Rick Dees Weekly Top 40
The Weekly Top 40 logo
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| Genre | Music chart show |
|---|---|
| Running time | Approx. 3 hrs. and 55 mins. (including commercials) |
| Country | United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| Syndicates |
Compass Media Networks (domestic) Radio Express (international) |
| Hosted by |
Rick Dees Kevin Dees Various guest hosts |
| Air dates | since September 1983 |
| Audio format | Stereophonic sound |
| Website | rick.com |
Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 (sometimes known as The Weekly Top 40) is an internationally syndicated radio program created and hosted by American radio personality Rick Dees. It is currently heard on over 200 radio stations worldwide. It is distributed domestically by Compass Media Networks and internationally by Radio Express. It is also heard on Dees' official website.
The Weekly Top 40 countdown is available in two versions: Hit Radio (for Top 40 stations), and Hot Adult (for Hot AC stations). A version for AC stations called Weekly Top 30 debuted in July 2009; it has since been cut to 20 songs.
The Weekly Top 40 debuted in September 1983, after Rick's then-station, KIIS-FM, lost American Top 40 to a rival station, KIQQ (now KSWD) over the playing of network commercials. (Ironically, KIIS-FM would again carry AT40 in 1988, after Shadoe Stevens took over as host.) Initially syndicated by United Stations, the show was initially heard on ten stations, but would expand to 40 by the end of 1983.
Part of the Weekly Top 40's appeal in the '80s - and how it differentiated itself from the more sober AT40 - was Rick's colorful, signature use of goofy sound effects and comedy voices, often at the end of each segment before commercial breaks. The voice impressions were by Rick and his wife Julie (a talented voice actor) as well as other mimics, and included characters imported from Rick's popular morning show on KIIS-FM. Characters heard on the Weekly Top 40 through the '80s and beyond included "talent booking agent" Bernie Shelley of "Possessive Artists" and his ditzy receptionist; countdown "technician" and wino Willard Wiseman; snide gossip columnist Groanin' Barrett; snappy workout guru Jane Fondle with her Radio Aerobics; call-in airhead John Revolting; salivating agony aunt "Crabby"; tittering sex therapist Dr. Rude (a spoof of popular radio and TV sex therapist Dr Ruth Westheimer); and "Joan's Clone", a take-off of comedian Joan Rivers.
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