The Evolution of the Jukebox
Some people say that the jukebox is as American as cowboys, but it has earned admirers not only in the United States, but also in other parts of the world. Some of us may not be familiar with it, but in the earlier decades it was the epitome of rock and roll. Here is how this musical box evolved throughout the years.
In 1890, the nickel-in-the-slot phonograph was introduced. The machine unlocks a mechanism that plays a song when a coin is inserted into a slot. Other versions of this equipment were installed with carousels and similar features to allow users to play multiple records at a time. Then, in 1927, the Automated Musical Instrument Company launched the jukebox that automatically changed records. Since then, this musical device became popular in social gatherings, like parties and dances because it played songs on its own without the need for an orchestra or a band. During the middle of the 1970s, however, the popularity of this musical box declined with the introduction of cassette tapes and players. As technology progressed, a parade of gadgets such as Walkmans, CD players, and MP3s outshone it.
The coin-operated music machine may not be as popular as it was before and some of may not have even seen one. However, technological advancements found a way to re-introduce the musical tool to the new generation. Now, you can find units that come with a CD-changer that can play thousands of your favourite songs. For more information about this modern gadget, check out the rest of our site.