Traditional alarm clocks had been around since the 19th century, but it was in the mid-20th century that technology brought radio and clock together into one convenient device–and homes across the country never looked back.
The clock radio came into its own in the 1950s and 1960s, when radio programming was essential home entertainment. As music trends shifted and AM radio hosted beloved voices, families gathered to listen, and it made sense to bring that listening power right to the bedside.
A clock radio could ease you to sleep with your favorite station and reliably sound the alarm for an early morning wake-up. Its blocky design and often colorful plastic casing made it a utility and style statement on countless bedroom tables.
Clock radios peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, as designs grew sleeker and options expanded. New models added FM bands, digital displays, and even “snooze” buttons, a big plus for groggy mornings.
By then, clock radios were affordable, making them a common fixture in homes, college dorms and hotel rooms everywhere. Even as cassette tapes and eventually CDs took over music players, clock radios remained relevant, evolving into dual-alarm versions, “clock cubes,” and even weather radios.
For a visual trip back in time, we’ve gathered a collection of vintage photos and ads that show just how central these devices were — not to mention how large and colorful they look compared to today’s minimalistic smartphone devices. From classic brands to unique designs, these images bring to life the days when clock radios ruled the bedroom.
Start your day with a song! (1951)
Enjoy a clock radio… timed by Telechron.
Grand back-to-school gift… and inexpensive, too! Ideal for her room… or his. A clock radio timed by a Telechron timer is fun to own. It even turns on your favorite radio programs automatically!
The Zenith Super-Deluxe clock radio (1952)
The clock radio with the almost-human mind — a triumph of Zenith quality with “Big Set” tone.
Want to wake to richer-toned music? Zenith has put new refinements in this new Super-Deluxe set, for your added pleasure. It even has a Broad Range Tone Control, like big sets, for clearer trebles and richer basses.
Like hot coffee while dressing? Just plug in your coffee-maker the night before, and your Zenith will start it going when the music comes on. Ah, luxury!
Turns on TV programs, too, automatically — or reminds you of appointments.
See your Zenith dealer for a demonstration of all the magic things this set will do for you, all over the house!
ALSO SEE: 48 retro wall clocks in traditional & modern designs from the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s
New Sylvania NightLighter radio clock with Panelescent light (1955)
Here’s a new kind of radio-clock that works for you in the dark of the night! Not only does the Sylvania NightLighter go on and off automatically, it also provides a soft, comforting glow of light all night long!
Panelesgent light uses no bulbs, tubes or filaments — operates on practically no current. This newest kind of light is a luminous sheet of glass which provides the entire face of the radio with light soft as moonglow — even when the radio is not playing!
And only Sylvania’s NightLighter gives you this night light, so comforting to infants, such it help for early risers, so useful in hallway, den, kitchen and bedroom!
The new NightLighter has more features than any other radio-clock. Lulls you to sleep, turns itself off. Wakes you up… switches on lamps, starts coffee, turns on TV.
And, of course, it provides you with powerful, long-range radio and an accurate Telechron clock. Be sure to see the Sylvania NightLighter at your Sylvania dealer’s. It’s the newest in radio-clocks!
ALSO SEE: Vintage ’50s master bedroom decor: See 50+ examples of retro home style
RCA Victor clock-radios (1955)
No other clock-radios offer so much… sound so good! They’re by RCA Victor
What makes the RCA Victor clock-radios so special? Just look! There’s a model that lulls you to sleep on one station, turns itself off, wakes you to another station.
There’s a set with a built-in automatic calendar. Some models even control appliances. (Of course, all RCA Victor clock-radios coax you out of bed.)
Noted doctor proves G-E clock-radio wakes you soothingly… (1950s)
… but alarms wake you with SHOCK!
Jangling alarms wake you with a sudden frightening start, but music from a General Electric Clock-Radio wakes you up soothingly. These are the findings of eminent medical scientist, Dr. Frederic Damrau, reported after an elaborate series of wake-up tests on men and women of various ages.
Coast to coast, users know from actual experience the truth of Dr Damrau’s conclusions. The G-E Clock-Radio not only wakes them up on time — but actually improves their disposition all day long!
It’s a clock, it’s a radio, it’s an electronic reminder — all in one, see it at your General Electric radio dealer’s today!
