`AMERICAN TOP 40' TURNS 30 (JULY 4)

`AMERICAN TOP 40' TURNS 30 (JULY 4)

LOS ANGELES (Wireless Flash) -- Independence Day may be America's birthday -- but this year it's also the 30th birthday of radio's "American Top 40." On July 4, 1970, Casey Kasem debuted his national countdown show and the first No. 1 song was Three Dog Night's "Mama Told Me Not To Come." The show was an immediate hit, and is still heard on 400 stations worldwide. Although many fans tune in for the long-distance dedications, chart stats and celebrity info, Kasem credits his longevity to what he doesn't do -- play favorites. Kasem says he doesn't want to be associated with one style of music because, in his words, "When it's out -- you will be too." The history of American Top 40 is detailed in a new book, "American Top 40: Countdown Of The Century" (Schermer Books).