 to midnight.Please,does anyone know where I can get an mp3 download of the original? Thanks so much
Could someone please tell us who composed this theme, and any interesting info on its recording? Since this was the first theme starting in 1970, it would likely have been done on a big modular Moog synthesizer one note at a time. All-Moog music was a populer niche back then thanks to the pioneering work of Wendy Carlos.
This was used from July 1970-September 1975. First week of October '75 the disco flavored "Shuckatoom" replaced this theme. The bumper music version of the original '70-'75 theme remained as the bumper/commercial music through the Shuckatoom era. Personally I prefer this one to shuckatoom. Thanks for posting this!
Actually, this IS the original theme song. One of my duties while I was working at 50,000 watt KEEL 710 was to run this show on Sunday at 6:00 pm. 1972-73.
I read the comments from tritonrocks and then listened to his clip. It clearly identifies that it is one of the Premiere Radio's remastered (and re-syndicated) shows. Like others, I can say without a doubt, YOU have the more accurate copy of the ORIGINAL theme. I use to listen to AT40 when I was in College (1973), and this is the real McCoy.
Thank you!!!! You've triggered some interesting memories of radio from that period in time. It is very much appreciated.
Original 1970 theme. Starting sometime in early 1973, it would still be used as the opening theme, and the opening jingle for hours 2 and 3; the hour-closing jingle and closing theme would be a minor-key remix of this theme.
Yep, As an avid listener back in the early-to-mid 70's, this is the one I strongly remember, as it signaled the end of the enjoyable countdown. Each week, the radio programming/timing would be a little different, so varying amounts and much of this outro tune would often be cut off for commercials or the next hours program. On countdown charts I have from 1979, the outro theme is listed as "SHUCKATOOM" which is a much different theme.
I remember this theme, and yes indeed, it's the original used in 1973. The theme used in the Premiere Radio Network re-mastering came from a later period.
In Cleveland, AT40 aired on WNCR (FM). WNCR is now WGAR-FM.
OMG! This is NOT the original Casey bumper from the 70's. In fact, it SUCKS! Sounds like a Chinese knockoff. You should be ashamed of posting this - take it down NOW before it leads to brain damage!
@tritonrocks I've listened to Casey's program many, many times, and what I've posted sounds exactly like what I heard on the radio off of the original broadcasts. It's possible you and I are thinking of two different bumpers. Either way, there's no reason to be derisive.
@Holfti OK, hot shot. You know it all. Oh, and here's a link to help you: youtube dot com/watch?v=xWxLJjeGzdM Listen CLOSELY. It doesn't sound anything like your version, which is a watered-down modern remake.
@tritonrocks I never said I knew it all. I think you seriously need to chill out and stop acting like a paranoid person. I've been nothing but polite to you, and you've shown the maturity of a small snail. What next, I have aspirations to take over the world?
Look, I posted a video with not the best quality sound. Other people on here have been enjoying it. It was hard for me to make out the song on the link you posted over the words (I'm at work and the speakers are bad. I'll listen again.)
@tritonrocks I listened to the show religiously as a kid in the 70s, and this IS the theme used from about 1972-1974. There was another theme in 1971 that was slightly less Moog-ish than this one.
I remember this theme, this is my favorite. This was from AT40 from 1970-1973. I hear this on XM 70's on 7 when AT40 is heard every Sunday. After the XM Sirius Merger, the long version of this theme was cut, so after Casey was done saying "keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars" Sirius XM ends it without playing the ending theme. Sad. But thanks for posting this. I have been searching for this theme for a long time.
@petersonok The one site that once could play all of the jingles doesn't support most browsers anymore, plus a spanish site with some jingles recently closed. :(
Anyone interested with vintage AT40 chart shows?
Contact me.
budinbuzz 8 months ago
Thanks for posting this tune that was on before I ever started listening to AT40.
I can see how the show evolved and grew more popular with time.
Big Time AT40 fan every Sunday morning at 9AM from 1977 to to the autumn of 1983 when I joined the USMC.
USMCLoneWolf1 10 months ago
Definitely a vintage Top 40 theme from the '70s. However, I don't believe this particular version was used from 1970 to '75 -- I recall the show using a variation on this same tune around 1973 or '74.
It's hard to describe in words, but although it was still played on a synthesizer, the version I remember didn't have the "wah-wah" sound -- it simply covered the notes in a smoother, less playful fashion.
FurtherReview 11 months ago
@FurtherReview
The version you are speaking of was used as the closing theme in the first 2 hours of AT40 when the Shuckatoom theme was introduced at the very end of the program in October 1975...they kept the version you are speaking of until October 1978 when AT40 was expanded to 4 hours & they incorporated a disco sounding closing out the first 3 hours of the program while keeping the Shuckatoom as the opening of every hour & final closing of the fourth hour.
USMCLoneWolf1 10 months ago
@FurtherReview
I have a few of the shows on CD that play the version you are speaking of with Casey voicing over the first 10 seconds with the rest of the approximately 90 seconds clear & it is clearly different than the one posted here..
One show I have is from 1976 & the other is from 1978.
The one I have from 1978 plays that intermission song longer.
