14. American Top 40 was launched on the 4th of July, 1970
On July 4 Americans for the first time heard on their radios, “This is Casey Kasem in Hollywood, and in the next three hours, we’ll count down the 40 most popular hits in the United States this week…” American Top 40 was instantly popular, as Americans listened to the three-hour broadcast, or at least parts of it, each week. It kept them abreast of their favorite performers as well as new talent appearing on the airwaves. “Now, on with the countdown”, became a popular catchphrase. Kasem broadcast in segments between commercial breaks, giving background about the song, the performers, or both. The format expanded as time went on, and the program is still broadcast, albeit hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
One song which topped the Billboard chart before its debut of the American Top 40 in 1970 was I Want You Back, by a group of brothers from Gary, Indiana who called themselves the Jackson 5. The group released four consecutive singles which reached number one in 1970, the next three being ABC, The Love You Save, and I’ll Be There. Marketing by Motown and aggressive media play created what was called by the press Jacksonmania during 1970. Other shows copied the format of American Top 40, and acts like the Jackson 5 frequently had several songs within the confines of the countdowns across America throughout 1970.
