Rock Radio Socks
Description: Z Rock was a nationally syndicated radio network based in Dallas, Texas, that played heavy metal and hard rock music. The format was one of several 24-hour satellite-delivered music formats offered by the pioneering Satellite Music Network. Z Rock debuted on Labor Day in 1986, and during its early days, Z Rock drew attention for playing unedited, explicit versions of songs. In March 1990, Z Rock was nominated for a Billboard Award, the only time a full-time hard rock/metal programming service had ever been honored. Despite numerous firsts and solid popularity, after numerous changes in personnel and tweaks in the programming direction, the network was discontinued on December 31, 1996.
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.
