Introduction: The Legacy of American Top 40
American Top 40 with Casey Kasem and Shadoe Stevens holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers. This iconic radio program showcased the top hits of the 1970s, captivating audiences week after week. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the songs that made an impact during this remarkable decade.
The AT40: 1970s Program
The AT40: 1970s program aired on terrestrial radio and provided listeners with the ultimate playlist of the decade’s chart-topping hits. These shows, meticulously curated by the dedicated author of the AT40 Fun & Games message board, are a testament to the enduring popularity of this program.
The Calendar Format
Thanks to Charis Music Group, we have a convenient calendar format that lists the AT40 shows aired during each month of 1970. This comprehensive listing not only includes the air dates but also indicates whether the show aired as part of the series or was a special guest-hosted episode.
A Blast from the Past: Text Listing of Shows
For those who prefer a text-based format, we’ve got you covered. Below the calendar format, you’ll find a text listing of the shows, organized by year and month. Please note that dates before May 1971 represent chart dates, not air dates. To delve further into the details, refer to the accompanying graphic.
A Recap of the 1970s: Highlights by Year
1970: Kicking Off the Decade with a Bang
The year 1970 set the stage for an unforgettable decade of music. Let’s dive into some of the notable AT40 shows from this year:
- 7/11/1970 (3): The First-Ever Show – A historic moment that marked the beginning of a musical journey.
- 7/18/1970 (2) through 12/26/1970 (3): A series of shows featuring the best hits of the year.
1971: Chart-Topping Hits Galore
1971 was a year of incredible musical achievements. Here are just a few of the standout AT40 shows:
- 1/2/71 and 1/9/71: Top 80 of 1971 – A two-part special highlighting the biggest hits of the year.
- 5/1/1971: Top 40 Acts of the Rock Era – A special show celebrating the greatest acts in rock history.
1972: A Year of Chart-Topper Extravaganza
In 1972, the hits kept coming, and the AT40 shows continued to captivate audiences. Here are some memorable highlights:
- 1/1/1972: Top 40 of 1971 – A chance to relive the top hits from the previous year.
- 6/3/1972: National Album Countdown – A unique show focusing on the top albums of the nation.
1973: Unforgettable Hits and Specials
As the 1970s progressed, the AT40 program treated its audience to an array of unforgettable hits and exciting specials. Here’s a taste of what 1973 had to offer:
- 1/6/1973: Top 40 Songs of 1972 Part 1 – A two-part special showcasing the best songs of the previous year.
- 4/14/1973: Producers’ Special – A tribute to the unsung heroes behind the scenes.
1974: Reminiscing the Hits
In 1974, the AT40 program continued to deliver hit after hit. Let’s take a look at some notable moments:
- 12/25/1974: Top 40 Christmas Songs Special – A festive treat for the holiday season.
1975: Celebrating the Year’s Best
In 1975, the AT40 program celebrated the best of the best in music. Here are some noteworthy shows:
- 5/3/1975: Girls of Rock ‘n Roll Special – A special episode honoring the influential female artists of the time.
1976: A Year of Unforgettable Hits
As the 1970s approached its midpoint, the AT40 program continued to shine. Here’s a glimpse of the standout shows