In the heart of Los Angeles, amidst the bustling avenues and sun-kissed palm trees, a small radio station, KRLA, stood as a beacon of music and news for the local community. It was the summer of 1970, a time of change, both in the world and within the walls of KRLA. The station, known for its vibrant music and engaging DJs, was about to embrace a historic moment in radio broadcasting.
On the morning of July 4th, Eleanor “Ellie” Jameson, KRLA’s spirited and pioneering program director, was preparing for a significant shift in their regular programming. Today marked the debut of “American Top 40,” a new syndicated radio show that would count down the biggest hits across the nation, hosted by the charismatic Casey Kasem. Ellie knew this show would revolutionize how people interacted with radio, offering listeners a weekly musical journey across America’s diverse soundscape.
In a small apartment in Echo Park, two siblings, Maria and Alex Gomez, had their radio tuned to KRLA. Music was their escape, their connection to the broader world beyond their neighborhood. Maria, a young aspiring writer, often scribbled stories inspired by the songs she heard, while Alex, a high school senior, dreamed of becoming a DJ, captivated by the idea of connecting people through music.
As Casey Kasem’s voice filled the room, the siblings felt an immediate connection to this new show. “Here we go with the top forty hits of the nation this week on American Top 40, the best-selling and most-played songs from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from Canada to Mexico,” Casey’s voice echoed through their humble living room.
Back at KRLA, Ellie observed the reactions of her team. The studio, adorned with posters of The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, buzzed with excitement. Jack, a seasoned DJ, marveled at the concept of a nationwide countdown, while young interns gathered around, absorbing every moment of this groundbreaking broadcast.
As the show progressed, the streets of Los Angeles seemed to pulse with the rhythm of the countdown. At Canter’s Deli on Fairfax, patrons tapped their feet to the music emanating from the jukebox, now tuned to KRLA. Over at Griffith Observatory, teenagers lounging on the grass shared transistor radios, their eyes fixed on the stars, but their ears tuned to the American Top 40.
In the KRLA studio, Ellie couldn’t help but reflect on the journey radio had taken, each technological leap brought new ways to experience music. This show, however, was different. It wasn’t just about songs; it was about capturing a nation’s cultural heartbeat.
As the number one song played, people across Los Angeles felt a shared moment of joy and anticipation. In that instant, the city, in all its diversity and energy, seemed united by a simple yet powerful force – music.
For Maria and Alex, the countdown was more than just a list of songs; it was a window into a world of possibilities, a spark for their dreams. And for Ellie and the team at KRLA, it was a reminder of the power of radio – to bring together, to entertain, and to inspire.
As the final notes of the number one song faded out, and Casey Kasem signed off with his now-iconic phrase, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars,” the city of Los Angeles continued its dance, its heartbeat in sync with the rhythms of KRLA, a small radio station that had just tuned into a new era of broadcasting.