KSHE 95 Officially Named Missouri's Rock Station

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 8, 2025 | 3:16pm CT

KSHE-FM in St. Louis

KSHE 95, the iconic St. Louis-based station, has officially been designated as the State of Missouri's Official Rock Radio Station under newly enacted state legislation, HCS SCS SB 348. The designation, approved by lawmakers on June 24, will take effect statewide on August 28.

State Representative Bill Lucas (R-DeSoto), who introduced HB 602 to support the recognition, grew up listening to KSHE and first approached the station in March with the idea. KSHE partnered with Lucas to support the effort, providing historical materials, branding, and documentation to help bring the legislation to life.

"It's quite an honor to be recognized by the state of Missouri in an official capacity," said Marty Linck, KSHE's Brand Content Director. "It's surreal that the station I grew up listening to -- and now work for -- has achieved such status."

KSHE is considered the oldest continually-operating Rock outlet in the U.S. While it began broadcasting classical music in 1966, the station made its first rock broadcast in 1967 and quickly became a fixture in the St. Louis community. The call letters KSHE (pronounced "kay-she") were originally chosen because the station's earliest DJs were women.

Over the decades, KSHE developed a loyal following for its "real rock radio" identity. It has supported countless live concerts, helped break national bands, and created a cultural legacy through its rock museum, branded cafe, and beloved mascot, Sweetmeat -- a sunglasses-wearing pig who became synonymous with the station's rebellious spirit.

KSHE's rich history includes notable personalities like Ruth Hutchinson (1894-1984), who was billed as the oldest rock DJ in the country during her on-air run from 1976 to 1982. Hutchinson gained national fame through features in People magazine and appearances on That's Incredible!, To Tell the Truth, Good Morning America, and The Today Show.

Rolling Stone readers once voted KSHE the best medium market radio station in 1987 -- a distinction that affirmed its lasting impact on rock radio culture.

With its official new status, KSHE 95's legacy is now enshrined in Missouri law, recognizing its nearly 60 years of influence on music, culture, and generations of rock fans across the state.