Radio Pins and Buttons
Description: For nearly two decades in Dallas, a strange, winged elephant creature could be found on car windows, billboards, and the t-shirts of self-proclaimed “Zoo Freaks.” The creature was part of the logo for Dallas radio station KZEW, a station that provided the rock ’n’ roll soundtrack for a generation of locals in the post-Woodstock '70s. KZEW was a pioneer on the FM dial when there were few rockin' FM stations and those that did exist played out tranquilizing music for doctors’ offices. Life at KZEW was a zoo in itself. It was kind of like the Smothers Brothers on LSD had taken over a major broadcast facility, right in the heart of the Bible Belt. The jocks let loose with a diverse blend of rock music and didn't make use of a rigid playlist.
Description: From 1980 through 1986, Houston's KSRR operated as '97 Star FM,' as a largely top 40 station. Late 1986 saw the station relaunched as '97 Rock Houston,' and transitioned to an album oriented rock (AOR) format, using the slogan 'Kick Ass Rock 'N' Roll!' 97 Rock brought in national talent to host a new drive time morning show, and the station successfully competed against the AOR format stations in the Houston market to be the dominant FM radio broadcaster.
Description: In 1970, Barret Eugene Hansen created the Dr. Demento persona and show at KPPC-FM in Pasadena, California, playing novelty songs and unusual recordings, which was the beginning of his long-running career in comedy music broadcasting. The name "Dr. Demento" was inspired by a fellow DJ's comment after Hansen played a Nervous Norvus song, saying that Hansen must be "demented" to play such a terrible track, and the name stuck. What started as a rock oldies show evolved into an all-novelty music format due to positive listener response. 1970 through 1973 marked the pre-syndication era of the show, before its national reach began in 1974.
Description: WLOL-FM was the first commercial classical music station in Minneapolis-St. Paul and was co-located with its AM sister. WLOL dropped classical and changed to "beautiful music" in mid-1973, and transitioned to a pop music format. On December 12, 1981, WLOL changed formats again, this time to Top 40/CHR as 99½ WLOL. The ratings effect was quick to take hold; in the spring 1982, WLOL more than doubled its performance and vaulted into third place in the Twin Cities, led by the revamped "Hines and Berglund" morning show. WLOL dominated Twin Cities radio in the '80s, but a new station arrived that would change the local radio landscape and not only unseat WLOL as the top dog, but lead to the station's demise in 1991.
Description: KLOL FM was a rock station in Houston, Texas that was on the air from 1970 until 2004. The last song broadcast by the legendary station was also the first it ever played, "I'm Free." Like many early rock stations, KLOL began as a free form/progressive outlet, then morphed over the years to AOR and then classic rock. KLOL now airs a Spanish Pop format as Mega 101.
Description: Tune in to nostalgia with our "Vintage Retro Radio Dial" design! Inspired by classic ham radios and the timeless elegance of Zenith dials, this artwork captures the charm of old-school communication and vintage tech. Perfect for radio enthusiasts, vintage collectors, and fans of retro aesthetics, this design pays homage to the golden age of radio. Whether you're a ham radio operator or simply love the look of classic dials, this tee is a must-have for adding a touch of retro sophistication to your style!
Description: Step back into 1970 when Barret Eugene Hansen first unleashed the Dr. Demento persona on KPPC-FM in Pasadena. This design celebrates the birth of the legendary radio show that turned novelty songs, oddball records, and comedy music into a cult phenomenon. Perfect for fans of vintage broadcasting, quirky pop culture, and the golden age of underground radio.
