Classic rock was originally conceived in the form of radio station programming format which developed belonging to the album-oriented rock (AOR) format in the early 1980s. The earliest station to broadcast the format fulltime, and also the first station to use the idea “Classic Rock” for the air was KRBE-AM, Houston, in 1983. Program Director Paul Christy designed the format to experience only early album rock, on the 60s and early 70s, without having current music or Top 40 material. In the usa, this rock music format now comes with a large playlist of songs starting from the 1960s and 1970s. The traditional classic rock genre usually ends in early 1980s, with mid-80s additions on the hair metal genre only recently being considered “classic rock.” Some stations pursue to include a limited number of current releases.
The classic rock stations re-create the sound of album oriented rock stations on the 60s-80s (although usually with a more limited playlist) and appeal mainly to adults, ınstead of teenagers.Some classic-rock stations also play a small number of current releases that happen to be stylistically like station’s sound, or from established classic rock artists which might be still producing new albums.
Classic rock in recent times continues to be expanded to feature glam metal and progressive rock acts. These artists are regularly put on “late classic rock” stations (just like XM Classic Rewind) as you move the more traditional artists are placed on “early classic rock” stations (for instance XM Classic Vinyl). Even “late classic rock” stations, essentialy, have avoided playing 1990s rock for instance early alternative rock and grunge because the dramatic enhancements made on the tone of rock music in that period of time (Music Choice’s “Retro Rock” may be a notable exception for this).
A format that plays both classic rock and more current and modern selections is recognized as active rock. Many songs during the traditional classic rock genre have since been incorporated, in conjunction with songs from the later portion of the standard “oldies” genre, into the fairly new format of classic rock tube.