USMCLoneWolf1 10 months ago
WOW! Does that take me back.Thank you very much.I've been trying to find the ORIGINAL theme for many,many years now.Last time I heard it was at the rock and roll hall of fame ten years or so ago.From the age of 10 through my teens,every sat.night from 9 to midnight.Please,does anyone know where I can get an mp3 download of the original? Thanks so much
2fastdog 11 months ago
TM Productions' Jim Kirk wrote the original moog synthesizer theme, in 1970.
medepful 1 year ago
Could someone please tell us who composed this theme, and any interesting info on its recording? Since this was the first theme starting in 1970, it would likely have been done on a big modular Moog synthesizer one note at a time. All-Moog music was a populer niche back then thanks to the pioneering work of Wendy Carlos.
NewShimmer 1 year ago
In 1984, AT40 used a way-cool "futuristic" theme ... does anyone have it?
ThomasJamesAlford 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I love this guys show. They play re-runs on KIX 102.9
booktrailerguy 1 year ago
Comment removed
Interests2009 1 year ago
This was used from July 1970-September 1975. First week of October '75 the disco flavored "Shuckatoom" replaced this theme. The bumper music version of the original '70-'75 theme remained as the bumper/commercial music through the Shuckatoom era. Personally I prefer this one to shuckatoom. Thanks for posting this!
TheSparrow1000 1 year ago
@TheSparrow1000 - this sounds like TELSTAR!
ThomasJamesAlford 1 year ago
Actually, this IS the original theme song. One of my duties while I was working at 50,000 watt KEEL 710 was to run this show on Sunday at 6:00 pm. 1972-73.
NonsenseEraser 1 year ago
I read the comments from tritonrocks and then listened to his clip. It clearly identifies that it is one of the Premiere Radio's remastered (and re-syndicated) shows. Like others, I can say without a doubt, YOU have the more accurate copy of the ORIGINAL theme. I use to listen to AT40 when I was in College (1973), and this is the real McCoy.
Thank you!!!! You've triggered some interesting memories of radio from that period in time. It is very much appreciated.
Downlinker 1 year ago
Original 1970 theme. Starting sometime in early 1973, it would still be used as the opening theme, and the opening jingle for hours 2 and 3; the hour-closing jingle and closing theme would be a minor-key remix of this theme.
RJSchex 1 year ago
Yep, As an avid listener back in the early-to-mid 70's, this is the one I strongly remember, as it signaled the end of the enjoyable countdown. Each week, the radio programming/timing would be a little different, so varying amounts and much of this outro tune would often be cut off for commercials or the next hours program. On countdown charts I have from 1979, the outro theme is listed as "SHUCKATOOM" which is a much different theme.
KaptSonic22 1 year ago
This is a cool theme. Always looked forward to hearing it and hearing the new songs introduced by Casey Kasem
DISCOVEGASGUY 1 year ago
I remember this theme, and yes indeed, it's the original used in 1973. The theme used in the Premiere Radio Network re-mastering came from a later period.
In Cleveland, AT40 aired on WNCR (FM). WNCR is now WGAR-FM.
thanks for the trip back in time.
jkoskov 1 year ago
This is the original theme but the kinda disco-fied one many people remember is called Shuckatoom. you can find it under Related Videos.
cartooncoon 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
OMG! This is NOT the original Casey bumper from the 70's. In fact, it SUCKS! Sounds like a Chinese knockoff. You should be ashamed of posting this - take it down NOW before it leads to brain damage!
tritonrocks 1 year ago
@tritonrocks I've listened to Casey's program many, many times, and what I've posted sounds exactly like what I heard on the radio off of the original broadcasts. It's possible you and I are thinking of two different bumpers. Either way, there's no reason to be derisive.
Holfti 1 year ago
@Holfti OK, hot shot. You know it all. Oh, and here's a link to help you: youtube dot com/watch?v=xWxLJjeGzdM Listen CLOSELY. It doesn't sound anything like your version, which is a watered-down modern remake.
tritonrocks 1 year ago
@tritonrocks I never said I knew it all. I think you seriously need to chill out and stop acting like a paranoid person. I've been nothing but polite to you, and you've shown the maturity of a small snail. What next, I have aspirations to take over the world?
Look, I posted a video with not the best quality sound. Other people on here have been enjoying it. It was hard for me to make out the song on the link you posted over the words (I'm at work and the speakers are bad. I'll listen again.)
Holfti 1 year ago
Comment removed
Interests2009 1 year ago
@tritonrocks I listened to the show religiously as a kid in the 70s, and this IS the theme used from about 1972-1974. There was another theme in 1971 that was slightly less Moog-ish than this one.
swami1 1 year ago
Would love the disco-ey closing theme from 78-83 if you have it!
BestMusicExpert 1 year ago
This weekend's AT40 is the first ever broadcast from July 4, 1970!! Good listening!!
SaleGuy 1 year ago
I remember this theme, this is my favorite. This was from AT40 from 1970-1973. I hear this on XM 70's on 7 when AT40 is heard every Sunday. After the XM Sirius Merger, the long version of this theme was cut, so after Casey was done saying "keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars" Sirius XM ends it without playing the ending theme. Sad. But thanks for posting this. I have been searching for this theme for a long time.
blockemall 1 year ago 2
@blockemall
anyone care to post the updated 1973-76 version of the same AT40 theme in that channel?
thefirefighter2011 1 year ago
Very sorry, I don't have that one. Good luck finding it. :)
Holfti 2 years ago
awesome! do you have the "shuckatoom" theme that was used from like "75 to 80" I am looking for an mp3 of that one. :)
petersonok 2 years ago
@petersonok The one site that once could play all of the jingles doesn't support most browsers anymore, plus a spanish site with some jingles recently closed. :(
pannoni1 1 year ago