The history of the jukebox

One of the forerunners of modern jukeboxes was the Nickel-in-the-Slot machine. This was a machine where you had to throw in a penny. In 1889, Louis Glass and William S. Arnold were so smart to place such a machine at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco. This was a very simple machine, but was a real success, also financially. The first six months this machine earned about $ 1000. This was a nice asset for that time.

Origin of the name

The original name of the jukebox was Automatic Coin-Operated Phonograph. The phonograph was the first device with which a recorded sound could be played again. The term jukebox was first used in 1930 in the south of the United States. It is not entirely clear from what word it is derived, but there are several possibilities. Thus the African word "joot" means dancing. In addition, it can be derived from the word "jook", which means disorderly and used by the descendants of African slaves. This word is again connected to "jook house", the term used for huts that were used during that time to dance and drink.

The rise of jukebox

After the reclamation in the United States, the Jukebox would really become popular. From that moment there was an explosion of nightlife. Only the more luxurious occasions were able to play a live orchestra. Cafés and restaurants that could not afford that, bought a jukebox to be able to play music.

The highlight

Around 1950 the jukebox was at its peak. This period is also called the Golden Age. The jukeboxes of that time had beautiful lighting and were therefore a real eye-catcher in every occasion. In the subsequent period, inspiration was drawn from the automotive industry when designing the jukeboxes. That's how the chrome accents came from that time. This period is also called the Silver Age. This period lasted until about 1960. Then the popularity of the jukebox gradually decreased.