How Casey Kasem changed the pop music industry forever

In this Oct. 27, 2003 file photo, Casey Kasem poses for photographers after receiving the Radio Icon award during The 2003 Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas. A judge on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, delayed a decision on whether to create a temporary conservatorship for Kasem after a court-appointed attorney told him the ailing radio personality is receiving adequate daily care.

Former Top 40 host Casey Kasem first began spinning records and telling tales here in Southern California, half a century ago. KPCC's Steve Proffitt has his story.

Last fall, it came to light that one of America's best known broadcasters, Casey Kasem, 81, was suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease.

He was described by his wife, Jean Kasem, as being near death. His family had been in disagreement over his care and took the case to court in October.

The drama has been chronicled by the Hollywood Reporter and we will get to it's account of Kasem family battles in a moment. But we wanted to start with a profile of the man who was the voice of the pop charts for decades as host of American Top 40 franchise — and various spin offs.

Casey Kasem first began spinning records and telling tales here in Southern California, half a century ago. KPCC's Steve Proffitt has his story.