National Jukebox Day

Today is National Jukebox Day for 2024! Honoring the great bands of the years of different types of Jukeboxes. Everyone has a favorite! I am sharing a list of the fifteen rock ‘n’ roll songs in the jukebox. . .

Happy National Jukebox Day ! ! ! 

The Jukebox:
Origination: The inaugural jukebox was created in 1889 by Louis Glass and William S. Arnold in San Francisco. They enhanced an Edison phonograph by adding a coin slot and housed it within an oak cabinet at the Palais Royale Saloon. This device was capable of playing a single wax cylinder at a time, necessitating manual changes. The music was transmitted through four listening tubes resembling stethoscopes.

Photo by Max Tcvetkov on Unsplash

The Term: The term “jukebox” is derived from a glass associated with a device known as a “nickel-in-the-slot” phonograph, which ultimately led to the colloquial designation “nickelodeon” for early jukeboxes. It is believed that the term “jukebox” may have its roots in music-playing machines that were located in brothels, commonly referred to as “jakes.” Additionally, the word “juke” is thought to signify a sense of rowdiness or disorder.

The Great Depression: The popularity of jukeboxes surged following the Great Depression, as individuals sought opportunities to experience life more fully. During this period, advancements in technology and design led to the creation of more intricate and visually striking jukeboxes.

Other Milestones: The following are additional significant events in the evolution of the jukebox:

• 1906: John Gabel introduced the “Automatic Entertainer,” capable of playing 24 selections on 10-inch discs.
• 1928: Justus P. Seeburg innovatively merged a record player with an electrostatic loudspeaker, resulting in the creation of the “Audiophone” machine.
• 1940: By this year, the United States had approximately 400,000 jukeboxes in operation.
• 1950’s: The emergence of diners contributed to the establishment of a trendy image associated with jukeboxes.
• 1985-1989: The original CD jukebox system developed by Shulins was introduced around 1989 and was utilized at WMJX. However, a similar hardware configuration was first implemented at WBOS in 1985. Shulins was responsible for programming the system and employed a Radio Shack color computer to manage the CDX-1000 through its RS-232 port. This jukebox was capable of holding 100 CDs and featured a single play deck
• 2018: With the comeback of vinyl, jukeboxes start having 33-1/3 RPM records in them.
• Recently: With TouchTunes and Google Play, places are able to utilize an application to operate the jukebox at various venues. Through this application, establishments such as restaurants and taverns can digitally engage to select and play music. The TouchTunes app enables users to connect to more than 65,000 jukeboxes located in bars, restaurants, and popular local destinations across two continents.

Turntable courtesy of Openverse

Top Records in Jukeboxes:

1. Hound Dog by Elvis Presley
2. Don’t Be Cruel by Elvis Presley
3. Crazy by Patsy Cline
4. Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets
5. (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
6. I Heard it Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
7. Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin
8. Light My Fire by The Doors
9. Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino
10. Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger
11. My Girl by The Temptations 

Celebrated: The holiday of National Jukebox Day is celebrated every year always on the day before Thanksgiving, which today is November 27^th.

Jukebox courtesy of Openverse

A Few Facts:
I am sharing some important, and not so trivial info. . .

More About Jukeboxes:
The Innovation Over the Years: Jukeboxes emerged as a cultural symbol during the 1930’s and 1950’s, with several notable models from that era.

Unique Models:

• Wurlitzer Model 1015
  “1015 bubbler”: his model, introduced in 1946 and designed by Paul Fuller, achieved sales of over 56,000 units within a span of less than two years.
• Seeburg M100C
  “Happy Days”: This 1952 model gained fame by appearing in the opening credits of the first ten seasons of Happy Days. It was capable of playing up to 50 45-RPM records and featured a vibrant exterior adorned with chrome glass tubes and mirrors.
• Rock-Ola 434 Concerto
  “Happy Days Final Season Model”: This 1967 model was showcased in the opening credits of the final season of Happy Days. It also had the capacity to play up to 50 45-RPM records and was equipped with a horizontal playback mechanism.
• WMJX & CDX-1000
  CD jukebox: In1989: The original CD jukebox system developed by Shulins was introduced around 1989 and was utilized at WMJX. However, a similar hardware configuration was first implemented at WBOS in 1985. Shulins was responsible for programming the system and employed a Radio Shack color computer to manage the CDX-1000 through its RS-232 port. This jukebox was capable of holding 100 CDs and featured a single play deck
• Orphéau Sunflower Series
  33-1/3: Launched in 2018, this model was notable for being the first jukebox to play up to 20 33-RPM records on both sides.
• The Digital Age
  Apps: Touch Tunes & Google Play: Bars and restaurants can enhance their atmosphere with TouchTunes jukeboxes, which offer a variety of music options, playlists, and lighting configurations. Owners can create a custom music experience that aligns with their venue’s vibe. Zander Wagner, the owner of Bubbarino’s Bites & Bubbles, shares his positive experience, noting that the jukebox adds excitement and keeps guests engaged. TouchTunes jukeboxes can also generate significant revenue through music selection. Installation and support are provided, making it hassle-free. The program offers rewards for staff who promote the jukebox, along with fully licensed music to ensure artists are compensated. Overall, TouchTunes encourages customer loyalty and enhances the guest experience.

The Present:
People still love the rock ‘n’ roll. . .the sound, the playing and the players!

The Future:
The future definitely needs young recruits to take the stages all across the world. . .

FREEBIES & DEALS For The Jukebox:
FREE: Jukebox Fonts
FREE: Jukebox: Crafts + Printable
FREE: Jukebox: Sheet music
CHEAP: Jukebox: Ideas, Crafts & Worksheets
FREE: Jukebox: AT “Hey It’s Free”

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Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

National Jukebox Day