RIP Casey Kasem - What's in a Name?

The music biz lost a legendary voice this week. Casey Kasem, ubiqitous for his weekly American Top 40 radio show, where listeners tuned in to hear his mellifluous tones counting down the hits of the day, interspersed with Long Distance Dedications, anecdotes, letters from listeners, and the occasional rock n roll factoid.

Here's a little tidbit I remember, courtesy of Mr. Kasem:

Which girl's name is the most commonly referenced in rock n roll songs? Michelle? Amanda? Jolene?

Nope. It's Peggy Sue. Not only did Buddy Holly pen his famous ode to Peggy Sue (the girl dating the drummer in his backing band, The Crickets...) but he also wrote a follow up to the smash hit, "PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED".

Later, other artists mention Peggy Sue in their own recordings, including Bobby Darin, Frankie Avalon and Ritchie Valens. The Beach Boys also name-drop in their feminine ode, "BARBARA ANN".

It is also rumored that The Beatles made a sly reference to her, in their song "PS (peggy sue) I LOVE YOU".

Thanks for the info, Casey. Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.

#caseykasem #americastop40 #buddyholly #peggysue