New G.E Push Button clock radio with Snooz-Alarm (1959)
New easy-to-set push-button controls. Snooz-Alarm touch bar — a tap on the bar turns Snooz-Alarm off for about ten minutes then buzzer sounds again. Calls you as many as five times.
Lulls you to sleep, turns itself off. Wakes you to music or buzzer. Turns appliances on and off. Fully molded cabinet — for good looks from any angle. Choice of colors.
Telechron Timers (1956)
Wake to the music of the stars with a clock-radio
Start your day the modern, melodious way! Open your eyes to the music of America’s greatest recording stars… enjoy the luxury of lying in bed for an extra forty weeks, soothed by the soft strains of music you love.
Set the clock-radios as you would an alarm clock. It wakes you by turning on the radio… buzzes you ten minutes later.
Musical artists shown: Eddie Fisher, Jaye P Morgan, Julius La Rosa, Eddy Arnold, Hugo Winterhalter, Billy Eckstine, Tony Martin, June Valli, Vaughn Monroe
MORE: Old CBS Radio shows from the 1950s & 1960s had news, comedy, sports, serials and more
More old-fashioned clock radios that used to be popular
RCA Victor clock radios (1960)
Featuring the Formflair, Dreamflair, Trimflair, and the Tribune!
Put your hand over this clock radio & see how tiny it actually is. (1965)
Now put your hand on your night table — and see how little room this General Electric clock radio actually takes.
That’s why this new model C551 makes such a good Christmas gift. Ladies like the way it subtracts clutter from the bedside table — and adds a stylish accent.
Men admire this — plus the C551’s practical side: its lighted clockface. The pillow speaker jack. The wake-to-music or buzzer feature. The Snooz-Alarm you tap which allows you another 40 winks.
So… put it on your night table in place of your bulky old-timer. Or put it on your desk. And, by all means, put it at the top of your gift list. It costs under $35.*
In fact, why not do all your shopping at your General Electric radio dealer’s?
ALSO SEE: Did married couples really sleep in separate beds back in the ’50s?
Clock radios you could buy via the Sears or JC Penney catalog (1967)
Solid-state AM Clock Radio: Built with the new integrated circuit technology… a new high in radio quality and reliability.
Integrated circuit — what ix it? It’s a tiny electronic “package” about the size of your fingertip, which contains the equivalent of many parts that used to be separate and take up lots of space. It’s far more reliable than a conventional circuit with individual parts.
Tube-Type AM clock radio
Powered by 4 tubes and rectifier. Clock features automatic turn-on and shut-off plus buzzer and “repeat” button for extra naps. Big front-mounted 4-inch speaker gives excellent tone quality… Built-in antenna draws in signals.
Sears Finest Instant-Sound FM/AM clock radio
Does more for you automatically than any other clock radio we sell.
- Lulls you to sleep with up to 1 hour’s listening… then shuts itself off.
- Wakes you gently first with music, then sounds alarm 10 minutes later.
- Gives you up to 5 extra naps at the tap of a switch. Each nap 7 minutes long.
- Turns on coffee and lights. Handy 1100- watt socket in back of radio.
- Wakes you up to 1 hour earlier or later than usual without resetting the alarm… just tap the front-mounted switch.
The most beautiful time in your life (1969)
Four timely clock-radios by Sharp. Their beauty is more than skin deep. They perform the way they look. Magnificently!
This is the new Sharp clock-radio that tells time by the numbers instead of by hands! Encased in rich, glowing walnut grain. With every quality feature — even an earphone for intimate listening. The digital clock is truly precise — and includes a sleep switch and illuminated clock dial.
An elegant FM/AM, contemporary styled clock-radio, enhanced by fine walnut grain. With full-fidelity performance that only a dynamic 4-3/8- by 4-1/4-inch speaker and Sharp solid-state engineering can provide.
DON’T MISS: Vintage portable radios from the ’50s to the ’80s
The full-feature Telechron clock has a lighted dial, snooze alarm, touch bar, sleep switch and sweep second hand. Earphone, too? Of course!
An easy-to-read, wide open face… yet it takes so little space. You’ll count on it day and night for fine reception. Sleep, knowing you’ll be comfortably awake on time. The full-functioning Telechron clock has luminous hands and sweep hand for night-time checking.
