The Light : Respect Due: CASEY KASEM

LAST VOICE
Words By Raymond Tyler

Once upon a time before Cartoon Networks and Kid's Only Networks, the best cartoons ever came over the tube on Saturday Mornings.

Once upon a time there were no Netflix, Mp4's, iPhones, Blue Ray players, DVD's or even VHS tapes...so you had to be home and tuned in to see your favorite episodes of Scooby or Bat Man and Robin.

It was being at home, sitting on the floor with my brother Mark often Sunday through Friday watching cartoons like Josie and The Pussycats where I first became acquainted with the great talents of Mr. Casey Kasem ( born Kemal Amin "Casey" Kasem , April 27, 1932.)

I was not aware at the time but Kasem gave voice to so many of the cartoon characters I would love, hate and frankly question their sexuality. Whether doing the voice of Shaggy from Scooby Doo or the side kick Robin on The Super Friends or Alexander of Josie And The Pussy Cats, Casey Kasem gave each voice its own style and sense of emotion. Kasem made Robin The Boy Wonder sound brave, smart and respectful of Batman, while making Alexander sound scared of his own shadow but loyal the group he managed and made Shaggy ...well Shaggy sound like he was smoking weed just before he came on camera.

Later as I would add the role of DJ and announcer to my own resume. I discovered Casey Kasem the DJ and radio personality while I was still in school creating mix tapes for my friends and training to become the radio producer/voice talent that I am now. From the second I heard my first broadcast of America's Top 40 and then the TV version America's Top Ten, my training has included "stealing" from Casey Kasem.

I have even included my "version" of a Casey Kasem Long Distance Dedication in one of my poems...and the largely Black audience I was reading for totally connected.

When you have a voice and personable manner like Mr. Casem...sappy in show gimmicks like Long Distance Dedications become iconic radio/tv classic moments.

Mr. Casem is not doing well at all from latest accounts.

And in all honesty, I should have written this years ago.

The funny thing about icons like Mr. Casey Kasem is that you forget that for all their inspiration in your life the one thing they are not is IMMORTAL.

Casey Kasem will continue to INSPIRE and ENTERTAIN generations of future cartoon voice actors, characters, DJ's and other talented people for many many more decades to come.

However, before any more time passes.....I just want to say ....

Mr. Casey Kasem...you are still the number voice of America for like the one millionth week in a row. Thank you and respect due.