A jukebox is a partially automated music-playing device, usually a coin-operated machine, that plays a user-selected song from a self-contained media library. Traditional jukeboxes contain records, compact discs, or digital files, and allow users to select songs through mechanical buttons, a touch screen, or keypads. They were most commonly found in diners, bars, and entertainment venues throughout the 20th century.[1]
The modern concept of the jukebox evolved from earlier automatic phonographs of the late 19th century. The first coin-operated phonograph was introduced by Louis Glass and William S. Arnold in 1889 at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco.[2] The term "jukebox" itself is believed to derive from the Gullah word "juke" or "joog", meaning disorderly or rowdy, referring to juke joints where music and dancing were common.[3]
Jukeboxes became especially popular from the 1940s to the 1960s, with models produced by companies such as Wurlitzer, Seeburg, Rock-Ola, and AMI. In the digital age, traditional jukeboxes have been largely replaced by internet-enabled systems and digital streaming services, though vintage and retro-style jukeboxes remain popular in niche markets and among collectors.[4]
Coin-operated music boxes and player pianos were the first forms of automated coin-operated musical devices. These devices used paper rolls, metal disks, or metal cylinders to play a musical selection on an actual instrument, or on several actual instruments, enclosed within the device. Later machines used sound recordings instead of musical instruments.
In 1889, Louis Glass and William S. Arnold invented the nickel-in-the-slot phonograph, in San Francisco, installing it at the Palais Royal Saloon, 303 Sutter street, two blocks away from the offices of their Pacific Phonograph Company.[5] This was an Edison Class M Electric Phonograph[6] retrofitted with a device patented[7] under the name of ‘Coin Actuated Attachment for Phonograph’. The music was heard via two of eight listening tubes.[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]