This compact, fold-away alarm clock-radio is your Sharp traveling companion. Gently, it will lull you to sleep with music, then cheerfully awaken you on time.
The clock is fully functional with sleep switch, luminous dial and luminous clock hands. The radio is solid-state and operates on batteries — included. The stunning black and gold case is impact proof.
When it comes to clock-radios, Sharp has the gift!
NOW SEE THIS: Vintage alarm clocks: We woke up to these in the ’60s & ’70s
Clock radios you can still buy today
- Enhance User Experience with a Crystal-Clear 0.9” Jade Green LED Clock Display for Unmatched Clarity and Elegance.
- Effortless Time Management: Seamlessly Auto-Adjusts to the Accurate Year, Month, Date, Day, and Time during Initial Setup and Even After Unexpected Power Interruptions, Ensuring Precision.
- Tailor Your Wake-Up Experience: Personalize Your Mornings with a Versatile Snooze/Repeat Alarm, Innovative Programmable Sleep-to-Music Timer, and the Choice Between Gentle Radio Tunes or Engaging...
- Electric Digital Alarm Clock with Full Range Dimmer for Bedroom: 4 Inches large LCD screen with eye easy catch blue number display, time and clock display are easy to read at a glance. 100%-0%...
- FM Radio ONLY with Sleep Timer: Easy tuning in FM radio channel with 0-15 level volume adjustable. Speaker is loud and clear. Benefit sleep timer function lets you fall sleep to the radio by preset...
- USB Charging Port: Extra USB port allow you to charge your smartphone or other smart device without plug in wall, a handy, convenient and organized bedroom alarm clock radio.
- Sunrise Alarm Clock Wake Up Light: Elevate your mornings with Dekala's upgraded model, featuring a gradual brightness increase from 10% to 100%. Wake up naturally and gently (Also available with 7...
- Dual Alarm Clock & Snooze Supported Digital Clock: Accommodate varied wake-up times with dual alarms for family members. The snooze function, offering an extra 9 minutes, is perfect for a fresh start....
- FM Clock Radios for Bedroom & 8 Sleep Sounds: Utilize Dekala's wake-up light as a versatile bedside lamp, night light, reading light, or ambient light. Delight in FM radio capabilities (76-108 Hz) for...
- 【3 IN 1 CLOCK RADIOS WITH DIAL DIMMER】- Glow is an alarm clock, nightlight, and FM radio, all in one. Customizable nightlight color, brightness, alarm sound, volume level. Glow also features a...
- 【NIGHTLIGHT & RADIO WITH AUTO OFF TIMER】- Glow provides 7 color nightlight with 5 level brightness to add an element of charm to your bedroom. Plus a radio for bedtime music to enjoy a soothing...
- 【DUAL ALARM WITH 3 WAKE UP SOUNDS】- GLow provides dual alarm to wake you up with your favorite radio station, built-in beep sound or birds chirping. The alarm volume is adjustable and it increases...
- Compact Digital Alarm Clock, Easy to Set and Use: Alarm clock in the clock radio is easy to set, separate buttons to control the settings and on/off. All the buttons are clearly printed, you’ll know...
- Full Function AM/FM Radio: The alarm clock radio has all the functions which a clock radio should have-am/fm radio, sleep timer, presets, digital tuning, radio alarm. Tune in to your favorite AM/FM...
- Multi-Colors 1.4” LED Digits and Dimmer: Customize your clock to match your mood or room decor with the multi-color option, 3 colors to select- green, red and blue. Plus, the dimmer feature allows...
2 Responses
In the 70s I got a clock radio for my birthday; I was in middle school, and I had it through most of college until it finally shorted out. It was a digital “flip clock” from Sears (of course), and I thought that having a clock radio was incredibly sophisticated and grown-up. One thing that struck me about this article was how expensive many of the models were in the 1950s and 60s. The GE clock radio in the ad above retailed for $35 in 1965; in today’s dollars, that would be nearly $350! Today you can buy a clock radio for about $25-30 in 2024 dollars.
The costs shocked me too. My smartphone cost just $189!
I also got my first “digital” flip-clock in the 70s when I was in junior high school. It made me feel like an adult with control over my own life. But in later years, those darned clocks controlled me, lol!