70s WABX Air Ace Detroit Radio Grimshaw Ringer t-shirt Medium

Chest 19.5 in.

Length 25 in.

Content: Feels like 100% cotton

Tag Brand: Sportswear

This amazing vintage ringer tee reps the now-defunct Detroit radio station, WABX, and their disc jockeys known as "air aces." The graphic on this tee was designed by Detroit-native, graphic artist, and political activist Gary Grimshaw who was known for designing psychedelic concert posters. Grimshaw's design continues to appear on reprinted tees but this shirt is an original from WABX's early days, making it a valuable piece of radio memorabilia.

During the 60s, WABX revolutionized radio in the Detroit metropolitan area and beyond. They began by airing The Troubador which was an experimental radio show that featured blues, folk, and rock music that was quite different than the "middle of the road" format that the station followed otherwise. The Troubador show was so successful that the station decided to adopt a full-time rock format and hire full-time rock DJs who were allowed to pick their own songs from a pre-approved list.

The station became the soundtrack for Detroit counter culture. The station's DJs were known as "Air Aces" and included the likes of Dave Dixon who is remembered fondly for his taste in music and sharp personality. The new format allowed for Dixon and the others to highlight artists that were being overlooked by other stations, including Jimi Hendrix and the Doors. Besides broadcasting, WABX became active in their community by hosting free concerts, movie nights, and other events. In 1968, not long after the rock 'n rollers took over, upwards of 2,200 people came to the station's first free concert to see MC5.

Fits like a modern unisex adult medium. Graphic is a water print.






22-11-116604