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Cruisin' was an American rock and roll and pop music sampler series covering the years 1955-1970. It was released by Increase Records, originally in 1970 and 1972 on vinyl, 8-Track, and Cassette (years 1955 to 1963) with later years being released in 1986 (cassette), and in 1996 on CD and cassette tape again.

Each album of the series purported to be an authentic, roughly 40-minutes recreation of a contemporary radio station from that year, complete with year-appropriate ads, station jingles, and an original radio DJ from that era introducing each song, reading out local news, and inviting the listeners to join in competitions.

The cover of each record consisted of a faux romance comics panel illustrated by comic book artist Mike Royer, with Paul Gruwell serving as the series' art director from 1970 until 1972. When viewed in sequence, these panels collectively narrated the story of a young girl and boy navigating their teenage years. Royer's covers depicted scenes and characters that resonated with the cultural zeitgeist of the 1950s and 1960s, often romanticizing youth culture.^[1]

In a three-part interview conducted in 2018, Royer shared that his approach involved meticulous research to ensure historical accuracy and cultural authenticity. He carefully balanced the vibrant storytelling techniques typical of romance comics with visual elements that evoked the musical themes of each album. According to Royer, the directive came from Paul Gruwell, but he was given significant creative freedom to interpret the themes visually.^[2]

Royer also addressed misconceptions about the production process. Contrary to some earlier accounts that minimized his role, he clarified that the artwork required extensive planning and was integral to the success of the series.^[3]

The "Cruisin’" series became a cult favorite among fans of classic rock and roll. Its unique blend of music, authentic DJ commentary, and era-appropriate advertisements offered listeners a time capsule experience. Royer's illustrations contributed to the series' popularity by visually capturing the spirit of the 1950s and 1960s, often drawing attention from both music enthusiasts and comic art collectors.

In his interviews, Royer reflected on the enduring appeal of the series, noting that it provided a “tangible connection to a bygone era." His contributions have since been celebrated as an integral part of the "Cruisin’" legacy, with fans appreciating how the artwork enhanced the listening experience.

• CRUISIN': The ORIGINAL History of Rock and Roll Radio!, website dedicated to the series, including a lot of background material about its creation (Wayback Machine snapshot, dating October 16, 2013)
• Increase Records on Discogs.com, including all entries in the Cruisin' series
• Cruisin' 1958, review by Stephen Cook on Allmusic.com
• Cruisin' 1958 Jack Carney WIL, St. Louis, review

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